2014 Kia Optima Problems

The contact's daughter owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the engine stalled and shut off. The vehicle coasted to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with an engine failure and it was determined that the engine required replacement. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) due to insufficient service records. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 145,848.

I was driving normally on I-76 when suddenly, I couldn’t feel the gas working. Everything was fine with the car until then, but all of a sudden, I saw all the lights on the dashboard. I could slowly smell the smell of flames, and later, it caught fire! I was terrified for my life, and seeing that happen to my first car, which I had only had for three weeks, still haunts me.

1. Component or system that failed/malfunctioned & availability for inspection: The Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) system and the steering column assembly have failed. The vehicle and the defective steering column are fully available for inspection upon request. 2. How safety was put at risk: A known, dealer-diagnosed defective steering column compromises structural steering control. Operating a vehicle with an unresolved steering column defect creates an immediate risk of catastrophic steering failure, locking, or sudden loss of control at high speeds, placing myself, my passengers, and other drivers in imminent danger. 3. Reproduction or confirmation by a dealer/independent center: The problem was explicitly confirmed by a certified Kia dealership. After a prior flex coupler repair, a severe whining noise immediately developed upon leaving the lot. I returned the car, and the dealership's secondary inspection confirmed that the entire steering column was defective and required complete replacement. They issued an official itemized cost invoice for the replacement work. 4. Inspection by manufacturer, police, insurance, or others: The component was formally inspected by the local authorized Kia dealership. However, the dealership subsequently misinformed Kia Corporate by falsely reporting that the vehicle was fully "resolved" to close the corporate case file, leaving the safety hazard unaddressed. 5. Warning lamps, messages, or prior symptoms: There were no warning lamps or dashboard messages. The primary symptom was a distinct, loud whining noise that developed immediately following the dealer's physical teardown and replacement of the steering flex coupler. The issue became persistent from that exact date forward.

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact’s son stated that while driving 30 MPH, the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized, and significant effort was required to control or turn the steering wheel. The contact’s son also became aware of an electrical burning odor during the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by telephone. The failure mileage was approximately 153,000.

I owe a lady made a complete stop in front of me and I hit her. I wasn’t traveling close behind her. Her car was not damaged at all, but my Kia was totaled from the front. They had to cut the car off because it was smoking like it was gonna catch a fire. I’ve been had this sign on my car the steering wheel with an! It says that the car is hot before the car accident I had driven to [XXX] back to my house in the car motor was just shaking up under even though the car was off about 1015 minutes a hour late I had to wreck. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

On 7/13/26 around 0715 my son was driving our 2014 Kia optima when it caught fire and burned from the engine to the back of the car. Fire dept and law enforcement had to respond and the vehicle along with thousands of dollars of property was destroyed by the fire. This vehicle is a total loss and I’m trusting an investigation as to I believe their fire started due to the engjbe and electrical faults of Kia motors.

My vehicles Low-Pressure Fuel Feed Tube disconnected from the engine and sprayed fuel over the top. The vehicle was running and the engine was hot but luckily there was no fire and no was injured, but if this had happened any sooner it could have been much worse. There is currently a recall for this part on my exact model car and year, but my VIN does not show the recall. The part was inspected by a mechanic who informed me this should be covered by the recall based on everything listed in the safety recall campaign. The vehicles check engine light came on just before the temperature gauge light up. after pulling over there was a clear gasoline smell in the vehicle and upon inspection the feed tube was no longer connected to the engine.

On 7/13/26 around 0715 my son was driving our 2014 Kia optima when it caught fire and burned from the engine to the back of the car. Fire dept and law enforcement had to respond and the vehicle along with thousands of dollars of property was destroyed by the fire. This vehicle is a total loss and I’m trusting an investigation as to I believe their fire started due to the engjbe and electrical faults of Kia motors.

My cars paint is peeling uncontrollably due to delamination of the paint. The issue with the paint has been reported by others also.

[XXX] , [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] Email: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] Date: October 5, 2025 Kia America, Inc. Consumer Affairs Department [XXX] Subject: Request for Goodwill Repair – Defective Paint on 2014 Kia Optima LX Dear Kia Consumer Affairs Team, I am writing to formally request assistance regarding the defective paint on my 2012 Kia Optima LX. The paint has begun to peel and flake on several areas of the vehicle, including [insert locations — e.g., the hood and roof, if you want to specify], and the problem continues to worsen over time. My vehicle details are as follows: •Year/Model: 2014 Kia Optima LX •VIN: [XXX] •Mileage: 187,000 miles •Color: silver After researching this issue, I learned that many other Kia owners with similar models and colors have experienced the same paint defects. It appears to be a known issue related to the factory paint or clear coat used on certain Kia vehicles from this period. I have always maintained my Optima properly and have not had any repainting or accident-related body work done. The paint defect significantly impacts the car’s appearance and resale value, and I respectfully request that Kia provide a goodwill repair or repaint under its customer satisfaction or defect resolution policy. Please let me know how I should proceed to have the vehicle inspected or evaluated. I have photographs of the damaged areas available for your review upon request. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to your response. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] Email: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that after leaving the vehicle parked for approximately 4 hours, the contact returned to the vehicle and the engine running even though the vehicle was turned off. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the traction control light, ABS, and the parking brake light were illuminated. The contact stopped, parked the vehicle, and restarted the vehicle, attempting to reset the vehicle; however, the lights remained illuminated. While the vehicle was at the residence a family member disconnected the battery and used water on the body of the vehicle closest to the steering wheel underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact was advised by the family member not to drive the vehicle because of the overheating.

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power, and smoke was coming from under the hood. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the contact was informed that the recall could not be repaired because other unknown repairs had not performed prior to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Motor blew going down the road.

Check engine light was flashing and the car wouldn’t accelerate up to speed, wouldn’t turn over when tried to start.

The engine failed after a prior engine replacement performed by the manufacturer. The failure caused the vehicle to become non-operational and created a risk of sudden loss of power and engine stalling while driving. The vehicle required towing and could not be safely driven. This is a repeat engine failure involving the same vehicle.

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Vehicles Low-Beam headlights are very poor. Brought for service/adjustments and was advised that they were properly aimed and that nothing more could be done other than installing brighter headlights. While driving at night I need the fog lights or the high-beam lights on for proper visibility which could cause issues for other drivers on the road.

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at night, the low-beam headlights were very dim. The contact stated that the high-beam headlights had to be used while driving in poorly lit areas. The contact had called a local dealer and was informed that a diagnostic test was needed to check the headlights. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the reflective coating in the headlight assemblies had deteriorated to the point that there was an accumulation of reflective material debris on the headlamp floor and that other reflective material was peeling away from the sides of both headlight assemblies. The contact was advised by the mechanic that the heat of the light bulbs was degrading the reflective material. The headlight assemblies were not replaced. The contact changed the light bulbs and both headlights were still dim. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

I owe a lady made a complete stop in front of me and I hit her. I wasn’t traveling close behind her. Her car was not damaged at all, but my Kia was totaled from the front. They had to cut the car off because it was smoking like it was gonna catch a fire. I’ve been had this sign on my car the steering wheel with an! It says that the car is hot before the car accident I had driven to [XXX] back to my house in the car motor was just shaking up under even though the car was off about 1015 minutes a hour late I had to wreck. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Check engine light was flashing and the car wouldn’t accelerate up to speed, wouldn’t turn over when tried to start.

The paint is defective/chipping. Now, rusting has occurred.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, GRAVEL FELL OFF OF A HEAVY TRUCK AND CRACKED THE WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE REPAIRED OR INSPECTED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED OR INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,110.

Pep boys told me in Panama City that this is a recall for Kia and it's a safety issue and my steering is loose I'm taking it to Kia on May 28th to get them to fix it

I noticed my oil was not staying in the engine. Oil has been changed but seems not to retain. The car stalled out on February 2nd and would not restart. I believe it is seized. Noticed a very new and recent shake during braking days before it stalled. The fuel seems to show like 42 miles to go until empty but run out , i guess fuel pump or fuel float. Also a fuel smell. Also the digital service option does not work never a check engine light or anything .I've read many things by others who own same vehicle and had same issues. I purchased this car in August/September. I feel the dealer may have known of these issues and still sold the car.Please help me figure out how to address these issues to get it fixed.

I HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE KIA DEALER IN ORANGE COUNTY, AND THEY CHARGED ME EXTRA TO RESOLVE THE RECALL, AND THE VEHICLE'S AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM IS NO LONGER WORKING, THE GAS INTAKE IS RIDICULOUS, AND THE CAR DOES NOT HAVE THE SAME POWER AS IT USED TO.

THE ELECTRIC DRIVERS SEAT HAS FAILED. MOTORS NOT ENGAGED. FUSE LINK OK. DEALERSHIP REPLACED CONTROL PANEL. STILL NO POWER TO SEAT. SEAT IS NOW IN FORWARD POSITION.

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 75 MPH, the steering and brakes became inoperable. The vehicle began to coast and stopped. While driving, the vehicle shut off and failed to move. The hybrid system warning light was illuminated for approximately one minute. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where the fuse and brakes were changed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Regal Kia (1025 Bartow Rd., Lakeland, FL 33801), where there was an unknown diagnosis provided. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 62,348.

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for an unknown recall repair which included a system update and while driving 45 MPH after the recall repair, the vehicle experienced inadvertent braking, without another vehicle nearby. The contact coasted the vehicle until the vehicle regained normal acceleration functionality. The contact stated that the Forward Collision Avoidance, Traction Control, ABS, and Blind Spot Detection system's warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the mechanic linked the failure to the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 64,000

TIRE WENT FLAT THEN BLEW OUT AFTER BEING RE-INFLATED BY THE SIDE OF THE ROAD.

Lost power train while driving on the freeway. I put the computer on the car and I got code PO605.

I RECENTLY HAD MY CAR REPAIRED FOR THE TURBO FUEL LINE WHICH WAS A RECALL AND SNAPPED IN MY. THIS WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER EVER SINCE THAT NOW MY TURBO IS NOT WORKING AND I HAVE VERY LITTLE PICKUP WHEN I ACCELERATE. ALSO MY SEATBELT LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON STATING THAT MY SEATBELT IS NOT CONNECTED WHEN IT IS. AND THIS PROBLEM WILL RECOVER FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME AND HAPPEN AGAIN IN A FEW DAYS