RoadVitals

2014 Kia Optima Suspension Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the suspension system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Suspension reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
10
Latest May 20, 2025
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
2%
of 580 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
0
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2014 Kia Optima submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 10 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming suspension

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

SteeringSuspension
Filed May 20, 2025

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

NHTSA ID
11662021
Incident
May 19, 2025
EngineSuspension
Filed Feb 4, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID
11640543
Incident
Feb 2, 2025
ElectricalEngineSuspension
Filed Oct 27, 2024

Complaint Summary: I am the current owner of a 2014 Kia Optima, which is affected by recall 23V652 related to the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU). The vehicle was imported to the UAE, and the recall was not addressed by the previous owner. As a result, I am now facing significant safety issues. Since taking ownership, I have encountered multiple engine problems, including sudden power loss, severe vibrations, and abnormal behavior from the throttle. These symptoms align with the issues outlined in the recall notice, indicating that the vehicle may pose a safety risk to me and other road users. Despite my efforts to diagnose the problems, I have already incurred costs exceeding 13 AED on various repairs and diagnostic services, all while being unaware of the existing recall. It was only recently that I discovered the recall information online, which has heightened my concern regarding the safety of my vehicle and the potential for further complications. Given these circumstances, I am requesting assistance from the NHTSA in resolving this recall issue and guidance on how to proceed with the necessary repairs while the vehicle is registered under my name in the UAE. It is crucial for me to ensure the safety of my vehicle for my own protection and for the safety of others on the road. I appreciate your attention to this urgent matter and look forward to any support you can provide. Please let me know if further information or documentation is needed Thanks alot

NHTSA ID
11622155
Incident
Aug 19, 2024
Driver assistanceEngineSuspension
Filed Nov 4, 2021

Vehicle has engine failure at 156600mi. Bearings and axle are worn out which caused the engine to go into limp mode (code P1326). Car is accelerating poorly and does not oprate over 60mph. Vehicle required a new engine. Dutch Miller of Charlotte Kia, 7725 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC ensured that engine would be brand new. However, the engine was used, and obtained at LKQ costing $3600. Total cost for the engine and labor totalled $5117.18. Kia also confirmed the problematic suspension which led to the engine failure was fixed. Once again this obligation was not met.

NHTSA ID
11439423
Incident
Apr 5, 2021
Suspension
Filed Feb 16, 2018

A REPUTABLE AUTO SHOP NOTICED. WHY MY STEERING WAS NOT CORRECT. BOTH LOWER CONTROL ARMS WITH INTEGRATED BALL JOINT IS CAUSING THE STEERING TO BE EXTREMELY LOOSE AND NOT EVEN AN ALIGNMENT CAN FIX THIS PROBLEM. BOTH CONTROL ARMS WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED.

NHTSA ID
11073324
Incident
Feb 12, 2018
Mileage
90,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Jan 19, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT, WHEN DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID
10821044
Incident
Feb 19, 2014
Mileage
100 mi
Driver assistanceSteeringSuspension
Filed Jan 9, 2015

HI MY NAME IS [XXX]I HAVE 2014 KIA OPTIMA LX. I HAVE THE CAR SINCE IT HAD 2 MILES AND NOW HAS 14700. WHAT IS RIDICULOUS IS THE STRUTS MAKE CLUNKING NOISE OVER SPEED BUMPS. THE CAR CHANGES LANE BY ITS SELF. YOU CAN HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL CENTER AND THE CAR GOES TO THE LEFT. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT'S NORMAL. LIES ALL LIES . PLEASE TELL ME HOW MY STRUTS HAVE A SMALL LEAK BUT NOT ENOUGH TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT I THOUGHT IT WAS A NEW CAR. IT SEEMS LIKE THE CAR WAS MADE POORLY AND RUSHED. I ALSO FEEL AS IF KIA IS LYING ABOUT GAS MILEAGE AGAIN. THE STEERING FEELS TERRIBLE WHEN YOU ARE ON THE HIGHWAY. THEY ARE A SAD EXCUSE FOR A CAR COMPANY AND AM COMPLETELY DISAPPOINTED WITH THEM. THE REFUSE TO HELP TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE OPTIMA STEERING I HAVE A FAMILY MEMBER WITH A 2013 KIA OPTIMA LX WITH THE SAME STEERING ISSUE. SO TELL ME HOW DO THEY HAVE THE SAME STEERING ISSUE IF THE 2014 WAS REDESIGNED. THE CAR SEEMS LIKE IT LEAKS AIR INTO THE CABIN THEY SAY OTHER WISE. I'M NOT A HAPPY CUSTOMER AND WON'T BE TILL THEY PUT A RECALL FOR MPG. SUSPENSION. STEERING AND BRAKES. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID
10671498
Incident
May 1, 2014
Mileage
5 mi
SteeringSuspension
Filed Jul 7, 2014

VEHICLE DEMANDS CONSTANT CORRECTING OF THE STEERING WHEEL IN ORDER TO SAFELY REMAIN INSIDE A LANE. SMALL CORRECTIONS TO ONE SIDE WILL RESULT IN THE VEHICLE OVERTURNING TO THE OTHER SIDE AND VICE VERSA. IT IS PHYSICALLY EXHAUSTING TO MAINTAIN THE VEHICLE SAFELY ESPECIALLY ON LONGER DRIVES. DEALERSHIP DENIES THERE IS ANY PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE WHEN THERE CLEARLY IS. COULD POSSIBLY BE THAT THEY KNOW THE PROBLEM EXISTS BUT DO WANT TO LOSE SALES BY ADMITTING TO IT. PLEASE ADDRESS THIS ISSUE AS THERE ARE MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS ON OTHER WEBSITES SUCH AS CARCOMPLAINTS.COM ABOUT THE SAME ISSUES AND IT IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM THAT SHOULD BE PREVENTED. *JS

NHTSA ID
10608812
Incident
Jul 5, 2014
Mileage
500 mi
SteeringSuspension
Filed Apr 25, 2014

THE CAR IS IMPOSSIBLE TO KEEP STRAIGHT ON THE HIGHWAY. IF YOU CORRECT FOR ONE DRIFT YOU START GOING THE OTHER WAY. IN WINDY CONDITIONS OR WHEN LARGER TRAFFIC PASSES YOU, YOU BETTER HAVE A LOT OF EXTRA ROAD TO DEAL WITH. *TR

NHTSA ID
10584911
Incident
Jan 1, 2014
Mileage
100 mi
Driver assistanceSteeringSuspension
Filed Mar 13, 2014

I COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER ABOUT THE ROUGH RIDE AND HARSH RIDE BUT WAS TOLD NOT TO WORRY. I THEN TOOK IT ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE STEERING PULLED TO THE LEFT AND I NEVER FELT CONFIDENT ABOUT THE STEERING ONLY TO SAY THAT IT DID NOT FEEL RIGHT AND IT WAS WORRISOME TO ME. IT SIMPLY DID NOT FEEL RIGHT TO ME. I'VE BEEN DRIVING 50 YEARS AND HAVE NEVER FELT THIS UNCOMFORTABLE DRIVING/STEERING A CAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10569111
Incident
Mar 12, 2014
Mileage
123 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Other components reported on this vehicle

Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .