2014 Kia Optima recalls and problems

7 recalls and 591 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2014 Kia Optima.

7
recalls
591
owner complaints
20
complaints mentioning a crash
43
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2014 Kia Optima recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/module

NHTSA campaign 23V652000 · reported September 25, 2023 · Kia America, Inc. · 1,730,192 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
The risk
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

NHTSA campaign 22V093000 · reported February 17, 2022 · Kia Motors America · 72,848 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Optima vehicles that were previously repaired under NHTSA recall number 20V-100. The low pressure fuel hose may be damaged, or missing heat-protective tape, which can result in a fuel leak.
The risk
A fuel leak can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix
Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel hose, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 2, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-33-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC228.

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/module

NHTSA campaign 21V331000 · reported May 10, 2021 · Kia Motors America · 440,370 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
The risk
An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
The fix
Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will install a new multi-fuse, and inspect the HECU for leaks, replacing the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 2, 2021. This recall supersedes previous NHTSA recall number 20V-519. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC212.

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/module

NHTSA campaign 20V519000 · reported August 27, 2020 · Kia Motors America · 440,370 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
The risk
If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
The fix
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. The recall began October 20, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC197.

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

NHTSA campaign 20V100000 · reported February 21, 2020 · Kia Motors America · 141,774 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Optima vehicles equipped with 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) or 2.0L GDI Turbo engines. The low pressure fuel hose may deteriorate and crack over time due to heat generated within the engine compartment.
The risk
If the fuel hose cracks, a fuel leak can occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix
Kia will notify Owners, and Dealers will inspect the low pressure fuel hose for damage or leaking, replacing it as necessary. If no damage or leaking is found, a heat-protective tape will be installed. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began June 12, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC187.

Engine · Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

NHTSA campaign 18V907000 · reported December 19, 2018 · Kia Motors America · 71,653 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
The risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix
Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.

Engine and engine cooling: engine

NHTSA campaign 17V224000 · reported March 31, 2017 · Kia Motors America · 618,160 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
The risk
Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 23, 2026 · Steering

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…

Oct 15, 2026 · Engine and engine cooling · 145,848 miles

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…

Oct 5, 2026 · Parking brake

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…

Oct 5, 2026 · Steering · 153,000 miles

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…

Oct 5, 2026 · Engine · fire reported

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…

Optima model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2011 55942333
2012 59202577
2013 91,38748114
2014 75912043
2015 41,0103174
2016 57602720
2017 325749

Across all years, the 2013 Optima has the most complaints (1,387). All Kia Optima years →

Questions

Does the 2014 Kia Optima have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2014 Kia Optima, the most recent reported on September 25, 2023 (Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/module). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Kia Optima?
Owners have filed 591 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (284 complaints), followed by steering (97).
How many 2014 Kia Optima complaints mention a crash or fire?
20 of 591 complaints report a crash and 43 a fire; 22 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 23, 2026.