NHTSA (USA)CriticalPark Outside
At a glance
What can fail
This page covers 9 recalls, 603 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2014 Kia Optima.
24–37 mpg combined
6.4–9.8 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2014 Kia Optima draws a heavy concentration of complaints around the engine, which accounts for well over a third of all reports filed for this model year. Owners commonly describe sudden power loss, engine failure, and in a recurring pattern, engine fires, with multiple reports detailing smoke and flames originating from under the hood, sometimes while the vehicle was in motion. High-pressure fuel system issues come up repeatedly in connection with fire risk. Steering is the second most-reported system, with owners describing violent shaking at highway speeds and clunking noises when turning. Some engine complaints involve vehicles that received replacement engines, with owners reporting the same power-loss symptoms returning after the repair.
603
Total Complaints
24
Crash-Related
41
Fire-Related
17
With Injuries
By System
The 2014 Kia Optima has 9 recalls, all rated at the same severity level, with the most serious being multiple fire risks tied to fuel system leaks and an ABS control unit that can short-circuit and ignite.
Three of the recalls involve fuel leaks that can lead to fire. The low-pressure fuel hose can crack or deteriorate from engine heat, allowing fuel to escape near ignition sources, and prior repair attempts on some vehicles did not fully resolve the issue. On vehicles where the engine was replaced under an earlier campaign, the high-pressure fuel pipe at the pump outlet may have been improperly installed, creating another potential leak point. The ABS control unit is a separate fire concern: brake fluid can leak inside the unit, cause an electrical short, and start an engine compartment fire while the car is parked or moving, and prior repair attempts did not fully resolve this issue either. On the engine side, internal bearing wear can cause the engine to seize, resulting in sudden loss of power and a crash risk. There is also an engine control module update that applies only to Optima Hybrid models, where undetected engine problems can cause a sudden loss of power or a fire.
At a glance
What can fail
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
The hydraulic electronic control unit may short electrically, potentially causing an engine compartment fire while the vehicle is parked or driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the HECU fuse at no charge to restore proper electrical function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The low pressure fuel hose may be damaged or missing heat-protective tape, which can cause fuel to leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel hose at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine control module may not detect problems early enough, potentially leading to sudden engine failure and loss of power with no ability to restart.
What the fix does
Kia will mail you instructions to visit a dealer, where they will update your engine control module software to detect problems earlier.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Brake fluid can leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit, causing an electrical short.
What the fix does
Dealer will install a new multi-fuse and inspect the control unit for leaks, replacing it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Brake fluid can leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), potentially causing an electrical short that may affect braking function.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the HECU for brake fluid leaks and replace the unit if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The low pressure fuel hose can deteriorate and crack over time from heat in the engine compartment.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the hose for damage or leaks and replace it if needed. If undamaged, heat-protective tape will be applied.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The high-pressure fuel pipe connecting to the fuel pump may not be properly installed after engine replacement, potentially causing fuel leaks if damaged, misaligned, or insufficiently tightened.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the fuel pipe connection. If leakage is found, they will replace the fuel pipe with a new one.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The high pressure fuel pipe connecting to the fuel pump may have been damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued during a previous engine replacement, causing potential fuel leaks.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe as needed at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Manufacturing errors during engine production may cause bearings inside the engine to wear out prematurely.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your engine and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
