2014 Kia Optima Problems
What owners have reported about the 2014 Kia Optima, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2014 Kia Optima a good year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 589 complaints with NHTSA, the 6th most of 13 Optima model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, steering and electrical system.
589 complaints 7 recalls, 3 park outside 6th worst of 13 Optima years
Top 2014 Kia Optima problems
Engine problems
298 complaints (51%) name the engine, most often the exhaust system and drain plug.
Steering problems
96 complaints (16%) name the steering, most often the electric power assist system.
Electrical problems
60 complaints (10%) name the electrical system, most often the speedometer / odometer.
Body problems
48 complaints (8%) name the body and structure, most often the body.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (318 of 589). The amber line is the middle value, about 76,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2014 Kia Optima recalls
Control unit / module
Park outsideThe Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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.
Recall 23V652000 · Sep 2023Hoses, lines / piping, and fittings
Fire riskThe low pressure fuel hose may be damaged, or missing heat-protective tape, which can result in a fuel leak. A fuel leak can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel hose, free of charge.
Recall 22V093000 · Feb 2022Control unit / module
Park outsideBrake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short. An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
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.
Recall 21V331000 · May 2021Control unit / module
Park outsideBrake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short. If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
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.
Recall 20V519000 · Aug 2020Hoses, lines / piping, and fittings
Fire risk4L 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. If the fuel hose cracks, a fuel leak can occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
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.
Recall 20V100000 · Feb 2020Hoses, lines / piping, and fittings
Fire riskThe 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. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge.
Recall 18V907000 · Dec 2018Engine
Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine. Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge.
Recall 17V224000 · Mar 2017Get an email when your 2014 Kia Optima gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2014 Kia Optima, you'll hear about it the same week.
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Optima years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2014 Kia Optima problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2014 Kia Optima a reliable year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 589 complaints with NHTSA, the 6th most of 13 Optima model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, steering and electrical system.
What are the most common 2014 Kia Optima problems?
Owners most often report problems with the engine, steering, electrical system and body and structure. 298 complaints (51%) name the engine, most often the exhaust system and drain plug.
At what mileage do 2014 Kia Optima engine problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 52,000–128,000 miles, with a middle value near 89,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2014 Kia Optima have?
7. Control unit / module (23V652000); Hoses, lines / piping, and fittings (22V093000); Control unit / module (21V331000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2014 Kia Optima?
Ask for service records covering the engine, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2010, 2009 and 2008 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.