2014 KIA OPTIMA

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    engine stall or no start

    43 stranded, 73 unsafe

    116
    incidents
    Typical range: 53,500–127,500 mi

    Median 89,500 mi, based on 112 reports (37% had no usable mileage)

    • "I PULLED OFF A FRONTAGE ROAD ON TO THE HIGHWAY INTO A CONSTRUCTION ZONE. WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 25-30 MPH MY HAZARD LIGHTS CLICKED ON WHEN MY BLINKER WENT OFF, I REALIZED MY POWER STEERING WAS GONE AND I WAS LOOSING CONTROL. I COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND…"~6,200 mi, complaint #1131261
    • "S A SINGLE, FULL-TIME WORKING MOTHER TO TWO YOUNG CHILDREN, I WAS UNABLE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT IN TIME TO BRING MY 2014 KIA OPTIMA SXL TURBO IN FOR THE ENGINE RECALL TEST; MY CAR'S ENGINE DECIDED TO CROAK ON ME FORTUNATELY A BLOCK FROM MY HOME. MY CAR WAS…"~52,000 mi, complaint #1486459
    • "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR A WEEK. HAD APPT TO GO IN 2/2/21 WITH KIA BUT DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE STARTED HEARING A LIGHT TICKING SOUND. WHEN I ACCELERATED ON THE GAS IT DIDNT DO ANYTHING. IT WAS BOGGED DOWN. IT STAYED AT 60 MPH SO I DID IT AGAIN AN…"~89,000 mi, complaint #1722729
    • "WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH ON INTERSTATE I REALIZED MY CAR (IT HAD BEEN SET ON CRUISE CONTROL) WHEN I TRIED TO ACCELERATE NOTHING HAPPENED REALIZED IT HAD COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. PULLED TO SHOULDER. FIRST TIME RESTARTING FAILED SECOND TIME I STARTED AND HIT THE GAS IT…"~127,000 mi, complaint #1595363
    • "I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY TRAVELING ROUGHLY 65 MILES , I HAD LITERALLY JUST GOTTEN ONTO THE HIGHWAY. I WENT TO ACCELERATE AND THE CAR JUST WOULDN'T , THE RPMS AND MPH JUST WENT DOWN AND ALL LIGHTS CAME ON THE DASH. I HAD TO PULL OVER. I SHUT CAR OFF, CAR HAS NOT B…"~175,000 mi, complaint #1709867
  2. #2

    engine internal

    18 stranded, 74 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    94
    incidents
    Typical range: 49,500–118,000 mi

    Median 88,000 mi, based on 92 reports (33% had no usable mileage)

    • "I HAD MY CAR KID OPTIMA 2014 2 WEEKS (800 MILES ON MY NEW ).THE ENGINE WAS MAKING A KNOCKING NOISES TOOK IT BACK TO DEALERSHIP IT WAS THE PISTON NOT WORKING FULLY THEY SAID I WAS GOING TO HAVE TO HAVE ENGINE REPLACED .I DON'T WANT THE CAR ! I'M NOT HAPPY. *T…"~829 mi, complaint #1036080
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, WHITE SMOKE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE EXHAUST PIPES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PEAK KIA NORTH ([REDACTED ADDRESS], WINDSOR, CO) WHERE THE ENGINE WAS FLUSHED, BUT THE FAILURE REMAINED. THE C…"~49,000 mi, complaint #1602627
    • "I HAVE A 2014 KIA OPTIMA THAT I PURCHASED 3 YEARS AGO. MY CAR LOST ALL POWER ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE MOTOR IS MAKING A KNOCKING NOISE I'VE TAKEN IT TO MY KIA DEALER WHO ALWAYS DOES MY OIL CHANGES AND THEY ARE SAYING THAT I NEED A NEW MOTOR BUT NO RECALLS ARE FA…"~80,000 mi, complaint #1632327
    • "SHAVINGS FOUND IN OIL CAUSING ENGINE SEIZURE"~108,000 mi, complaint #1709761
    • "The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled and restarted. The check engine warning light was blinking. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the failure was…"~217,581 mi, complaint #2012551
  3. #3

    paint and clearcoat

    14 unsafe, 30 annoyance

    44
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "'KIA PEARL WHITE PAINT RECALL' I HAVE HAD MY KIA OPTIMA FOR LESS THAN 2 YEARS. I AM FROM THE SOUTH AND I DROVE IT UP NORTH A FEW WEEKS AGO AND ICE AND SNOW GOT ON MY CAR AND MY PAINT HAS STARTED PEELING. IT'S $2,000 TO GET THE HOOD AND THE DRIVERS SIDE PANNEL…"~53,500 mi, complaint #1551542
    • "PAINT HAS BEGUN BUBBLING AND PEELING IN SEVERAL AREAS. BODY SHOPS HAVE SAID IT IS DELAMINATION. "~115,677 mi, complaint #1739904
  4. #4

    steering electric assist

    24 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    25
    incidents
    Typical range: 0–77,000 mi

    Median 9,000 mi, based on 34 reports (29% had no usable mileage)

    • "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…"~500 mi, complaint #1083850
    • "THIS IS MY SECOND KIA OPTIMA, THE FIRST ONE WAS AN OPTIMA EX FULLY EQUIPPED. I NEVER DROVE OVER 60 MPH, SO NEVER EXPERIENCED ANY WRONGS WITH MY STEERING, I WAS TRULY HAPPY WITH IT. WHEN I GOT MY SECOND KIA JUST A FEW MONTHS BACK, I DECIDED TO GET THE SX TURB…"~8,235 mi, complaint #1171273
    • "IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE THE CAR STRAIGHT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE STEERING STICKS AND IN ORDER TO MAKE THE SMALLEST CORRECTION, YOU HAVE TO OVER-CORRECT. THIS RESULTS IN GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY IN AN S PATTERN. IT IS NOT AS NOTICEABLE AT LOWER SPEEDS.…"~11,250 mi, complaint #1151787
    • "I'VE BEEN DRIVING LATELY AND THE STEERING WHEEL GETS PRETTY STIFF AND UNABLE TO TURN WITHOUT APPLYING FORCE. IT HAS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING IN THE CITY, TURNING AND ALSO IN THE FREEWAY."~58,000 mi, complaint #1610424
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA OPTIMA. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ENGAGED IN REVERSE, IT BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER. ALSO, THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL AND ELECTRIC POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED TW…"~96,338 mi, complaint #1547591
  5. #5

    other

    1 stranded, 12 unsafe, 2 broken, 8 annoyance

    23
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=18, median 92,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE STEERING PANEL. I ASKED WHY I DID NOT GET A NOTICE AND THEY SAID IT WAS NOT THEIR PROBLEM THAT I WOULD NEED TO CALL KIA MOTORS. I CALLED KIA AND THEY SAID THEY DO NOT SE…"~13,200 mi, complaint #1256841
    • "ANTENNA COVER CAME OFF. RUSTED AND BROKEN SCREWS. APPEARS TO BE A DEFECT IN MANUFACTORING. THIS APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON COMPLAINT VIA THE WEB. "~54,000 mi, complaint #1445765
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE SHARK FIN FELL OFF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KIA OF ABILENE ([REDACTED ADDRESS], ABILENE, TX 79606) AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTA…"~63,000 mi, complaint #1454468
    • "NOTICED THE SHARK FIN MISSING. AFTER CLOSER EXAMINATION IT APPEARS THAT IT SNAPPED OFF TO REPLACE THE HEADLINER MUST BE REMOVED I ORDER A NEW ONE AND I AM UNABLE TO REPLACE IT. TAKING TO DEALERSHIP AND HOPEFULLY THE WILL IT WHEN CHECKING ON MY STEERING ISSUE…"~104,000 mi, complaint #1604082
    • "Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was…"~200,000 mi, complaint #2212866
  6. #6

    steering column

    17 unsafe, 3 annoyance

    20
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=10, median 101,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY BEGAN TO SHAKE, VIBRATE AND BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO NATIONWIDE KIA SERVICE CENTER LOCATED AT [REDACTE…"~49,000 mi, complaint #1690955
    • "A CLICKING NOISE IN THE FRONT END STARTED WHEN THE WHEEL WAS TURNED TO THE RIGHT. THIS WAS ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED A JOINT AND SAID IT WAS FIXED. A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER THE NOISE STARTED AGAIN, BECAME WORSE AND THE STEERING FELT LOOSER. T…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1745396
    • "ON SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2019 DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 4 WEST BOUND EXITING ALTAMONTE SPRINGS FL, MY STEERING BEGAN MAKING A THUMBING SOUND ALONG WITH A VIBRATION. AS SOON AS I PARKED, I BEGAN LOOKING FOR THE CAUSE OF SOUND. IT COMING FROM A 12 INCH STEERING COLUMN. I…"~99,000 mi, complaint #1608889
    • "The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the steering wheel would jerk and shake. In addition, the steering wheel would vibrate whenever the contact would drive over rough roads. The vibration would omit a loud vibrating noise as well. The v…"~126,170 mi, complaint #1830013
    • "A COUPLER ON THE STEERING COLUMN IS DEFECTIVE. IT IS CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO MAKE A CLICKING NOISE EVERY TIME THE WHEEL IS TURNED. IF IT IS NOW REPLACED IT CAN CAUSE THE STEERING TO MALFUNCTION WHILE DRIVING."~988,000 mi, complaint #1700738
  7. #7

    fuel tank and lines

    16 unsafe

    16
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=12, median 92,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, AN ABNORMAL ODOR APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATE FORWARD, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE WHO W…"~72,000 mi, complaint #1699331
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA OPTIMA. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS FIRST STARTED, A KNOCKING SOUND EMERGED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THAT AN ATTACHMENT T…"~75,000 mi, complaint #1622038
    • "I TOOK MY CAR IN AFTER SMELLING FUEL AND THEY SAID THERE WAS A TEAR IN MY FUEL LINE AND IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. MY CAR WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL BUT KIA WOULD NOT PAY FOR THE REPAIRS BECAUSE WHEN THEY PREVIOUSLY REVIEWED FOR RECALL ISSUES THEY SAID THERE WA…"~85,000 mi, complaint #1624228
    • "The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V10000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) and 21V331000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal f…"~100,000 mi, complaint #2162367
    • "The contact's husband owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. Her husband had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic test was performed and the fuel cap wa…"~150,000 mi, complaint #1871826
  8. #8

    hv system fault reduced power

    3 stranded, 13 unsafe

    16
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=12, median 71,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "AT DRIVING SPEED (ABOUT 50 MPH), VEHICLE SUDDENLY HAS BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ERROR. THE VEHICLE HAS LOSS OF POWER AND SAYS THAT IT MUST BE PULLED OVER AND TURNED OFF. THIS ERROR HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AND THE DEALER SUPPOSEDLY FIXED IT THE LAST TIME IT…"~55,000 mi, complaint #1702145
    • "I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 65 MPH AND AN ALERT POPS UP. IT SAID "POSSIBLE BMS CONDITION." I IMMEDIATELY PULLED TO THE SIDE, BUT ALSO NOTICED MY CAR SPEED REDUCING. I SAFELY GOT INTO THE RIGHT SHOULDER AND THEN THE CAR STEERING WHEEL FROZE UP. ANOTHER A…"~71,500 mi, complaint #1658990
    • "THE FIRST THING MY VEHICLE SAID WAS TO CHECK THE HYBRID SYSTEM AND IT WOULD NOT DRIVE OR REVERSE, BUT THE STEERING AND BRAKES NEVER STOPPED WORKING. HAD TO PUSH IT OUT OF THE STREET MANUALLY. NOW MY CAR IS STARTING TO PUT IN PARK, SHUT OFF AND CHARGE THE BATTE…"~71,875 mi, complaint #1676331
    • "DRIVING 65MPH WARNING COMES ON 'HYBRID SYSTEM FAILURE PULL OVER AND TURN OFF' SO I PULLED OVER AND TURNED THE CAR OFF THEN IT WOULDN'T START."~90,000 mi, complaint #1686420
    • "ON 12/27/19 WHILE TRAVELLING FROM PA TO FL ON THE HIGHWAY FOR A FAMILY VACATION, TRAVELLING ABOUT 75 MPH AT 5:00AM IN COLUMBIA, SC THE DASH DISPLAY READ CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM, AND SUDDENLY SHUT DOWN. ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING, STEERING WHEEL BEGAN STIFFENING, I COA…"~121,398 mi, complaint #1635125
  9. #9

    airbag system

    14 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    15
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=16, median 72,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS CRASHED INTO ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE BY A FIRE TRUCK. THE FRONTAL, SIDE, AND REAR AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE SPUN AROUND THREE TIMES AND CAME TO REST ON A CURB F…"~2,675 mi, complaint #1092389
    • "TL* THE CONTACT WAS AN AUTO DETAILER WHO WAS SERVICING A 2014 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE SERVICING THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED/EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING AND STRUCK THE CONTACT'S RIGHT LEG. THE IMPACT OF THE AIR BAG BURNED THE CONTACT'S RIGHT LEG. THE…"~42,421 mi, complaint #1600522
    • "THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ON IN MY CAR FOR AWHILE"~60,000 mi, complaint #1598338
    • "AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON..CANNOT PASS INSPECTION"~124,000 mi, complaint #1622359
    • "Airbag / SRS light came on. Took vehicle to the dealer service center for diagnostics. They found the issue is the Air Bag - Clockspring Assembly / Spiral Cable: 51K1Z01 : BODY ELECT CONCERN. With the airbag light on none of the airbags will deploy in the even…"~182,951 mi, complaint #1943295
  10. #10

    alignment and pull

    14 unsafe

    14
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=18, median 1,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "VEHICLE WANDERS FROM SIDE TO SIDE ON THE HIGHWAY, AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS (60+ MPH) AND REQUIRES CONSTANT CORRECTION FROM LEFT TO RIGHT TO MAINTAIN LANE POSITION. THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FROM THE TIME WE PURCHASED IT NEW LESS THAN 3 WEEKS AGO. THE STEERING IS VERY H…"~612 mi, complaint #1039303
    • "THE CAR HAS A HARD TIME CONTINUING IN A STRAIGHT LINE. THE STEERING ALWAYS PULLS TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. THE CAR EITHER GOES 1 LEFT OF 1 RIGHT. THERE IS NO CENTER. IT IS A STRAIN TO TRY TO KEEP THE CAR IN A LANE AT HIGH SPEEDS. *TR"~1,000 mi, complaint #1055199
    • "TRAVELING ON MAJOR HIGHWAY TO AND FROM WORK DAILY CAR IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO KEEP ON THE HIGHWAY..CAR DRIFTS LEFT TO RIGHT .CONSTANTLY TRYING TO KEEP CAR STRAIGHT ON THE HIGHWAY BY TURNING VEHICLE LEFT RIGHT....LEFT RIGHT!!!!!STRESSFUL!!!!! I JUST PURCHASED…"~13,000 mi, complaint #1136124
    • "DRIVING AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 60 - [REDACTED ADDRESS], CAR BEGINS TO DRIFT TO THE LEFT CAUSING DRIVER TO TRY TO CORRECT. THIS CREATES DRIVER TO OVER STEER AND MAKING CAR TAKE A HARD SWERVE TO THE RIGHT. CONSTANTLY TRYING TO STEER AND CORRECT THE CAR AT HIGH SPEEDS…"~26,440 mi, complaint #1288483
    • "DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE IT PULLS EXTREMELY BAD ALMOST CAN'T CONTROL IT , ESPECIALLY IF THERE'S ANY WIND BLOWING . VERY HARD TO DRIVE IT FOR A LONG TIME ON THE INTERSTATE"~53,000 mi, complaint #1477240
  11. #11

    lighting exterior

    11 unsafe, 3 annoyance

    14
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=11, median 50,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "THE TAIL LIGHT HAS BEEN REPLACE MULTIPLE TIMES BECAUSE IT GOES OUT ALMOST AS SOON AS I REPLACE IT ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT WATER IS IN THE LIGHT CAUSING IT TO SHORT. THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING SINCE 2014 WHEN THE CAR WAS PURCHASED."~2,000 mi, complaint #1692561
    • "THE TAIL LIGHT'S ON MY VEHICLE CONTINUE TO COLLECT CONDENSATION CAUSING PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. I HAVE RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP ON THIS ISSUE FOR A REPAIR. ISSUE CONTINUES TO OCCUR, AND I'M AFRAID THAT THE LIGHTS WILL STOP WORKING CAUSING F…"~39,759 mi, complaint #1683876
    • "BRAKE REAR LIGHTS WENT OUT, CHANGED BRAKE SWITCH AND FUSE AND LIGHTS STILL NOT WORKING. ONLY HAVE 49800 MILES ON THE CAR. WAS ON HIGHWAY AND A MAN STOOED ME AND LET ME KNOW THEY ARE NOT WORKING"~49,800 mi, complaint #1560296
    • "MY TAILS LIGHTS GO OUT FOR NO RESULTS I WAS STOPPED BY ATL. POLICE GOT A TICKET"~68,000 mi, complaint #1532083
    • "I HAVE RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2014 KIA OPTIMA LX, AND THE HEADLIGHTS ARE SO DIM ON LOW BEAM IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. BRIGHT LIGHTS WORK GREAT. LOW BEAM WHEN YOU MEET ANOTHER ONCOMING VEHICLE YOU CAN BARELY TELL IF YOU ARE IN YOUR LANE OR NOT. ALSO IF YOUR BY YO…"~127,000 mi, complaint #1623914
  12. #12

    engine oil consumption

    1 stranded, 12 unsafe

    13
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "TOOK MY CAR IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND THEY STATED THAT THE OIL PAN DRAIN PLUG IS CRACKED. "~9,000 mi, complaint #1206664
    • "RECALL ON ENGINE WAS REPLACED 2 YEARS AGO FOR HAVING METAL SHAVINGS IN THE OIL. THE SECOND MOTOR HAS 15,000 MILES ON IT AND IT'S BURNING OIL AND SMOKING TO WHERE YOU CAN'T SEE ANYTHING. I WAS GETTING ON I 65 GOING NORTH AND SMOKE CAME OUT. IT HESITATES TO GO.…"~15,000 mi, complaint #1713531
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE THE CONTACT'S WIFE WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE RAN OUT OF OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BR…"~94,300 mi, complaint #1600205
    • "ENGINE PREMATURELY USES OIL AND HAD NO INDICATION OF NO OIL. ENGINE HAS KNOCKING AND IS IN LIMP MODE BUT IS NOT UNDER RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH SAME YEAR AND MODEL, HOWEVER HAS SAME SYMPTOMS"~109,000 mi, complaint #1722092
    • "THE CAR HAS LIFETIME ENGINE WARRANTY AND KIA DEALERSHIP CONFIRMED THE SAME AND THEY ARE STILL REJECTING ME TO FIX MY ENGINE EVEN I OFFERED TO PAY A FAIR PART OF THE REPAIR, THE ENGINE IS CONSUMING OIL LIKE CRAZY 1 QUART PER 250 MILES ITS MAKES TICKING SOUND WH…"~112,000 mi, complaint #1732155
  13. #13

    steering rack mechanical

    10 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    12
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "THE STEERING WANDERS SIDE TO SIDE. IT IS A CONSTANT BATTLE TRYING TO KEEP IT IN A STRAIGHT LINE.THERE IS NO "SWEET SPOT" YOU CONSTANTLY HAVE TO CORRECT A LITTLE LEFT THEN A LITTLE RIGHT OVER AND OVER AGAIN. ALSO AIR CONDITIONER FAILED TWICE. CAR ONLY HAD 200 M…"~3,031 mi, complaint #1106549
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH OVER BUMPS IN THE ROAD, THE STEERING MADE AN ABNORMAL TAPPING AND KNOCKING NOISE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WORLD CAR KIA SOUTH ([REDACTED ADDRESS], SAN A…"~30,389 mi, complaint #1595956
    • "WHEN GOING OVER 40 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN THE WHEELS LOCK UP AND THE CAR FEELS LIKE IT IS GOING TO FLIP OVER. YOU CANNOT TOUCH THE BRAKES OR THE GAS WHILE THIS IS HAPPENING AS IT CAUSES THE HAZARD TO HAPPEN MORE."~89,000 mi, complaint #1580779
    • "The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated while reversing and turning the steering wheel, the steering wheel felt abnormal and made an abnormal clunking sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been re…"~98,000 mi, complaint #2020233
    • "The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a clicking noise was heard when the steering wheel was turned. The contact's wife also informed the contact that the vehicle was shaking while she was driving. T…"~105,000 mi, complaint #1766943
  14. #14

    abs module

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "WHILE DRIVING MY CHECK BRAKE LIGHT WILL COME ON INTERMITTENTLY. SEEMS TO HAPPEN MORE FREQUENTLY WHEN ITS WARM OUTSIDE. THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ALWAYS COMES ON AT THE SAME TIME. THE BRAKE LIGHT WILL GO OFF AFTER THE CAR IS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED, THE TRACT…"~45,000 mi, complaint #1653218
    • "The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was informed that an unknown recall repair for the ABS had been completed; however,…"~100,000 mi, complaint #1982723
    • "Vehicle is making a humming noise while the car is off. Both the brake light and ABS lights are on. Based on year, make and model, vehicle is one of the cars included in: nhtsa ID-23V-652000, however VIN does not show an active recall. Repairs will have to com…"~136,423 mi, complaint #1933880
    • "I LEFT THE DEALER LOT AT CLOSING TIME 2/5/2021 THE TRACTION LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHTS WARNINGS WERE ON THE ABS LIGHT THE CAR BRAKES SKIDDED UPON APPLYING BRAKES DRIVING AT A SLOW SPEED THE CAR SHOOK WHILE APPLYING BRAKES AND IT FELT AS THOUGH THE ENTIRE MOTOR WA…"~210,000 mi, complaint #1726709
  15. #15

    engine turbo supercharger

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "PURCHASED MY NEW OPTIMA ON 4/14/2014 (MONDAY) AND LATER THAT SAME WEEK AND FIRST OF THE FOLLOWING WEEK HEARD A NOISE BEST DESCRIBED AS A DIESEL ENGINE IDLE SOUND AT STARTUP. TOOK IT INTO MY DEALERSHIP ON 4/24/2014 TO FIND OUT IT WAS IN NEED OF A NEW ENGINE.…"~1,000 mi, complaint #1059866
  16. #16

    glass and windshield

    4 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "DRIVING SOUTHBOUND ON I-95 IN VIRGINIA, I HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION LIKE A GUNSHOT. MOMENTS LATER, I HEARD THE SOUND OF AIR RUSHING PAST FROM ABOVE MY HEAD AND DEBRIS VIBRATING ON THE INTERIOR SUNROOF SCREEN. I LATER FOUND THAT IT WAS BROKEN GLASS CRACKLING AND…"~1,000 mi, complaint #1039881
    • "DRIVING HOME AND MY ENTIRE BACK WINDOW SHATTERS OUT OF NO WHERE. LOOKS LIKE IT CRACKED AROUND THE EDGE."~21,000 mi, complaint #1443591
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE TEMPERATURE IN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY INCREASED AND A LOUD EXPLOSION SOUND WAS HEARD. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SUN ROOF SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS D…"~37,000 mi, complaint #1194945
  17. #17

    sunroof

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "AS WE WERE PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT, THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLODED OUTWARDS. THE SUNROOF IS BOWED UPWARDS AND GLASS FRAGMENTS WERE ON THE TOP AND TRUNK DECK OF THE CAR. NOTHING STRUCK THE CAR, THE SUNROOF LITERALLY EXPLODED OUTWARDS. AFTER DOING A GO…"~9,746 mi, complaint #1117380
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING HIGH SPEEDS, THE SUN ROOF SHATTERED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A & B AUTO SALES ([REDACTED ADDRESS] N, BENWOOD, WV 26031, [REDACTED PHONE]) AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO CALL THE IN…"~26,000 mi, complaint #1487134
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED AND GLASS SHATTERED INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT CALLED GOSSETT KIA AT [REDACTE…"~46,000 mi, complaint #1503862
    • "SUNROOF EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING. LOUD EXPLOSION SOUND WITHIN THE CABIN, GLASS SHARDS THEN BROKE AWAY FALLING INSIDE VEHICLE AND OUTWARD ON INTERSTATE."~71,000 mi, complaint #1550860
    • "SUNROOF EXPLODED OUT JUST DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. NOTHING HIT IT OR WAS THROWN THROUGH IT."~76,000 mi, complaint #1368047
  18. #18

    wiring harness

    3 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "24,000 MILES. CLICKING/ TICKING NOISE COMING FROM BEHIND THE DASH ON THE DRIVER SIDE/CENTER OF DASH. NOISE STARTS WHEN CAR IS STARTED AND CEASES WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED OFF. NOISE IS CONTINUOUS DURING DRIVING. NOISE DOES NOT CHANGE IN VOLUME OR PACE DURING DRIV…"~24,000 mi, complaint #1369111
    • "MAY 9TH 2016, DRIVING TO WORK ON I-44 HEADING TO WORK, MY VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING SHUTS OFF AND DIES, I START TO SEE WHITE SMOKE COME FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, I SAFELY PULL THE CAR OVER TO SHOULDER BECAUSE IT WAS STILL ROLLING. EXIT THE VEHICLE AND OPEN TH…"~36,200 mi, complaint #1288381
    • "The contact owned a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed smoke that exited from under the front hood of the vehicle. The contact stated the smoke was intense. In addition, the contact was informed by…"~147,000 mi, complaint #2064164
  19. #19

    battery and charging

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "WE HAD TAKEN OUR CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A REGULAR OIL CHANGE. THEY ADVISED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL AND FIXED WHATEVER THE PROBLEM WAS. WE FOUND THE FUSE COVER ON THE DASHBOARD. 1 DAY LATER, THE SYMBOLS ON THE DASHBOARD BEGAN TO LIGHT UP AND THE CAR FROZE…"~7,800 mi, complaint #1175399
    • "AT A STOP LIGHT VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE SAID HYBRID FAILURE TURN CAR OFF AND REMOVE YOURSELF. CAR WOULD NOT TURN OFF PUT HAZARDS ON WENT TO GET OUT OF VEHICLE AND WAS SHOCKED BY MY CAR TO THE POINT IT MADE ME LOSS CONTROL OF MY BLADDER!! HAD WONDS TO MY RING FI…"~88,000 mi, complaint #1589405
    • "The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle started losing motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the batt…"~185,000 mi, complaint #1988742
  20. #20

    brake hydraulics

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "The contact owned a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that as he attempted to merge onto a highway at 45 MPH, the brake pedal and steering wheel locked up upon the depression of the brake pedal without warning. Due to the failure, the contact hit an electric…"~151,000 mi, complaint #1777184
    • "The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the oil level was lower than expected. There was an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle vibrated while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V22400…"~294,000 mi, complaint #2082662
  21. #21

    control module

    3 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "BOUGHT APRIL/MAY 2014, BY DECEMBER 2014 THE ENGINE NEEDED REPLACED. ELECTRICAL: BUTTONS DON'T WORK FOR PROPER FUNCTIONS (VOLUME UP WILL TURN VOLUME DOWN, CRUISE CONTROL BUTTON WAS A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT ONE ON THE STEERING WHEEL THEN IT'S SUPPOSED TOO & AC STO…"~5,000 mi, complaint #1502341
  22. #22

    engine cooling

    1 stranded, 3 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "ON SUNDAY 02/11/2018 MY CAR DIED GETTING OFF THE HIGHWAY DOING 70MPH. I WAS ABLE TO GET TO A SAFE PLACE CAR IS A 2014 KIA AND HAS 46,763 MILES ON IT. HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. IT'S ALSO PART OF THE RECALL NOTICE I RECEIVED 10/04/2017, 17V224. CALL…"~46,786 mi, complaint #1448908
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE MOVED SPORADICALLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (KINGS KIA [REDACTED ADDRESS], CINCINNATI, OH 45249 [REDACTED PHONE]) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WIT…"~49,500 mi, complaint #1388744
  23. #23

    fuel pump

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "MY CAR (2014 KIA OPTIMA) STARTED HAVING A FAINT GAS SMELL ABOUT TWO DAYS AGO, I THOUGHT THE GAS SMELL WAS BECAUSE I HAD GOTTEN GAS AND SOME WAS ON MY SHOE. I FOUND OUT TODAY THAT MY DIRECT INJECTION FUEL PUMP ON THE ENGINE IS THE PROBLEM. THE GUY AT THE SHOP S…"~119,377 mi, complaint #1512242
  24. #24

    seat mechanism

    3 unsafe, 1 broken

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "ON OUR 2014 OPTIMA LX MODEL THE PASSENGER SEAT IS ADJUSTED TO LOW TO THE FLOOR BOARD AND MY PARTNER WHICH IS 61 YEARS OLD AND 4'10" IS STARING RIGHT AT THE DASH CANNOT SEE OVER THE TOP OF DASH AND IF AIR BAG SHOULD DEPLOY MAYBE VERY DANGEROUS NOT TO MENTION WO…"~700 mi, complaint #1088143
    • "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."~96,000 mi, complaint #1635591
  25. #25

    acceleration loss or hesitation

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "WHEN LEAVING A STOP SIGN .RED LIGHT OR A DRIVE WAY . SOME TIMES THE CAR WON'T GO WHEN GAS PEDAL IS PRESSED.HAS A DELAY OF ABOUT 2 SECONDS .HAVE TO FLOOR THE GAS PEDAL TO MAKE IT GO. VERY BAD WHEN OTHER CARS ARE BEHIND ME. BOUGHT CAR MAY 30 2014 . HAD 5 OR 6 I…"~2,680 mi, complaint #1112903
    • "THE PROBLEM IS SPORADIC BUT HAPPENS FREQUENTLY. IF I PRESS THE GAS PEDAL TO INCREASE MY SPEED, WHETHER FROM A STOPPED POSITION, OR TO PULL INTO A BUSY ROADWAY, OR TO INCREASE MY SPEED TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE, THE CAR WILL START TO GO THEN CHOKE, SO THAT NO MA…"~10,000 mi, complaint #1172167
  26. #26

    timing belt or chain

    2 stranded, 1 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact state that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the timing cha…"~85,000 mi, complaint #1932905
    • "I WAS DRIVING DOWN I-4 DOWNTOWN ORLANDO WHEN MY CAR SHUT COMPLETELY OFF. I WAS TOLD MY TIMING CHAIN WAS BROKEN. ONLY HAD THIS CAR A YEAR. JUST GOT A OIL CHANGE."~136,000 mi, complaint #1704982
  27. #27

    tire failure

    1 stranded, 2 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "I PURCHASED A KIA OPTIMA IN DECEMBER OF 2014. AT 8,000 MILES I NOTICED UNUSUAL WEAR ON MY TIRES, I HAD THEM ROTATED AND BALANCED AT 7,500. I RECENTLY WENT TO AMERICA TIRES WITH THE MILEAGE AT 14,50 THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE TIRES WERE WORN DOWN TO LESS THAN 50%…"~14,050 mi, complaint #1214616
    • "2014 KIA OPTIMA SXL TURBO. WIFE'S CAR. DRIVES IN ECO MODE 99% OF THE TIME. HANKOOK OPTIMO H431 TIRE SIZE 225/45R18. 31000 MILES IN 36 MONTHS. I KNOW BECAUSE IT'S A LEASE! FOUND MULTIPLE CRACKS ON SIDE WALL OF TIRE ON DRIVER FRONT. TIRES ARE ORIGINAL FROM FACTO…"~31,000 mi, complaint #1412616
    • "TIRE WENT FLAT THEN BLEW OUT AFTER BEING RE-INFLATED BY THE SIDE OF THE ROAD."~107,666 mi, complaint #1732415
  28. #28

    unintended acceleration

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "I WAS IN A PARKING STRUCTURE, STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN. I CONTINUED A FEW FEET TO MY DESIGNATED PARKING STALL AND WHEN I TURNED THE WHEEL THE CAR ACCELERATED AT WHAT FELT AND SOUNDED LIKE FULL THROTTLE ON IT'S OWN. THE SURGE OF THE VEHICLE FORCED THE CAR TO CRA…"~12,000 mi, complaint #1158161
    • "WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE RACED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SPEED UP AND WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. *TR"~89,000 mi, complaint #1663941
  29. #29

    adas collision warning

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=9)

    • "I WAS TRYING TO BACK IN BETWEEN2 VEHICLES IN THE CHURCH PARKING LOT. AND WHILE DOING SO, WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE THE CAR LUNCHED BACKWARDS WITH A JERKING MOTION, LIKE IT WAS TRYING TO DO 2 DIFFERENT THINGS ATONE TIME, AT FULL RATE OF SPEED AND DOING SO, IT…"~44,233 mi, complaint #1212376
    • "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 a…"~64,000 mi, complaint #1869768
  30. #30

    corrosion and rust

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "My car has 80,000 miles and the paint chipping on the bumper, hood, and roof is starting to cause rust on the car body. "complaint #1772148
    • "The paint is defective/chipping. Now, rusting has occurred. "complaint #1810337
  31. #31

    evap system

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "SMELL OF FUEL CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND ANNOUNCEMENT WAS MADE, GOT DIAGNOSED READ CODE P0456 EVAPORATIVE EMISSION SYSTEM LEAK DETECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION."complaint #1718929
    • "Failed Emissions Test for Engine light being on. Took to mechanic and he specified that it was my gas cap that needed replacing and I did so, but light is still on. No leakage was present at the time when mechanic checked, however, in the past there was a smel…"complaint #1769382
  32. #32

    key fob and immobilizer

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA OPTIMA. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE BY PRESSING THE START PUSH BUTTON, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT IMMEDIATELY START. OCCASIONALLY, THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO JIGGLE THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER TO GET THE VE…"~25,000 mi, complaint #1508940
    • "I DROVE MY CAR TO WORK GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND LOOK. I SAY I AM PARK BAD SO I GOT BACK IN MY CAR TO PARK BETTER. I PUT THE KEY IN AND TRY TO TURN THE KEY BUT I COULDN'T TURN KEY MY WHEEL WAS LOCK WHEN I TRY TO PUSH MY BRAKE DOWN IT WOULDN'T GO DOWN. SUPPOSED I…"~109,612 mi, complaint #1663255
  33. #33

    starter

    1 stranded, 1 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH CAME ON, THE RPM'S DROPPED AND THE CAR SHUT OFF AND WOULD NOT RESTART. GOT IT TOWED TO THE KIA DEALERSHIP THEY CALLED SAID IT WAS MY STARTER. MY FIANCE STOPPED BY THERE SAID IT'S NO WAY IT WAS THE STARTER.…"complaint #1329705
    • "starter smoking cut off on me have to have it towd gas leak smell of gas"complaint #1954379
  34. #34

    suspension struts shocks

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "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 GOE…"complaint #1146441
    • "Hit dig mark in road caused by a plow about a half inch to a 1 inch deep by 5 to 7 inches wide while driving [REDACTED ADDRESS] into work on November 19,2024 around 1:03/1:10 pm next thing I know I am upside down in my car in a ditch about four to five feet wi…"complaint #2048739
  35. #35

    transmission automatic

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON AND OFF AND WHEN I WENT TO GO GET IT CHECKED, IT CAME UP AND TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR CIRCUIT (PNRDL) INPUT. WHEN I PUT MY CAR IN PARK, I CAN'T TAKE IT OUT UNTIL I TURN MY CAR OFF AND TURN IT BACK ON. MY CAR HAS A LITTLE OVE…"~85,000 mi, complaint #1658549
    • "AS I WAS DRIVING THE CAR IT WONT SHIFT AND SOUNDS FORCED. THE ENGINE STARTED MAKING A RATTLE SOUND AND I WAS VERY CONCERNED! THE CAR STOPPED IN FULL SPEED AND I WAS SCARED FOR ME LIFE AND MY SONS. HAD A CAR BEEN BEHIND US OR IN THE INTERSECTION IT COULD HAVE B…"~89,000 mi, complaint #1467177
  36. #36

    unknown

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY INFORMATION REGARDING THE RECALL NOTICE ON THE ENGINE OF MY VEHICLE."complaint #1486733
    • "ENCLOSED IS A LETTER WITH A DETAILED COMPLAINT."complaint #1599226
  37. #37

    adas lane keeping

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THE CAR WILL NOT STAY IN ITS LANE. IT WONDERS AND IS VERY DANGEROUS! *TR"complaint #1089830
  38. #38

    backup camera

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "WHEN WINTER (THE COLD)COMES MY BACK UP CAMERA STOPS WORKING. I LOOKED IT UP ONLINE AND LOTS OF PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH KIAS"complaint #1621415
  39. #39

    catalytic converter

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "My Kia motor was ordered Kia gave me a hard time to rent me a car. I went 2 months with NO Transportation. Finally I got my car back and every 3 weeks different lights are coming on. Seat belt is now own O2 sensors had to be changed Now Cadillac Convert…"complaint #1985162
  40. #40

    engine head gasket

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "March 15, 2023 I Ania Covington as well as my mother Ramona Allen went to the Kia dealership in Southern Pines, NC at 10am to get a recall fixed on my car (fuel line), an oil change, air filters changed, as well as a valve gasket replacement (recall was free,…"complaint #1885593
  41. #41

    fuel injector

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I bought this from a dealer ship and it is having some issues when it is gearing down dont know if its the fuel injectors or what but its got some issue with it getting proper fuel "complaint #2008194
  42. #42

    hv battery and range

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "2014 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN WHILE DECELERATING FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE CAR DISPLAYED A FAULT ON THE SCREEN AS A "POSSIBLE BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FAILURE." WHEN THE CAR SHUT DOWN. HAD LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL (ELECTRICAL/OPTICAL STEERING). H…"~64,887 mi, complaint #1539471
  43. #43

    noise or vibration unspecified

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS AND AS SOON AS THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KIA OF ALHAMBRA ([REDACTED ADDRESS], ALHAMBRA, CA 91801, […"~52,000 mi, complaint #1537020
  44. #44

    phone connectivity

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "BLUR TOOTH ICON HAS DISAPPEARED. NO LONGER ABLE TO DRIVE HANDS FREE WITH OUT AUX CABLE"~83,000 mi, complaint #1561760
  45. #45

    stability and traction control

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Traction control light has recently started coming on all the time and stays on. When you turn car off and it cools off then the light is off again. Another issue is when I place foot on brake the passenger side parking light comes on and the passenger brake l…"complaint #1753798
  46. #46

    suspension arms and bushings

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "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."~90,000 mi, complaint #1448400
  47. #47

    transmission manual clutch

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "P0705 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. CAR WAS OCCASIONALLY GETTING STUCK IN PARK AND HAD TO BE STOPPED / STARTED TO GET OUT OF PARK. VERY DANGEROUS. TOOK CAR TO REPAIR SHOP AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE NEUTRAL SWITCH. THERE IS A RECALL NOTICE FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE…"complaint #1565972
  48. #48

    wiper and washer

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD LEAVE STREAKS AND SMEAR THE WINDSHIELD CAUSING A VISIBILITY HAZARD TO THE DRIVER DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE WINDSH…"complaint #1122445

NHTSA investigations

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for KIA OPTIMA directly.