Oil consumption issues. Was informed when check engine light appeared. Oil light also appeared. Over 3qts consumed in 20 days. Car shut off while driving. Engine noisy and shaky.
2014 Kia Optima complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2014 record →
Motor seized up
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 recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone however, the failure could not be replicated. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
My engine locked up while driving down the interstate. I was almost hit twice because I was in the middle lane trying to get over and it was slowly giving out. I was able to barely make it to the side of the road and cut my car completely off. Once the car was off it would not crank back up. I had it towed to a local shop. He called me the next day to inform me my engine locked up but that I had a recall on my engine for this exact issue but I would have to take it to the local Kia. BEFORE I even had it towed there I called and spoke with Kia about my recalls. They stated they were still covered and I had an extended warranty on the engine recall. Kia gets the car.. a week later they call me to tell me it is NOT the engine and only the starter! YAY! Right? Wrong, another week passes and they now call to tell me they replaced the starter and now it is my engine that is the concern, it is completely locked up and the recall will not cover it. I called the local shop back and talked to the guy there that said it should 100% be covered and he did not see an issue with my starter when he looked at it 2 days before it was towed to Kia from his shop. I would not have put a starter on the car if they would have told me there could still be an issue with the engine. They actually stated it was not the engine in the call that I approved the starter to be replaced in. Now they are wanting to charger me for the engine and the starter which was put on my car under false pretenses. They ha
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 due to DTC Code: P0326 Knock Sensor (1 Circuit Range Performance Bank 1). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who informed the contact that there was no recall coverage for the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 217,581.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway and observed smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the engine had seized, resulting in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.
Driving down the road went over a speed bump and all the sudden the steering wheel started making a clanking noise it seem to steer fine but the steering column makes some kind of noise. i was told they have a recall on this item a bushing or something like that
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
Kia 2014 Optima LX-There are noises in the steering column when turning the wheel or going over bumps. It sounds like metal rubbing together. Took it to a mechanic and it was determined there was a coupler problem and it was recalled. The mechanic said we should take it to Kia to be fixed. I am anticipating having trouble getting them to fix it because my car year and model does not fit the total criteria. I am in New Jersey and live on the coast near long beach island. It is humid here even though NJ is not listed. [XXX] Kia recalled some 2011–2014 Optima vehicles to replace the flexible coupling in the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS). The recall was for vehicles produced between August 12, 2010 and December 18, 2013 that were sold or registered in areas with high humidity and warm ocean waters. The flexible coupling can wear out over time, causing noise when turning the steering wheel, especially when the car is stopped. Kia dealers replaced the coupling at no cost to customers. Please let me know how I should proceed. I will be visiting my local Kia to see if they will accomodate us. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine died after knocking and shutting off in the middle of tragic. Engine will not even make a sound now. Spoke to the dealership ans they refused to repair my car bc 1) I stopped going to the dealership for maintenance back in 2016 and 2) I have not completed any of the recalls.
White paint is peeling all over the car, in spots as large as 6 inches by 4 inches.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 231,054.
Pearl white paint is chipping and falling off all over the car. The paint isn't sticking to the factory primer, causing paint chips to fly off while driving. This issue also exposes the unprotected steel to the elements, causing rust and weakening the car body.
My son and his pregnant fiancé were traveling on [XXX] West bound Thursday [XXX]. They just got out of a construction zone near Rolla MO. At mile marker [XXX] the engine shut down with no warning at 60 mph and all the lights on the dash came on. He had a hard time controlling the car due to the steering being very tight and the brakes were manual. They got a tow to a safe place. I drove 5 hours to meet them and used a scanner to see what codes the car had. Zero codes showed up on my scanner. The engine immobilizer was engaged. We could not get the car started so I rented a U-Haul and car dolly and brought the car back to Indiana to the Avon IN Andy Mohr Kia dealer where we bought it. It was scheduled to be seen Tues [XXX] at [XXX]. I did not hear from them, so I called at 2:30. They informed me an engine was ordered for the vehicle. The Knock sensor detected a bearing knock and shut the car down at high speed on an interstate. The car has no outstanding recalls. I asked about the Knock sensor recall for Kia and ask why the car did not go into limp mod so they could make it safely off the interstate. No response from the dealer. This is a terrible design to have the car shut down at high speeds on an interstate. This could be deadly. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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 battery needed to be replaced. However, while replacing the battery and starting the vehicle, there was white smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Zone where the vehicle was scanned and diagnosed with a failure with the knock sensor. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to a local independent mechanic where the knock sensor was replaced. The contact stated that the failure had recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.
My paint is delaminating all over my vehicle and is flying off in large sheets. My car now has metal exposed which is susceptible to rust which poses a risk to the structure of my vehicle and the potential of my windshield flying off as a result. This first started occurring less than 2 years after purchasing my vehicle in 2019. KIA fails to recognize this manufacturer defect and it continues to delaminate at an alarming rate.
Car caught fire, parked in driveway, partially damaged the house.
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 Converter Light is on. I didn't know that getting a new motor I would have to keep spending money that I don't have. Kia should be responsible for this it shouldn't be my fault that I'm being punished for a Bad MOTOR.
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, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed ABS due to an internal leak. The contact was informed that the ABS system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and requested that the vehicle be taken to another dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle began to make abnormally loud sounds prior to pulling over to the side of the roadway, where the vehicle then stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Car had a smell of gas fumes. I have not gotten it inspected but I haven’t driven it after. There could be a gas leak. Not sure what the issue is but it caused an issue
The contact owned a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage, the vehicle had begun to burn. The fire department was called and the vehicle fire was controlled using water to extinguish the flames. The contact stated that the fire department filed a report. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to an impound lot and had not been examined by a dealer or insurance adjuster. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact was aware of one recall associated with the VIN, NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), however there were a total of three recalls - NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine), and NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V100000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that she was not aware of the other two recalls. The failure mileage was unknown.
Pearl white paint has been chippong through the years. I have had paint retouched in certain places. I continuously complained and demanded it get fixed. Eventually they would repaint. But when it gets painted over a new part of the car starts chipping away. It’s nonsense. I bought this car new and my parents have cars older than me that have no problems with the paint. My car started chipping with it warranty we paid for but they always found loopholes. Fast forward more years and my car is an embarrassment to drive around
Car started to leak out the fuel pumps pressure system started to leak gas
The car is available for inspection upon request, but I plan to finally get rid of it soon. I worry greatly about the next driver that ends up with this car. While driving, a message pops up on the dashboard that says "Check Hybrid system. Stop vehicle and turn off engine". I've learned that I have about 15 to 30 seconds to find a safe place to pull over or the car will shut off on it's own. This has happened on the freeway at 70mph and it's happened at 20mph while driving through my neighborhood. I bought the car used in 2017 and this would happen once every six months or so. In the past couple of years it's gotten more frequent. This car is going to get me or someone else seriously injured or killed. I'm always on edge that this will happen while I'm on the freeway in an area without a shoulder. Then I'll just be sitting immobile on the highway, trying to get the car to start back up and I'll get rear-ended by an unobservant driver at 65mph. I've taken the car to a Kia service department twice. The first time they couldn't reproduce the issue and told me to bring it back when it happens again. I took it in for a second time a couple years later and they told me it was the high voltage fuse. They kept my car for a month, gave me the runaround and never replaced the high voltage fuse. After doing some research online, I read that other Optima Hybrid drivers were told to change their high voltage fuse from 125A to 150A. I performed this replacement myself and I still experienc
Clock spring broke causing airbag light to turn on. Clicking when turning steering wheel. Airbag will not deploy due to this issue. $800 cost of repairs
The contact owned a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a burning fume in the interior of the vehicle. The contact parked the vehicle and the flames were coming from under the hood. The contact safely exited the vehicle. The fire department and the police were on the scene. The fire department extinguished the fire. A fire report was filed. No police report was filed. There were no injuries sustained. The contact stated that the vehicle was scheduled to be towed to a local tow yard. The contact stated that the vehicle had been serviced for an oil change one week before the failure occurred The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle decelerated to 60 MPH, and was unable to accelerate as needed. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the knock sensor. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V093000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 165,000.
Pearl White Paint is peeling off the car in multiple locations. Several areas are beginning to rust and damage the body The problem is well known online through multiple Kia/Sorrento Owners. We've taken the vehicle to several car painting companies who confirmed the defect. The problem began about 2020.
Starter smoking cut off on me have to have it towd gas leak smell of gas
KIA OPTIMA “WHITE PEARL” PAINT DELAMINATION
Exact same issue happened to my 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid (NHTSA ID Number: 11556409). I was traveling on the freeway approximately 65mph and out of nowhere the engine turned off, brakes did not work and steering quality went to a manual operation. I almost got into a serious accident as I could not control my vehicle. The hybrid system warning light, to stop using the vehicle became illuminated for approximately 30 seconds. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer ( Koons Kia, 14208 Richmond Hwy, Woodbridge, VA 22191, United States). We are still awaiting diagnostics. A few years ago the standard hybrid light came on (not the same warning light) in which we took it to the same dealer to fix. It was still under warranty at the time, however took them weeks to fix the issue as I had to take it back multiple times. They eventually replaced something in the hybrid system that was worth around $5-6k, since then we have had no other issues. We conduct the routine maintenance on the vehicle, passes all inspections.
Unknown
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the contact depressed the brake pedal to slow for traffic however, the vehicle failed to properly respond. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle drove off the roadway, jumped the curb and came to a stop. The vehicle was towed to a towing compound. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
Paint (Pearl White) has been peeling and delaminating for a number of years. Tried working w/Kia directly. Their Customer Care center told us they have a memo stating the known issue with the pearl white paint and told us to send in pictures, get it repaired and send in the bill. We didn't want to do this directly so received an estimate from the body shop. Kia then recanted and said we weren't under warranty. We've seen many other complaints across Kia and Hyundai cars related to this pearl white paint. We just want them to cover repainting. The body shop has 50 photos to include the actual paint thinness measured with digital measurement device.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 75 MPH, the steering and brakes became inoperable. The vehicle began to coast and stopped. While driving, the vehicle shut off and failed to move. The hybrid system warning light was illuminated for approximately one minute. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where the fuse and brakes were changed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Regal Kia (1025 Bartow Rd., Lakeland, FL 33801), where there was an unknown diagnosis provided. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 62,348.
PaintKIA Kia optima lx SNOW WHITE PAINT PEELING CHIPPING AND DELAMINATION! it started about a few months ago in oct 2023 and now its starting to peel in different places please help this is not fair!
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a general failure with the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 75,000.
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 event of an accident. So the clock spring assembly must be replaced and is currently not under any manufacturer warranty.
I was with my family on PA I-476. While traveling home in our 2014 Kia Optima the vehicle’s dash lights such as oil lamp, battery, etc popped on. As soon as I noticed the lights the vehicle had completely lost all drivability. Lights operable and possibly radio and accessories but I had to react so quickly as it was so unexpected. The vehicle completely lost its function and I was unable to operate it but in the capacity of steering and hardly able to break. Lost all power components. We are so thankful I was able to make a split second decision to dodge traffic while vehicle was decelerating, 18 wheelers going by 70+ mph (speed limit) and pulled off to one of the few shoulders. This scenario was so dangerous that if I didn’t believe in a higher being before, I do now! Most the lanes are sandwiched by concrete barriers and there happened to be a coned off area I was able to decisively pull over to. There was no warning this was happening. The vehicle was operating normally. The engine compartment was smoking and all I could think was to get my family away from traffic. The look on my wife and daughters face and the words my daughter asked me was life changing. The vehicle is at Kia dealership since Saturday night. It’s Wednesday and they cannot provide diagnostic yet but are charging me for a starter already? They began to inspect vehicle Monday.
Engine was replaced per CASE # 14397135, and PI1803Y/Z, SINCE engine repair Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor “A” Circuit High CODES (P2562 & P2565) continuously come and go. Check engine light comes on and off for the same codes. Knocking noise continues, loss of acceleration as if voltage or gas was lost, steering wheel speed control buttons (+/-) no longer properly function since engine replacement. It now has a class 2 leak. Safety risk:when driving it loses speed or fails to accelerate may cause crash. KIA dealership has tried to access the code but Codes are spontaneous, same for loss of acceleration.
Vehicle was in an accident on the highway. It rolled 3 times before landing on the roof and sliding from the highway to the grass. NONE of the airbags deployed.
I have snow white pearl color car. I noticed that the there is painting peeling off my car. I also had my windshield replaced by safelite and they took a chunk of paint off my car as well and are refusing to pay for damage.
In accordance with Kia recall SC212, client had HECU/ABS module & multi fuse kit replaced/installed on September 10, 2021. The ABS warning light began to show on 10/6/2023. Client was told by licensed Kia dealer that the HECU needed to be replaced again due to fire risk. Dealer stated since there aren’t any active recall campaigns on vehicle, repairs would need to be paid by client. Client is seeking reimbursement for having the HECU replaced the second time since the recall replacement failed.
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 come out of pocket since there is not a recall by VIN, even though vehicle is having the same symptoms as recall aforementioned.
Summer 2017 The engine failed while driving with my family. The engine seized and a fire was engulfed. I was in the interstate and we feared for our life. Out of town visiting family we were stranded in another state for a month waiting for repairs. Kia took the vehicle and replaced the engine with another faulty engine that has seized several times while commuting. I have been living in fear and anxiety since this incident. I never know if I start my engine if I will loose my life. Summer 2023 3 teenagers watched a viral tic tok challenge and learned how faulty the cylinder that Kia installed was. The teens then trespassed into my home, broke the windows and stole my vehicle. I have lived in fear since this has happened. I have lost jobs, income, and peace due to The purchase of this vehicle. Kia has never assisted or kept the promises they made to restore the vehicle. These past 10 years agave been a nightmare and as an African American woman I believe I was targeted as a purchaser for this make and model. My life had been hell since the purchase of this vehicle. I have not been able to satisfy payment due to repairs, thefts, fires, and more. Please anyone. Someone. Help. This is the most heartbreaking experience as an American. I have worked for my country 20 years and do not feel like an equal citizen. I have been homeless, jobless, unstable, and watched my life and family life flash before me in near death accidents involving this car. When I purchased this car I had a g
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 chain had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled to have the vehicle towed to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Rattle noise on the freeway, all electric lights on dash board started flashing. Car died on the side of the road. Did not restart. Engine was making a bubble noise (like overheating) with steam. When I checked my oil, showed dark and metal flakes. Recent oil change. Towed my mechanic and they said I have MAJOR engine issues.
While driving my car an Alan went off telling me to pull over and turn off the vehicle. Unfortunately, I had no steering, brakes or acceleration and me and my two little boys were almost hit. I checked and my car year, make and model had a recall for the exact issue and module but mine wasn’t listed in the recall and I think it should be!
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NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
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