Photo: IFCAR / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons
2014 Kia Optima: common problems and reliability
One of the worst Optima years.
One of the Kia Optima years to avoid. All Optima years
620 owner complaints, most about engine. 7 recalls.
Should I buy a 2014 Optima?The 2014 Kia Optima has 620 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and steering.
Safety record for the 2014 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2014 Kia Optima vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Optima years only. How we score it
Is 2014 a good year for the Optima?
Across the 20 Optima model years we track, complaint volume runs from 75 (2010) to 1,440 (2013). With 620 complaints, the 2014 Optima sits above the model's median of 225.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2014 Optima
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Campaign 18V907000Kia 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.
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Campaign 20V100000Kia 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.
service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
Campaign 20V519000Kia 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.
service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
Campaign 21V331000Kia 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.
Show 3 more recalls
engine and engine cooling:engine
Campaign 17V224000Kia 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.
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Campaign 22V093000Kia 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.
service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
Campaign 23V652000Kia 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.
What owners say across generations
Mixed sentiment with a strong generational divide. Long-term owners of earlier models (pre-2011) report exceptionally high reliability and satisfaction, with examples reaching over 270,000 miles with minimal maintenance beyond oil changes.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Optima. See the full Optima owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Optima listings typically run $8,155–$12,889 across 2011 to 2020 model years.
Other Optima model years
Compare every Optima year side by side to see how 2014 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Optima against its rivals
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