10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
6 / 20
Injuries / Deaths:
6 / 0
Average Mileage:
56,263 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2014 Kia Optima engine problems

engine problem

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2014 Kia Optima Owner Comments (Page 7 of 11)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #98

Aug 182019

Optima

  • 127,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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 started up but had a terrible knocking sound and can barely accelerate. Dropped off at Kia dealership. It's Sunday so waiting to here back tomorrow.

- Wellington, KS, USA

problem #97

Aug 082019

Optima

  • miles
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. While driving 10 mph, the engine completely shut off without warning. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but was unsuccessful. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 17V224000 (engine and cooling). The contact was unaware of the recall prior to filing a complaint with NHTSA. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the contact's home. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

problem #96

Jul 222019

Optima

  • 128,000 miles
There was a recall on the Kia Optimas for the tod bearings in the engine. I had the recall done on April 8 2019. As of 7/22/19 the same code P1326 and symptoms arw are happening again which are check engine light blinking the car is in limp mode the car was smoking and it can't go over a certain speed

- Rocky Point, NY, USA

problem #95

Mar 312019

Optima

  • 65,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. While driving 50 mph, the vehicle began to stall and would not accelerate. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle. Once restarted, the vehicle operated normally. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine failed. The contact attempted to speak with the dealer, but had communication issues. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 65,000.

- Barre, VT, USA

problem #94

Jul 062019

Optima

  • miles
Driving today on interstate 20 in South Carolina at 70 mph and car just suddenly cut off. Had to wait 31/2 hours for tow through Kia roadside assistance in 95 degree weather. Car will not start, had battery checked but car won't do anything, all dash lights, headlights, radio all will come on but the engine won't turn over to crank.

- Loris, SC, USA

problem #93

Aug 182018

Optima

  • 90,000 miles
I purchased my Kia Optima 2014 brand new off of a dealership lot. A few years later I was driving to California and my engine completely went out, I called the 800 number for Kia they towed my car back to the dealership. Kia had failed to inform me that there was a campaign for a recall for my engine however they did replace the engine at the exact same dealership I purchased it from. As soon as the engine was replaced our started to smelling gasoline aroma along with leaking from underneath my car. I called the dealership they told me that that was normal and those things would soon subside. A few months later as I was backing into my garage my neighbor frantically wave me down stating that there was smoke and flames coming from the car I looked over to the passenger side and I did see smoke and I looked over to the driver side and I saw a red fire and smoke I jumped out of the car. The fire department soon came within 6 minutes my car was halfway ignited into flames. He has stated they would send out a forensic fire investigator and I should hire my own fire investigator. I did so he has yet to disclose their finding on cause of fire. However shortly thereafter my forensic fire investigators hit me over information stating that Kia failed to replace the clip that was absolutely mandatory from the gas tank to the engine. This poses a big issue for consumers can potentially put their lives in danger. Unfortunately I'm a victim of this and I feel Kia should be obligated to write they're wrong.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #92

Jun 112019

Optima

  • 66,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Our car completely shut down while driving on a busy highway at 55 mph. It restarted but now fast forward to a few days and it has completely shut down again and requires a tow to a dealer. We tried to explain last year that this car was having engine trouble that included revving without being on gas and bogging down. Dealer kept telling us there is N O relation to the recall that was issued. Strangely enough the car just passed out of warranty by 6000 miles and here we are with no car. Kia should be forced to recall every 2014 Optima. We very nearly could have been killed and the dealer is not helpful at all. Collusion?

- Buffalo Grove, IL, USA

problem #91

May 312019

Optima

  • 5 miles
I was driving on the road and noticed my car hesitating to go over 20. Like it was about to cut off my check engine light kept blinking on and off. I took it up to auto zone near me and a code read my rod bearing is defective. I heard a loud knocking noise, it got louder as I drove the car on the road.

- Warren, MI, USA

problem #90

May 282019

Optima

  • 50,000 miles
I took my vehicle to have the 1803 software update done less than 2 weeks ago. I was driving back from vacation going approx. 80 mph the car cut off and several dashboard lights came on. I was in the far left lane, my car was decelerating, I needed to move across two lanes of traffic to get to the side of the road! it is an absolute miracle I was not hit or something catastrophic happened. I have called the dealership where I had the software update done. He was very transparent and explained the 1803 software update to me. Ideally the concept is to set the computer so the engine will shut down to avoid piston or other parts to go through the engine. The software update raises the sensitivity level to detect an issue with the engine, not necessarily to correct or stop it from happening but was told the update is done so it will not cause a catastrophic situation to the engine! seriously"!! it did cause a catastrophic situation, I was lucky to not have been killed! my car sits 2 hours away, 2 1/2 days later and no answers. I called twice, I have been told I should have some answers today around 2 pm. I asked how I will get my car, I was told Kia does have a "reunite" program but seeing as it is w/in the same state it may not be approved to get my car delivered! Kia is joking, right" my car (obviously) is having major issues and researching issues and reports online appear to point to the engine. Is there a class action law suit going on right now? I am going to look into this and pretty sure I won't be purchasing another Kia ever and will be telling numerous people and social media outlets about this horrific story that could have ended tragically for me. P.S. when I contacted Kia for a tow I was told it would be 90 minutes, I sat in 98 degree heat on side of road for an hour and a half! thanks Kia! improve your cars and all facets of customer service.

- Marietta, GA, USA

problem #89

May 292019

Optima

  • 49,000 miles
As I was driving on the freeway my started to make a weird noise. As I accelerated to get over to eventually pull over my car started making a loud knocking sound. As I opened the hood you could definitely tell the noise was coming from the engine I looked online and their was a recall for the same exact issue.

- Fairfield, CA, USA

problem #88

Apr 262019

Optima

  • 88,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I was on interstate 95 when my car would not accelerate. I had to go all the way over to the right lane as I was slowing down to get off a exit to see what was wrong with my car. I turned it off and it would not turn back on. A wrecker took it to a body shop and my motor seized up due to bearing wear. I was so terrified and hoping I could get over and off the exit safely. I am just shy of 90,000 miles, but have only had it since August. I have read many reviews and post about the recall in the 2014 Kia Optima motors and I had the same issues.

- Jesup, GA, USA

problem #87

Apr 232019

Optima

  • 55,562 miles
After beginning to accelerate to make a left turn through an intersection, the acceleration cut out and the engine began making a grinding/ cranking noise. I rolled to a stop just past the intersection (luckily no one hit me) and had to turn the car completely off. It reset and everything began working again after restarting it.

- Albuquerque, NM, USA

problem #86

Jan 032019

Optima

  • 54 miles
I have been having problems with my Cadillac convertible on my car I have gotten it replaced in year 8/2018 it had broken down in the inside of my motor now it's 2/2019 and it has lost power again and making the same noise as if pins are being thrown around in my mortor.I have took my car back to Kia to try and solve this problem but they are telling me I have to pay 3000 dollars because after they fixed the part it came off warranty. I told the man in the service department that they had Dodge to fix my car and now a couple months later the problem accrue again and Kia well not fix it but telling me not to drive my car that im still paying a car note for hmmmm. When this problem happened I was travel nurse driving on the highway which I had to come off my travel job because I was scared my car was going to ahut down on me because will act as if its going to shut off all the time.

- Meridian, MS, USA

problem #85

Apr 202019

Optima

  • 110,000 miles
Takata recall. I have 2014 Kia Optima ex. The vehicles engine shutoff while I was driving with my 4 year old son in the car, thankfully at a slow speed in a shopping plaza parking lot. The dash lights work, but the engine will not start. I had the vehicle towed to a shop who found the starter had been fried and replaced it thinking it would solve the problem, but the new starter was fried as well and upon further investigation they realized the engine has completely seized. Kia while having recalls for the same issue on other Kia Optima vehicles will not replace my engine, leaving me with a financial mess. I have not received an invoice from the shop as of yet due to the vehicle not being drivable and my attempts to find a way to fund the repairs, but will retain the invoice once received.

- Austin, TX, USA

problem #84

Apr 052016

Optima

  • 39,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact heard an extremely loud noise coming from the engine compartment. The manufacturer's remedy for the knock sensor detection test (campaign number PI1803 - (ksds)) for a software update failed to provide a permanent repair. Shortly after the vehicle was repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 17V224000 (engine and engine cooling) by car pros Kia glendale (400 S brand blvd, glendale, ca 91204, (818) 745-1400), the noise continued. The engine assembly was replaced; however, the failure continued. The vehicle was taken to two other dealers: Kia of alhambra (1247 w main St, alhambra, ca 91801, (626) 478-1012) and covina valley Kia (626 S citrus ave, covina, ca 91723, (626) 736-4275) for further diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and provided a case number. The approximate failure mileage was 39,000.

- Alhambra, CA, USA

problem #83

Mar 082019

Optima

  • 115,200 miles
My car shut off coming off of the highway, I don't know what's going on they're saying my car isn't under recall this I've had my car for about 2.5 years and maintenance has been kept up always this is costing me more than my car is worth

- Beaumont, TX, USA

problem #82

Nov 262018

Optima

  • miles
The contact leased a 2014 Kia Optima. While driving, the vehicle hesitated as if it would stall. The contact would have to apply pressure to the accelerator pedal to pick up speed. In addition, the oil and check engine indicators flashed. The contact later received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17V224000 (engine and engine cooling). The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

- Cordova, TN, USA

problem #81

Mar 012019

Optima

  • 115,000 miles
My car has been perfectly fine for the past two years I have had it. Up until yesterday morning on my way home from work I noticed my car was starting to run hot on my way home.I brought it to the nearest shop and they cleared that it was in fact my motor after they checked everything and now my vehicle is not drivable... I always keep up with oil changes and continuous maintenance on my vehicle ever since I purchased it. The mechanic isn't understanding what happend and is assuring me that they may be a recall on my vehicle. So now I am here..

- Beaumont, TX, USA

problem #80

Feb 122019

Optima

  • 88,000 miles
I noticed my 2014 Kia Optima's engine knocking a few months ago. I only noticed because I was parked and stepped out of my vehicle. I took the car to Kia dealership where they told me there is a recall on the engine bearings and it would be very dangerous for me to continue to drive it. They kept the car a couple of days, said they could not hear it knocking and sent the car back to me. On 2/12/19 I once again was parked and stepped out of my vehicle to hear it knocking very loudly. I took out my phone and recorded the noise, emailed Kia dealership and took the car in the next day. They listened to the video and was alarmed at how loud and bad the knocking was. They kept the car about 12 days and are now saying my video is not relevant because I did not get the VIN # in the video and they still can't hear a knocking sound. At this point I'm worried to drive the car. I'm afraid the engine could lock up without warning, but I am also not in a position to buy a new car or trade. If they would just replace or repair the item recalled that would be great, but Kia does not want to honor their recall for me. This is my only vehicle that my kids and I can use for our commute to school and work. I have attached the video I sent to the Kia dealership.

- Centerton, AR, USA

problem #79

Jan 272019

Optima

  • 98,000 miles
My boyfriend and I took a trip on a Sunday afternoon about 35 minutes from home. We stopped just off the highway for lunch and as we existed the parking lot we noticed a knocking noise. We continued driving but the knocking was worsening. We pulled off the highway because the bearings began to make a noise and the car sputtered as we reached the exit. We barely made it to a gas station where we parked the car and called a tow truck. Two days later we tried to start the car and the engine has locked up. I've contacted Kia support and they have not responded, I've also contacted the dealership with the same result.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

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