general problems of the 2014 Kia Motor Optima - part 1

The car is available upon inspection, the car caught on fire after being driven for about 45 mins. Smoke started to come from under the car hood, fire starting dropping from underneath the vehicle and then fire started coming from under the hood of the car. The car started smoking while being inside vehicle and the fire could've spread. The fire was put out by the fire department, the vehicle has not been inspected as of yet. No warning signs.

My car has a engine light on an I was told it has a recall on it it a fuel sending unit-n and a fuel pump lock ring -n.

My oil pressure sensor failed and is leaking oil into the electrical wire harness and all over the engine including intake and exhaust pipes which is a fire risk. It is the exact same issue as another recall affecting 2011 to 2014 kia models/years: 2019 safety recall (rconl-19v101-0000) that involves replacing the oil pressure switch in certain 2011-2014 models if a leak is found. Additionally, a 2022 technical service bulletin (mc-10210268-0001) extended the warranty for the oil pressure switch replacement to 15 years/150,000 miles for eligible vehicles. The recall addressed potential oil leaks, and the warranty extension covers the switch itself. 2019 safety recall (rconl-19v101-0000) what it covered: the recall was for certain 2011-2014 kia models and involved inspecting and potentially replacing the oil pressure switch (ops) and the oil pan if an oil leak was detected. Unfortunately at this time the dealership is claiming that this recall does not include my specific vehicle by VIN and I will have to cover the repair outside of warranty/recall to make the vehicle function properly/eliminate the oil leak/fire risk. It would be great if other kia Optima owners could be protected and covered by the recall I mentioned above.

[xxx] , [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] email: [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] date: October 5, 2025 kia America, inc. Consumer affairs department [xxx] subject: request for goodwill repair – defective paint on 2014 kia Optima lx dear kia consumer affairs team, I am writing to formally request assistance regarding the defective paint on my 2012 kia Optima lx. The paint has begun to peel and flake on several areas of the vehicle, including [insert locations — e. G. , the hood and roof, if you want to specify], and the problem continues to worsen over time. My vehicle details are as follows: •year/model: 2014 kia Optima lx •VIN: [xxx] •mileage: 187,000 miles •color: silver after researching this issue, I learned that many other kia owners with similar models and colors have experienced the same paint defects. It appears to be a known issue related to the factory paint or clear coat used on certain kia vehicles from this period. I have always maintained my Optima properly and have not had any repainting or accident-related body work done. The paint defect significantly impacts the car’s appearance and resale value, and I respectfully request that kia provide a goodwill repair or repaint under its customer satisfaction or defect resolution policy. Please let me know how I should proceed to have the vehicle inspected or evaluated. I have photographs of the damaged areas available for your review upon request. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to your response. Sincerely, [xxx] [xxx] email: [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The wire that causes the car to crank start burning that in the wiring hardness. Which it make the car hard to crank.

While driving kia Optima, unable to turn steering wheel. No notice when first starting vehicle. While driving, a traction and steering wheel light turns on without a sound(ding) to notify driver. Then once driver attempts to turn, unable due to steering wheel locked. Unsafe to drive on the road. Dangerous for all passengers. Our safety is put at risk due to unable to turn steering wheel while driving. Must turn vehicle off in middle of road, then it resets so steering wheel to turn. Code c12 60 returns for power steering sensor malfunction.

While driving my car I will get a sign that pops up flashing says “check hybrid system stop vehicle and turn off engine” with a hev inside of a yellow triangle. Some times it will go off on its own but most times I have to pull over turn my car off and then once I start it back it’s fine. Some times my car will loose power but no too often. It’s very unsafe and happens randomly. I also notice that if I turn my air conditioner on high it triggers my car to do that. I changed my hybrid battery twice and my 12v battery. I’ve taken it to kia and other mechanics but no one can figure out what’s going on.

While driving home one day, the engine shut off while in traffic. The engine light had started to blink right before. The battery, starter, and oil levels were fine. A mechanic later confirmed the engine was locked. I see there are articles stating there were engine recalls for 2011-2014 kia Optima’s, but my 2014 kia Optima ex was denied. Please help. I love my kia. Thanks.

Brake lights only work when car has lights off when libyans are on brake lights stay on entire time.

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 a nearby driver that fire was coming from underneath the front of the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle into a nearby parking lot and exited the vehicle. In addition, the contact's disabled son was also an occupant in the vehicle making the situation very frightening. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. A fire report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard and mentioned the fire was electrical. The vehicle was condemned as a total loss by the insurance company. The contact was informed that due to the vehicle fire, the local establishment sprinkler system was activated and caused damage. The VIN was not included in a recall however the contact believed the failure was an electrical short which resulted in an engine compartment fire. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.

Complaint summary: I am the current owner of a 2014 kia Optima, which is affected by recall 23v652 related to the hydraulic electronic control unit (hecu). The vehicle was imported to the uae, and the recall was not addressed by the previous owner. As a result, I am now facing significant safety issues. Since taking ownership, I have encountered multiple engine problems, including sudden power loss, severe vibrations, and abnormal behavior from the throttle. These symptoms align with the issues outlined in the recall notice, indicating that the vehicle may pose a safety risk to me and other road users. Despite my efforts to diagnose the problems, I have already incurred costs exceeding 13 aed on various repairs and diagnostic services, all while being unaware of the existing recall. It was only recently that I discovered the recall information online, which has heightened my concern regarding the safety of my vehicle and the potential for further complications. Given these circumstances, I am requesting assistance from the NHTSA in resolving this recall issue and guidance on how to proceed with the necessary repairs while the vehicle is registered under my name in the uae. It is crucial for me to ensure the safety of my vehicle for my own protection and for the safety of others on the road. I appreciate your attention to this urgent matter and look forward to any support you can provide. Please let me know if further information or documentation is needed thanks alot.

Car caught fire, parked in driveway, partially damaged the house.

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.

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.

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.

I was driving down the street when car caught on fire out of no where.

The antenna cover completely came off, nothing hit it, it just fell off. I know there is a technical bulletin sa272 for the 2016my Optima for the exact same reason. My radio no longer works as it displays antenna error and I have lost all am radio usage and fm radio is barely clear. I’m afraid this could cause an electrical issue now that the wiring and circuitry for the antenna is now exposed.

Driving from arquette, I to st. Ignace, I on Saturday, August 6, 2023 when I was passing a slower moving car on -28 eastbound, when the engine stalled and had to be towed to idas muffler shop at 2192 us hwy 41 w. , arquette, I, 49855. Upon further evaluation it was discovered that the engine had seized and is frozen up. There is currently a recall for engine seizures, reference number 17v224000, and kia's number for this recall is sc147.

Today, 7/11/23, I was traveling on the interstate with no issue. Upon exiting the interstate up a slight hill, there was one car in front of me, I let off the gas and began to roll backwards I hit the brake and didn't think anything of it at first. The car in front of me pulled forward and I took my foot off of the brake and began to roll backwards again, I hit the gas and nothing happened, during this I also heard what sounded like a clunk noise. At this point I put my flashers on and looked at the dashboard, I saw three lights that have never appeared before. (oil light, battery light, and check engine light) I placed the car in park and sat for a moment. The car was still on but not running, I pressed my start button and the car turned over the lights went off and I drove about 3 miles down the road to a lot. Once the car cooled I checked the oil and the level was fine no smoke nothing strange. I went to pull out and drive again and the same exact thi g happened again. However, a few hours later my fiance drove it home and had no issue. If my car had rolled back I could have hit someone or been hit. It's something unknown and is dangerous. This all just happened today and it has not been taken anywhere yet.

The car caught fire last night and burned up while parked.

Hev warning light comes on and says hev malfunction, stop car. Within seconds the car shuts off and has no brakes and then stops in road construction, blocking up an entire lane of traffic, as there was no shoulder because of barricades. I panic as I can’t get out without getting ran over. After sitting for 5 minutes, car restarts and drives away ok. Car has done this off and on for 2 years. After the first incident, I took it to kia of new bern who charged me $400 to “update software” according to a TSB, even though it was under warranty. After getting the car back, the next day the warning came back on. I called kia of new bern and they said they will charge another diagnostics fee I couldn’t afford, so I didn’t go back. There are many others who have had the same issue with their kia hybrids. These cars are a danger to their drivers and the unknowing public who share the roads with them. Kia should be ashamed of the amount of cars experiencing this issue and their lack of solutions to fix it.

The hybrid system on my vehicle continues to show an error when operating the vehicle. The manual says to not operate the vehicle, but the dealership continues to deny the issue with my vehicle. Currently, I'm without my vehicle for approximately a period of two weeks with no resolution to fix my car. I have asked for information under the vehicle care act, but have not been given a current report on the repair needed.

I was making a right hand turn and I noticed my turn signal was flashing very fast. So I pulled over once I had the opportunity to. I turned on my signal and checked to see if they were working and found my rear to be out. Went to the parts store purchased new bulbs and drove home. My husband changed the bulbs on both sides and it still did the same thing I checked the bulbs and they were the correct ones so we swapped it and still not working. Has a electrical issue in the tail light assembly.

I was driving down the interstate for my work commute apx 70 mph when hev warning light engaged and vehicle went into limp mode. Had vehicle towed to dealership after running several tests determined the engine was knocking and needed replaced. After 2 months reman engine placed in vehicle. Vehicle function apx 6 months when the exact same problem occured on the highway traveling apx 60 mph. Vehicle is still in dealership. Thankfully, both times I was able to coast to the shoulder and avoid a collision. There is something wrong with these vehicles that need to be fixed.

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 light has had to be replaced 7 times since I bought car in February 2021.

Fourth time this problem has occurred: while at speed, the engine turns off and I get a hybrid system warning. This time I was turning into a parking lot, speed about 10 mph. Car barely drifted out of the driving lane. I shut down the vehicle for 5 minutes. Upon restart, engine light is on. Very dangerous situation with these engines shutting off. It's been about 10 months since "repair" at a kia dealership for this issue. Kia has failed to fix these issues and there are many reports of the exact same issue on various websites.

I currently own 2014 kia Optima just hit 104600 miles. I have never had an issue except my brake lights repeatly burning out. I recently checked my oil which was a little low I bought 2 quarts and put them in my car. A few weeks later my oil light flashed than went off I checked my oil again and there was nothing on my dipstick. From there I I drove 2 blocks to my the oil change place down the street from my home. The mechanic notified me that my engine was burning to hot , and I had less than a quart of oil left in my car. I told him that was strange since ive never had any leaks. He notified me that this was a known issue with this car and to take it straight to the kia dealership because the engine is failing . From there I did an oil change and drove to kia. I dropped it there to be check and was notified that the couldnt see an issue to drive it 1000 mile and bring it back. I picked it up and continued to drive about 10-14 days later I was driving and accelerated to get on the freeway and my car blew a bunch of white smoke from the tail pipe and lost power for a moment and engine light came on. I checked my oil and it was very low again . I called kia back and had my car towed back to kia dealership. After they looked over they notified me that my oil valves inside the engine were bad and that it was burning the oil ho. They said would contact kma to see if it would fall under the recall. I was later notified that I would have to repair it myself as there is no knock code - or complete engine seizing, im currenly unable to drive my car / and owe thousands on the car still. This is just unfair for consumers who buy there products. ## #vpic# 1 - check digit (9th position) does not calculate properly; 3 - VIN corrected, error in one position (assuming check digit is correct); 14 - unable to provide information for all the characters in the VIN. #vpic#.

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 happened several months ago. I do not feel safe in this vehicle - the error occurs out of the blue and loss of power is very dangerous.

Hev light came on dashboard stating "check hybrid system. Stop vehicle and turn off engine". Vehicle was in motion in city on traffic light and suddenly got that and car stopped in 15 sec and could not move anymore. Luckily it did not happen on highway cause 15 sec is not enough for safely stopping! witnesses helped to push the card to the shoulder approximately 100 feet. Electric brake system was locked as well cause of hev system stopped suppling the power. Kia concord replaced the safety plug assy-male 125 amps to 150 amps (part # k 37586 4r002). Car had only 82k. As far I see this is a common issue and if manufacturer in all cases upgrades it to higher fuse, then this is a reason for recall. Now I warry about next electrical issue that can cause that fuse.

I experience a bms warning light on my hybrid vehicle indicating to stop the vehicle and do not drive. This happen on the fast lane of the 14 freeway in acton CA. I took the car to the local kia I was told it was the hybrid coolant a computer program and a hybrid drive belt replaced the computer program. The update of the program I would of not know about the issue since only dealers are aware of it. I paid over 700. 00 when I picked up my car for the repairs. Drove it the next day I experience loss of power again when I was trying to cross an intersection in the city of acton. My car almost stop and the hev warning light came on. Called the dealer again and was told to bring it right away. The service advisor called me after a week and half later and told me the problem was the power relay assembly and the hybrid battery that had to be replaced. Per repair adviser, this issue is a common but for him to do the repairs I would need to pay 5800. 00. He did advise to call kia corporation for possible assistance but they were no help. Since I can not afford the 5800. I picked up my car again from the dealership and paid an additional 318. 00 for diagnose services. This is a known issue with kia since the service adviser told me he only had a bulletin memo of possible issues with loss of power. I asked if this warrant a recall but the answer was no since it's only a memo and the batteries are built to last only 150,000 miles I was lucky it lasted and additional 18000. Miles. I just bought this vehicle 3 years ago and now I'm sitting on a giant paper weight since I can not drive my car to avoid further damage or possibly cause an accident.

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 alert to check brakes went on. I pushed the brakes over and over to get the alert off. It then over a time span of 3-5 min started to slowly run low on electricity because the hazards lights were blinking slower. I got it towed and waiting to see what is the problem. Been looking it up and most likely it's the fuse in the back trunk under the cover underneath.

I had taken the vehicle to the kia dealer in orange county, and they charged me extra to resolve the recall, and the vehicle's air conditioning system is no longer working, the gas intake is ridiculous, and the car does not have the same power as it used to.

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 coasted from the passing lane to the right lane and then to the shoulder without incident and was able to safely park the car. Kia failed to provide roadside assistance since the car has over 60,000 miles(actually has 121,398 miles approx). The car was towed to the jts kia dealership via my insurance coverage in columbia, SC. After the assessment I was told I had a blown main hybrid fuse which caused the battery and the relay assembly to fail. Charged $1756. 89 to replace the fuse, battery, and relay assembly. I present this as a safety issue because had I been on a major highway with my family in the middle of traffic, there would be no way possible to reach a lane shoulder without possible harm or death. According to kia's own "technical operations notice - ps515(rev 2, 02/28/2019" dated August 2017), they are fully aware of this problem. The battery fuse is to be replaced from a 125 amp to a 150 amp. This fuse is part of the safety plug located in the trunk. As a owner I should have been warned of this possibly happening to the car and given the option to have this fuse replaced. . . . At kia's expense. For those still driving this year and make Optima hybrid, please be aware of this occurrence. The 125 amp hv battery fuse should be replaced with the newer 150 amp hv battery fuse(part #375f2 4r150. See kia's pitstop: technical operations notice #ps515. Unfortunately my communication with kia proved fruitless.

I have a 2014 kia Optima and I keep up with the maintenance and also the recalls on my car the only thing I havevreall had to replace that was quite expensive to me was the battery so far but I took my car in to the dealership for the recall for the bearing and was told it was fine and everything checked out and they changed my oil for free less than 5 months later I am back at the kia dealership because I was driving down the highway at 6 am cold raining and sleeting and my car loses power engine light comes on flashing so I pull over turn off the engine then wait a minute turn it back on same thi g so I go to the dealership and was told they will check out my car and within 20 minutes told I need a new engine so now that the engine has been replaced less than a month ago my daytime running lights does not turn on and off like they are supposed to automatically if I dont turn them off or on then they won't be off or on I have had to replace my driverside headlight bulb for the second time now and when I'm driving it looks so dim so now I have to keep spending money every month on a bulb that isn't cheap my back passenger brake light keeps going out like every 3 weeks the kia Optima has some electrical issues and kia needs to issue a recall and get them all fixed before someone encounter a serious problem and kia have a much serious issue on their hands.

I was driving to work, same route same time, when my engine stalled while on the highway going around a curve. "hybrid system failure, pull over and turn off engine" was the error. I was able to coast around the curve and to the side of the highway. Had to tow it off the highway at first, and tried to jump it. (I had a problem in 2017 with the neutral safety switch on my battery, replaced safety switch/battery at the cost of 1k and a month due to the safety switch being an aspect of the recall for the non-hybrid Optimas). Battery was perfect, car was able to turn on, radio, ac, everything but the engine. Towed it to fredy kia (great shop by the way!), by the time it got there, they stated the battery was completely dead. They replaced, then tried to turn the engine both mechanically and by hand. Engine seized per dealership. (I know im an idiot for saying this but. . ) this is not the first kia that this has happened to with the same recall. I had a 2014 kia sportage in January have the exact same problem. All maintenance records (oil changes every 3500 miles, any belts/changes,etc. ) were presented to kia of which they recalled the 2014 sportage engine. With my Optima hybrid (same theta ii engine as the recall for the non-hybrid Optimas per kias own "investigations" since 2017) after contacting kia headquarters, they are stating that this is not the same issue but are willing to "work with me". Since then kia headquarters has talked to the dealership, and my car has been sitting there for almost 3 weeks with 0 response, or update on whats next. I currently both have and dont have a car. Moral of the story, please be careful with these cars! obviously they are flawed (my "seized" engine is no longer manufactured at all due to problems with the barrings, only fix is a short block engine replacement for my long block engine then fabricate the headers, etc. ).