general problems of the 2014 Kia Motor Optima - part 1

The dealer stated my engine repair is not covered under the recall/warranty because an ecu software update was not performed. I was quoted $8500 for engine replacement (long block). I have owned this vehicle for 2 months, going on 3. I am requesting a review of whether this vehicle qualifies for any engine recall or safety-related warranty coverage, as the explanation provided by the dealership appears inconsistent.

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 vehicle was having engine problems in 2024. It was towed to the dealership because it was a recall on it. The new engine is malfunctioning as well causing me to lose power while driving. I have only put 2,000 miles on the car since the engine was replaced.

Issue: my 2014 kia Optima has repeatedly experienced overheating, flashing check?engine light, and loss of coolant. The dealership has misdiagnosed the issue multiple times and returned the vehicle to me in unsafe condition. Safety concern: the vehicle overheats while driving, the check?engine light flashes, and the engine loses power. This creates a serious risk of engine failure while on the road. I am concerned about potential engine damage, stalling, or fire risk due to overheating.

While driving down the highway, my engine completely turned off. I was able to get to a safe location. When I tried turning the car back on, it would not turn back on. I took it to kia, and they said I was covered under warranty due to their settlement. However, due to the salvage title of the car, they will not replace the engine, even though that is what their recall settlement covers.

My vehicle was leaking oil an oil change. My vehicle started having a knocking sound. I am a single parent of a [xxx] child. The car would suddenly stop while I was driving which put me and my daughter's safety at risk. I took if to southern kia greenbriar dealership to have a diagnostic test on Jan 17, 2026. [xxx] from the dealership confirmed my vehicle needs a new engine. It could be covered under the recall, however I would need to show receipts of every oil change from 2017 to 2026. The dealership has had my vehicle for over 2 1/2 months. My vehicle or component has been inspected by the kia dealership, but not inspected by the police, insurance representatives or others. I noticed my oil on my drive way Jan 10th and put additional oil in my vehicle. Shortly after I began to noticed the car suddenly stopping for no reason, then heard a knocking sound when driving. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The engine failed after a prior engine replacement performed by the manufacturer. The failure caused the vehicle to become non-operational and created a risk of sudden loss of power and engine stalling while driving. The vehicle required towing and could not be safely driven. This is a repeat engine failure involving the same vehicle.

Motor blew going down the road.

My 2014 kia Optima is burning oil heavily and emitting fumes into the cabin. The dealership confirmed an engine issue but said they are waiting on paperwork to replace the engine. I’ve been told to continue driving it even though the burning smell enters the car and causes headaches. I believe this is a safety hazard.

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.

Check engine light was flashing and the car wouldn’t accelerate up to speed, wouldn’t turn over when tried to start.

The contact owned a 2014 kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact was flagged down by a nearby driver. The contact was informed that fire was coming from underneath the hood. In addition, the contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact and the contact's dog exited the vehicle. No injuries were sustained. The fire department and police were called to the scene. The fire department extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The fire report was unavailable. The vehicle had not been inspected. The contact had received a recall notification NHTSA campaign number: 21v331000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

The contact owned a 2014 kia Optima. The contact stated that after her daughter had parked the vehicle and shut off the engine, a fire had started under the hood as she exited. No warning lights illuminated. There was no odor or strange sound during the failure. The local fire department had arrived on scene to extinguish the fire. The local fire department deemed that the cause of the fire was started with the hecu. It was unknown if a police report was filed. The vehicle was left at the contact's relative's residence, where it remains for further investigation. The vehicle was deemed a total loss since it was consumed by the fire. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was sought. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000.

On 3 July 2025, while driving the car suddenly lost power and started smoking under the hood. I pulled over, exited the vehicle, and an engine fire started a minute later. The fire department put out the fire. The safety of myself and my child were at risk. We were driving at 40 miles per hour when the car lost power and caught fire. There were no warning lights. The car was towed to an independent repair shop to be evaluated, but results have not yet been gathered. There are known issues and recalls associated with 2014 kia Optima and with its engine losing power and catching fire, but my VIN was not included in the recalls when it should have been. This could have resulted in injury or the loss of life. At a minimum it has caused a loss of financial stability for my family due to kia failing to produce and maintain safe vehicles.

Heavy white/gray smoke on acceleration after driving for 30 min.

The contact owns a 2014 kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, the contact heard a loud knocking sound coming from the engine compartment, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.

While driving my 2014 kia Optima on the freeway the vehicle lost power completely and the car stopped almost causing me to be rear ended. I have reached out to kia in dublin since the vehicle should be covered under sc147 the vehicle has been at kia since may and kia is refusing to do repairs.

The contact owns a 2014 kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted by the mechanic and the mechanic was advised that the vehicle should be taken to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who requested the oil change receipts before the contact could receive the engine replacement under the lifetime warranty. The contact was denied a rental by the dealer. The contact became aware that the engine was a rebuilt engine when the vehicle was purchased, which was not information that was provided at that time of purchase. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 119,000.

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.

After an oil change and spark plugs drove 3 miles and now car will not drive code is manifold p0106 need this fixed dealer cannot determine issue car is at nalley kia in stonecrest GA.

Issues with the engine running hot//drains oil constantly, have to get an oil change/oil fill ~every 2k miles.

There was no accident or anything the problem just happened out of nowhere there was only sound then the car shut off and the engine stopped working.

I was driving my 2014 kia ex and I heard a knocking noise, as I was driving my car stopped accelerating and went into limp mode. I took it to kearny mesa kia and they told me it was the knock sensor code p1326 I have looked and seen that there are plenty of recalls pertaining to this specific issue. Why are they telling me I have to pay for this when it is clearly something that is wrong with this on many vehicles across the board? I need my car fixed and back. Please help me.

I noticed my oil was not staying in the engine. Oil has been changed but seems not to retain. The car stalled out on February 2nd and would not restart. I believe it is seized. Noticed a very new and recent shake during braking days before it stalled. The fuel seems to show like 42 miles to go until empty but run out , I guess fuel pump or fuel float. Also a fuel smell. Also the digital service option does not work never a check engine light or anything . I've read many things by others who own same vehicle and had same issues. I purchased this car in August/September. I feel the dealer may have known of these issues and still sold the car. Please help me figure out how to address these issues to get it fixed.

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 15 mph down the road 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 wide by 3-4 feet deep.

Upon an engine light appearing I immediately turned the car around, and parked it at my fiancé's house. I had called kia and it was a little bit until I could take my car in. I had driven it over there which did ride a little rough. Informing kia of my issue they inspected it. I was told the second cylinder had melted which was caused by a spark plug. I do not understand how this happened, kia said I am responsible for this and that they will not cover any repairs. As a result my car is junk and I am now left without a vehicle. I believed that it was caused due to the theta ii class action law suit as the only possibility for this happening is due to the fact that the car consumes large amounts of oil and constantly needs replenished. Which I believe is a direct cause, and high oil consumption is apart of the defect within the "theta ii class action. " however they denied my claim.

The contact owns a 2014 kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine, and the vehicle suddenly went into limp mode. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact then drove to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that an unknown software update regarding the engine knocking was previously performed on the vehicle. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be covered due to the rebuilt title. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

The contact owns a 2014 kia Optima. The contact stated after the vehicle was started and warmed up, the engine made an abnormal loud knocking sound. The vehicle was towed to chavez automotive, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. Additionally, the dealer was contacted for the recall repair of NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic); however, the dealer informed the contact that the recall repair could not be performed due to the vehicle having a salvage title. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

Engine seized and failed whilst traveling 70 mph down I-10.

The contact owns a 2014 kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 65 mph several hours after an oil change was performed on the vehicle, the engine seized. The battery, the check engine, and the low oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road close to a swamp. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer contacted the manufacturer, and an engineer was sent to diagnose the vehicle. The engineer determined that the repair could not be covered because kia campaign number: pi1803 (knock sensor detection system - ecu logic improvement) had not been performed on the vehicle; however, the contact had not received the service campaign notification in the mail. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact followed up with the manufacturer, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 127,718.

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.

Motor seized up.

The contact owns a 2014 kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 40 mph, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The contact also stated that the failure had occurred several days earlier, but the vehicle was able to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the camshaft sensor. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic, who additionally determined that the engine had seized due to abnormal bearing wear, resulting in irreparable engine damages. 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 notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 136,000.

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.

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 have fully taking advantage of me and that I do not know much about cars but lucky I had someone else look at it that does know a lot about cars before taking it to kia. Otherwise I wouldn't have known they were trying to scam me. It is awful!.