2014 Kia Optima engine problems
280 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2014 Kia Optima — 48% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“While driving the engine seized In April 2026 on the interstate. The vehicle started to decelerate while cars where flying on the interstate. The problem has not been fixed. The issue has been inspected by the manufacturer. There were no warnings or sighs before the care seized.”
filed Jul 20, 2026
“The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly stopped. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact used a scanner and retrieved a code for failure with the knock sensor detection system and glow plug relay. The vehicle was towed…”
filed Jul 17, 2026
“On 7/13/26 around 0715 my son was driving our 2014 Kia optima when it caught fire and burned from the engine to the back of the car. Fire dept and law enforcement had to respond and the vehicle along with thousands of dollars of property was destroyed by the fire. This vehicle is a total loss and I’m trusting an…”
filed Jul 13, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear…Campaign 17V224000 · Mar 31, 2017
Related service bulletins
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar…
TSB_ENG222_R8 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 3, 2025TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar…
TSB_ENG222_R7 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 28, 2025
Engine problems in other Optima years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 Optima | 92 | 67% |
| 2019 Optima | 86 | 42% |
| 2018 Optima | 129 | 56% |
| 2017 Optima | 161 | 64% |
| 2016 Optima | 423 | 56% |
| 2015 Optima | 618 | 62% |
| 2013 Optima | 610 | 44% |
| 2012 Optima | 398 | 43% |
| 2011 Optima | 254 | 43% |
| 2010 Optima | 9 | 12% |
| 2009 Optima | 14 | 12% |
| 2008 Optima | 18 | 13% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2014 Kia Optima
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.