48 of the
786 complaints about the 2014 KIA Optima are about the
fuel system — 6% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
85,000 miles.
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 investigation as to I believe their fire started due to the engjbe and electrical faults of Kia motors.
NHTSA complaint #11750155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waldorf, MD
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
High pressure fuel This put me at risk because my car could have caught on fire if that gas leaked in a certain spot under the hood. Independent service center No warning signs. This is the second time, I am paying to get this done. There should be some type of recall on this part.
NHTSA complaint #11737512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Claymont, DEFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11734586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norfolk, VA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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)
NHTSA complaint #11729408 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hollis, OK
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Motor blew going down the road.
NHTSA complaint #11710570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesDuluth, MN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V10000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) and 21V331000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal fuel odor coming from the engine and entering the cabin of the vehicle through the A/C vents. The check engine warning light and ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact became aware that the vehicle was out of fuel. The contact added five gallons of fuel, and the vehicle stalled several miles down the road. The vehicle had again run out of fuel. The contact noticed that fuel was leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or inspected. The contact was informed that the fuel leak had nothing to do with the recall. However, the contact was informed that the battery portal was damaged and needed to be repaired before the recall repair was completed. The dealer asked the contact to pick up the vehicle. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11708343 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Palm Beach, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
It has problems with: High voltage battery voltage sensor circuit, the computer displays a code which is P1B74 and the car's dashboard displays a problem with the hybrid system and the initials HEV
NHTSA complaint #11683428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lithonia, GA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11649485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fredericksburg, VA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I had a fuel leak, I bought this used car from a used dealership. Took it afford kia last year where there was no fix for either the recall or the previous recall of the fuel leak (apparently it was already fixed) went to go replace part of the fuel line and it wasn't even properly fixed, they had electrical tape and zip ties around just an extra layer of rubber they put around it. Not sure who "fixed it" before but now I'm suffering the aftermath of a part of missing fuel line which I don't have the strength to get the metal link into it, and an undriveable car. I didn't even know there was a fuel line issue cause kia just told me there were no open recalls on it for anything fuel related instead of telling me there was a previous recall which clearly wasn't fixed properly.
NHTSA complaint #11646500 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lebanon, IN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My vehicle is leaking gas from hose and it was already repaired but still happening. Only getting worse and I saw that it's recalled twice however mine is saying no recalls.
NHTSA complaint #11633231 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waldorf, MD
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
A high pressure fuel pump, the car is at a shop to get worked on. I was told not to drive the vehicle because it can catch on fire. The part that was leaking was connected to the engine which could cause the car to catch fire if it touched the hot engine. I was scared to drive the vehicle because it smelled like straight gas, I was terrified thinking the car was going to blow up. So I parked the car , so nothing bad can happen to me or others. I also Called Kia of Waldorf and the did not have an appointment until the following week of the 20th. Yes this was confirmed by an independent service center. No there was not any warnings on the dash board. But I do know it was a recall one time before on the high pressure fuel for Kia optima’s.
NHTSA complaint #11614541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ivins, UT
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I bought this from a dealer ship and it is having some issues when it is gearing down dont know if its the fuel injectors or what but its got some issue with it getting proper fuel
NHTSA complaint #11602822 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
St. Petersburg, FLFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owned a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage, the vehicle had begun to burn. The fire department was called and the vehicle fire was controlled using water to extinguish the flames. The contact stated that the fire department filed a report. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to an impound lot and had not been examined by a dealer or insurance adjuster. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact was aware of one recall associated with the VIN, NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), however there were a total of three recalls - NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine), and NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V100000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that she was not aware of the other two recalls. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11578729 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, AZ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Car started to leak out the fuel pumps pressure system started to leak gas
NHTSA complaint #11571226 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesWaxahachie, TX
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle decelerated to 60 MPH, and was unable to accelerate as needed. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the knock sensor. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V093000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 165,000.
NHTSA complaint #11566215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,348 milesBartow, FL
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 75 MPH, the steering and brakes became inoperable. The vehicle began to coast and stopped. While driving, the vehicle shut off and failed to move. The hybrid system warning light was illuminated for approximately one minute. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where the fuse and brakes were changed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Regal Kia (1025 Bartow Rd., Lakeland, FL 33801), where there was an unknown diagnosis provided. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 62,348.
NHTSA complaint #11556409 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Angleton, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
engine was replaced per CASE # 14397135, and PI1803Y/Z, SINCE engine repair Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor “A” Circuit High CODES (P2562 & P2565) continuously come and go. Check engine light comes on and off for the same codes. Knocking noise continues, loss of acceleration as if voltage or gas was lost, steering wheel speed control buttons (+/-) no longer properly function since engine replacement. It now has a class 2 leak. Safety risk:when driving it loses speed or fails to accelerate may cause crash. KIA dealership has tried to access the code but Codes are spontaneous, same for loss of acceleration.
NHTSA complaint #11550660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jonesboro, GAFire2 injured
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Summer 2017 The engine failed while driving with my family. The engine seized and a fire was engulfed. I was in the interstate and we feared for our life. Out of town visiting family we were stranded in another state for a month waiting for repairs. Kia took the vehicle and replaced the engine with another faulty engine that has seized several times while commuting. I have been living in fear and anxiety since this incident. I never know if I start my engine if I will loose my life. Summer 2023 3 teenagers watched a viral tic tok challenge and learned how faulty the cylinder that Kia installed was. The teens then trespassed into my home, broke the windows and stole my vehicle. I have lived in fear since this has happened. I have lost jobs, income, and peace due to The purchase of this vehicle. Kia has never assisted or kept the promises they made to restore the vehicle. These past 10 years agave been a nightmare and as an African American woman I believe I was targeted as a purchaser for this make and model. My life had been hell since the purchase of this vehicle. I have not been able to satisfy payment due to repairs, thefts, fires, and more. Please anyone. Someone. Help. This is the most heartbreaking experience as an American. I have worked for my country 20 years and do not feel like an equal citizen. I have been homeless, jobless, unstable, and watched my life and family life flash before me in near death accidents involving this car. When I purchased this car I had a great job, credit score, and home. Now I have more anxiety, fear, bills, and no help with this Kia.
NHTSA complaint #11548045 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Las Vegas, NV
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While driving my car an Alan went off telling me to pull over and turn off the vehicle. Unfortunately, I had no steering, brakes or acceleration and me and my two little boys were almost hit. I checked and my car year, make and model had a recall for the exact issue and module but mine wasn’t listed in the recall and I think it should be!
NHTSA complaint #11547614 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Henrico, VAFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I was driving down the street when car caught on fire out of no where.
NHTSA complaint #11547489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 22V093000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact had taken the vehicle to two dealers for the recall repairs. The contact stated that one charged her a fee for the recall repair however, there was no evidence that the recall repair was completed. The contact was referred by the manufacturer to another dealer who did not perform the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11522461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Laurinburg, NCFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
March 15, 2023 I Ania Covington as well as my mother Ramona Allen went to the Kia dealership in Southern Pines, NC at 10am to get a recall fixed on my car (fuel line), an oil change, air filters changed, as well as a valve gasket replacement (recall was free, everything else paid out of pocket). I received my car back at 4pm the same day, when I pulled off the lot not even a mile away my car was smoking from the exhaust pipes. I went back to ask them was it going to continue to do that, the mechanic as well as the advisor told me it’s just the old oil burning off. As I was driving home I began seeing smoke come from my engine as and still from the pipes I was still thinking it was the old oil burning off hence that’s what I was told. I decided to go to the gas station to get gas for the remaining of the week, and my car burst into flames while I was pumping gas. The fire had originated from my engine. I went back to the dealership the following day to show them pictures, the service manager(Thomas) told us to reach out to Kia corporate. It’s almost one month later, no one has been answering calls from me nor my mother. We went back to the dealership 3/31 the service manager took our information again and told us he’d reach out and still haven’t been informed on anything.
NHTSA complaint #11515618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New Bern, NC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11509397 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesWinston Salem, NC
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact's husband owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. Her husband had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic test was performed and the fuel cap was replaced; however, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic for a second diagnostic test and the contact was informed that fuel was being consumed excessively; he was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The contract called a dealer and was provided an appointment. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11506186 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plantation, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Last Friday(01/20/2023), I was driving my car suddenly out of nowhere my car slowed down and wouldn’t start. It has just been 20days since I last serviced. Engine light was on and the other two lights where on as well. I towed it to Kia dealership and after diagnosing they said there has been a lot of fuel leak and issue with the starter so the car wouldn’t turn on. I’m not sure if this isn’t a recall, because my car was completely fine before this incident. The dealer quoted me around $560 for the fuel tube and $890 for the starter.
NHTSA complaint #11503307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,748 milesYorktown, VA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V100000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that the dealer stated that the vehicle would not receive the recall repair for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) until parts for 20V100000 was available, and the repair was completed. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking fuel and emitting a fuel odor within the cabin of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The approximate failure mileage was 103,748. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11482053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tamarac, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I received a recall notice for my vehicle on April 15, 2022 disclosing that the defect is a low pressure fuel tube that can cause a fire in my engine. Kia said they did not have a remedy for this problem but would send another letter when they one. I went to the dealership in June and they scheduled an appointment for my car to be serviced. When I arrived on 6/7/22 for my appointment they said "did I read the letter?" They still did not have a remedy for this dangerous problem. As of 8/5/22 there has been no communication from Kia. Is there any assistance available to replace this part? Thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11477811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Diego, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Interim recall notice recieved April 15, 2022 from Kia via mail. May 29, 2022 car starts smelling like fuel inside and outside cabin. Visible Leak detected in garage floor and again on driveway. Contacted Kia Corp and was told to have it towed to North County Kia. Dealership confirms leak to be associated with recall issue but cannot repair it bc the recall isn't published and there is no fix for issue. I was charged $160 for a diagnostic fee. Part is not available and quoted me $670 for repair out of pocket when part is available. Offered no loaner or resolution but was asked to get car towed off their lot. Called Kia Corp again and was told they would escalate my case to their case resolution team but don't expect a call until 3 to 5 business days later. The average wait to get through to a live human at Kia Corporate is 1 hour minimum and noone seems to think the issue I have is serious or warrants any immediate attention. I was told to rent a car and wait for notification when recall is ready.
NHTSA complaint #11467069 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My vehicle has developed a fuel leak at the same point of failure described on Feb 17, 2022 Manufacturer Recall NumberSC228, NHTSA Recall Number22V093, Recall StatusRecall Incomplete. The Community Kia dealership in Baytown, TX has had my vehicle since May 12, only 3 days now, and saying that it's not an active recall and doesn't have parts to repair my vehicle. I have had this leak verified by an independent mechanic, and the dealership has supplied a video to the Kia Techline support for warranty approval. I am not happy that it has been 3 months since Kia initially sent out this recall and still does not have a remedy. I am also unhappy that Kia is not supplying me with a rental vehicle while this warranty parts issue is resolved. My vehicle was towed to the dealership.
NHTSA complaint #11464618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Camby, IN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Low pressure fuel line start leaking, creating a fire hazard for me and my family. You can smell the fuel inside the cabin while you're driving. I did take the car to the dealership and they told me is not a recall on my car at this moment. No warning lights came on .
NHTSA complaint #11463204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.