87 of the
786 complaints about the 2014 KIA Optima are about the
other systems — 11% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
71,000 miles.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11722633 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waukesha, WI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Paint defect, this is a well documented issue with the snow white pearl paint color. need to get the vehicle repainted so it looks as good as it drives. there is the bubbling, flaking and in some spots down to the bare metal.
NHTSA complaint #11710617 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Birmingham, AL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Paint defect causing paint chipping on vehicle due to lack of proper layering of paint on vehicle
NHTSA complaint #11700094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My cars paint is peeling uncontrollably due to delamination of the paint. The issue with the paint has been reported by others also.
NHTSA complaint #11698296 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pasadena, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11684175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oxford, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The wire that causes the car to crank start burning that in the wiring hardness. which it make the car hard to crank
NHTSA complaint #11681174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakeland, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The clear protective coat has failed over the white paint. I was originally unbothered. However, now I've learned it is a known issue in this and other makes/models. I am fearful the areas where paint has chipped, are now showing wear and rust. I've learned rust can weaken the body and affect the safety/structure. What can be done to correct this? This is my first report, if I should begin elsewhere, please advise. Thank you in advance for any help. I would simply like to have a reasonably safe vehicle and dont want to be negligent in not reporting/caring for the issues.
NHTSA complaint #11679456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tigard, OR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
PEARL WHITE PAINT ON MY 2014 IS CHIPPING OFF ON THE TRUNK, HOOD AND ROOF
NHTSA complaint #11673613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, MDFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11671213 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Apache Junction, AZ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The Snow White Pearl (SWP) paint on the exterior body of the car is peeling-off in various places. The paint often peels completely off the hood in large sheets while in motion, and flies up and sticks to the windshield obstructing the driver's view while moving.
NHTSA complaint #11665298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Diego, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11656982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lithonia, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
Tigard, OR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The paint on my car has started to crack and peel. The car is 10 years old, but hasn't been in any accidents or anything toxic sprayed on it. I feel that this should be under warranty or recall, as it will effect the resale value.
NHTSA complaint #11646845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Deltona, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The paint is peeling horribly
NHTSA complaint #11640943 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Henderson, NV
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11640543 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carmichael, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Manufacturer paint defect. Kia refusing to pay full (or even 1/2) of repairs on pearl white 2014 Kia Optima.
NHTSA complaint #11636136 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Utica, NYCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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
NHTSA complaint #11631095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Utica, NYCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My car overturned/flipped over after i hit a very small bump in the road located on [XXX] in Utica Ny doing about 15 mph in a trailer park where I worked I have printed out all of my recalls on my 2014 Kia Optima GDI there was some brake fluid on the ground around the area where my car landed in a ditch however the Sheriff that came to the scene of the accident and the female state troopers failed to even check or smell the fluid after I informed both the officers and the Deerfield Fire Department the only ones willing to give me any advice on how to handle this matter even though I could had lost my life then to show up to court for the tickets I got for literally driving 15 mph in a trailer park and my car flips over into a ditch and not be able to make a statement in court due to the paperwork not being in to the courthouses computer system in [XXX] at 6:00 to show the judge all my recalls as well as plead not guilty to them I find unprofessional and as for the damage sustained to my vehicle I need to find an independent property adjuster to do a investigation however it is set to go to the Kia Dealership located at 5056 commercial Dr., Yorkville, NY, for the recalls on December 30, 2024 however due to the damage done in the roller I am unsure on what to do please help I paid for this car in full as a private sell and it had no issues with it at all no lights on the dashboard or anything was driving good at time of accident on [XXX] at [XXX] until I literally hit that bump in the road of the trailer park should anyone from your agency need to contact me to view the damage and pictures please contact me at [XXX] for I could not upload all documents and photos thank you very much [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11627394 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
san Clemente, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The paint/ clear coat all over the car is peeling rapidly and absolutely everywhere
NHTSA complaint #11625379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elkridge, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My concern is the paint on my 2014 Kia Optima SXL. It is chipping on all areas of my vehicle. I purchased this vehicle brand new on April 19, 2014 and have had all maintenance and recalls updated. I am extremely happy with this vehicle and hope to enjoy it for many years to come. My vehicle has been never through a commercial car wash. I have always hand washed it. I have several chips throughout the car and a large one on the rear pillar. My paint color is snow pearl white. Because of this on-going issue, I feel that I need the repairs done immediately so that I can continue the upkeep and assurance that my vehicle will last for many years.
NHTSA complaint #11622616 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ivins, UT
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
Houston, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My Kia motor was ordered Kia gave me a hard time to rent me a car. I went 2 months with NO Transportation. Finally I got my car back and every 3 weeks different lights are coming on. Seat belt is now own O2 sensors had to be changed Now Cadillac Converter Light is on. I didn't know that getting a new motor I would have to keep spending money that I don't have. Kia should be responsible for this it shouldn't be my fault that I'm being punished for a Bad MOTOR.
NHTSA complaint #11584242 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Castle Rock, CO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Car had a smell of gas fumes. I have not gotten it inspected but I haven’t driven it after. There could be a gas leak. Not sure what the issue is but it caused an issue
NHTSA complaint #11580248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Placentia, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Pearl white paint has been chippong through the years. I have had paint retouched in certain places. I continuously complained and demanded it get fixed. Eventually they would repaint. But when it gets painted over a new part of the car starts chipping away. It’s nonsense. I bought this car new and my parents have cars older than me that have no problems with the paint. My car started chipping with it warranty we paid for but they always found loopholes. Fast forward more years and my car is an embarrassment to drive around
NHTSA complaint #11578585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Belton, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
starter smoking cut off on me have to have it towd gas leak smell of gas
NHTSA complaint #11562927 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
KIA OPTIMA “WHITE PEARL” PAINT DELAMINATION
NHTSA complaint #11560249 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 136,423 milesSaint Louis, MO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle is making a humming noise while the car is off. Both the brake light and ABS lights are on. Based on year, make and model, vehicle is one of the cars included in: nhtsa ID-23V-652000, however VIN does not show an active recall. Repairs will have to come out of pocket since there is not a recall by VIN, even though vehicle is having the same symptoms as recall aforementioned.
NHTSA complaint #11548763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresno, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My engine went out, the car went from 75mph to- 50mph on freeway so fast, i had just got an oil change, my car is at shop now but wont be ready for a couple weeks, it gave me no warnings at all, the check engine light went on right when it pulled back on freeway. Super dangerous and just glad nothing happened !
NHTSA complaint #11543627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marietta, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This will be my Second Review about this dealer's service department. I'm not reviewing the service technicians but I'm reviewing the customer service, porters and advisors. I had my vehicle towed there on the 23rd of August after waiting a full month for my appointment. I have called to check on any updates to see have my 2014 Kia has been looked at. 1st time they didn't even know my vehicle was there even after confirming with a service representative. 2nd time I was told when my vehicle was assigned to an advisor someone would contact me. Today I called and spoke with [XXX] and he put me on hold to speak with an advisor. After 15min Of silence. I thought maybe I was forgotten about by mistake. I called back and [XXX] who stated this was him name when I called back was very RUDE. He stated I put you on hold to someone who would speak to you and hung up on me. This is when I called back to speak directly to a supervisor in the service department. I been on hold over 16min as I write this review. No hold music just silence. My 1st encounter here for a recall I was told to pull in lane and leave keys in car. I waited as porters took other vehicles and mine sat blocking lanes. To my amazement I listened to them saying what assholes people where for leaving their cars, when an advisor took the keys. This is an great establishment with a lot of History to have its name tarnished by bad apples. 22min on hold and one has cared to even speak to me. Please pay attention to hold times at to of screen. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11542800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bakersfield, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Paint is peeling off in substantial amounts. The door pillars/roof rails are almost completely bare metal. There is a large paint bubble on the trunk that will come off soon. The roof, hood, doors all have paint delaminating and coming off. Its all getting worse by the day. I've discovered that this is a common issue with Kias in my year range (2014), model (Optima) and color (white) particularly. The paint started to delaminate about maybe a year ago and I let my local Kia dealership know and they said there was nothing they could do. It got so bad I went to a body shop in my area about 4 months ago, JJ paint and body shop in Bakersfield, CA, and he told me it should be covered by Kia, so I went through Kias customer care program with them intaking my information, getting photos, quotes and service records, only for them to take 10 weeks to deny rectifying this paint issue citing that the paint was out of warranty (3 years 36, 000 miles). I appealed to the BBB Auto Line and they took several weeks as well to come to the same result citing the warranty. This widely known paint defect is Kias fault, I know Toyota has had paint issues of the same type and they warranty it for 10 years. I wash my cars regularly and keep them up to date on service. It is unfathomable to me that I should bear the financial responsibility to repaint my vehicle. There's more damage than I could show, being limited to only 10 pictures. I'm hoping that this organization can give me recourse.
NHTSA complaint #11530999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.