Kia Optima Complaints (2014)

622 consumer complaints on file.

#11670014June 29, 2025
ENGINE
Heavy white/gray smoke on acceleration after driving for 30 min
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668701June 23, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
My vehicles paint is chipping off. It’s chipping off on the hood the top of the car and on the trunk some spots have rusted over. As I was looking into a possible repaint, I’ve heard that there has been an issue with this type of color is associated with my vehicle on other Kia Optimus, as well as some Hyundai vehicles. There were no warning lamps associated with this issue. No component or system has failed that related to the vehicle. The safety confirm would be that the rush gets deeper into the vehicle and causes other parts of the vehicle to rush to and messes up with the vehicles operating systems that could cause greater issues in the future with the operation of my vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the Kia dealership, as well as inspected by other paint and body shops.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11666295June 11, 2025
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11666347June 11, 2025
ENGINE, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under two unidentified NHTSA recalls; however, the recall repairs failed to prevent the failures from occurring. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to a stop as intended. The contact stated that the brake pedal felt spongey and depressed to the floorboard. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665298June 6, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY, 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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665157June 5, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11662021May 20, 2025
SUSPENSION, STEERING
Pep boys told me in Panama City that this is a recall for Kia and it's a safety issue and my steering is loose I'm taking it to Kia on May 28th to get them to fix it
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659671May 8, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that there was a burning odor coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that while driving 5 - 10 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled and lost all power. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The ABS, check engine, and battery warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 133,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11656982April 26, 2025
ENGINE, 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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11656036April 22, 2025
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654417April 14, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the oil level was lower than expected. There was an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle vibrated while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); and the engine was replaced under the recall in September 2020. The contact stated that 5 years after the recall repair was completed, after approximately one month, the brake failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who added brake fluid to the brake reservoir, and the brake warning light illuminated approximately 2 weeks later and remained illuminated. The contact spoke with the dealer, who confirmed that the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 294,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11650380March 25, 2025
ENGINE
issues with the engine running hot//drains oil constantly, have to get an oil change/oil fill ~every 2k miles
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11649485March 20, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, 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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11648033March 13, 2025
STEERING
Steering is clicking when turned from side to side. Also steering wheel shakes when coming to a stop or going over bumps. Checked with several people, including a service manager at Roseville Kia. The MDPS Flexible coupler needs replacing. They confirm its an ongoing problem. See Kia Technical Service Bulletin: MDPS FLEXIBLE COUPLING REPLACEMENT CUTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM (CS 1604). I spoke with Kia customer service and they refused to repair under warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11646845March 6, 2025
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11646500March 5, 2025
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11646112March 3, 2025
ENGINE
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11641730February 10, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11641026February 6, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Brake lights only work when car has lights off when Libyans are on brake lights stay on entire time
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11640943February 5, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The paint is peeling horribly
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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