2014 Kia Optima electrical system problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Aug 30, 2026TXCrashFire2 injuredTowedAirbagsElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   I owe a lady made a complete stop in front of me and I hit her. I wasn’t traveling close behind her. Her car was not damaged at all, but my Kia was totaled from the front. They had to cut the car off because it was smoking like it was gonna catch a fire. I’ve been had this sign on my car the steering wheel with an! It says that the car is hot before the car accident I had driven to [XXX] back to my house in the car motor was just shaking up under even though the car was off…

   NHTSA complaint #11760787 · source
2. Filed Jul 13, 2026TNFire1 injuredElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   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 · source
3. Filed Jun 4, 2026200,000 miNJElectrical System

   Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 71,527. However, upon taking the vehicle to the dealer due to excessive oil consumption, the dealer informed the contact that the actual mileage was over 200,000 as per the Carfax report. The seller was contacted but…

   NHTSA complaint #11742000 · source
4. Filed Apr 29, 2026DEFireElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   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 · source
5. Filed Nov 13, 2025WAElectrical SystemEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11699235 · source
6. Filed Oct 6, 2025FLBody & StructureBrakesElectrical System

   [XXX] , [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] Email: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] Date: October 5, 2025 Kia America, Inc. Consumer Affairs Department [XXX] Subject: Request for Goodwill Repair – Defective Paint on 2014 Kia Optima LX Dear Kia Consumer Affairs Team, I am writing to formally request assistance regarding the defective paint on my 2012 Kia Optima LX. The paint has begun to peel and flake on several areas of the vehicle, including [insert locations — e.g., the hood and roof, if you want to…

   NHTSA complaint #11691564 · source
7. Filed Aug 31, 2025CAElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11684175 · source
8. Filed Aug 19, 2025ARBrakesElectrical SystemSteering

   While driving Kia Optima, unable to turn steering wheel. No notice when first starting vehicle. While driving, a traction and steering wheel light turns on without a sound(ding) to notify driver. Then once driver attempts to turn, unable due to steering wheel locked. Unsafe to drive on the road. Dangerous for all passengers. Our safety is put at risk due to unable to turn steering wheel while driving. Must turn vehicle off in middle of road, then it resets so steering wheel…

   NHTSA complaint #11681739 · source
9. Filed Jul 23, 2025VAElectrical SystemEngine

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11675671 · source
10. Filed Feb 10, 2025147,000 miMAFireTowedElectrical 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…

    NHTSA complaint #11641730 · source
11. Filed Oct 27, 2024GAElectrical SystemEngineSuspension

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11622155 · source
12. Filed Dec 15, 2023VABrakesElectrical SystemEngine

    Exact same issue happened to my 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid (NHTSA ID Number: 11556409). I was traveling on the freeway approximately 65mph and out of nowhere the engine turned off, brakes did not work and steering quality went to a manual operation. I almost got into a serious accident as I could not control my vehicle. The hybrid system warning light, to stop using the vehicle became illuminated for approximately 30 seconds. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer ( Koons…

    NHTSA complaint #11560302 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology