The Lemon Index2014 Kia Optima.
The 2014 Kia Optima is better than average by owner complaints: 115 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 66, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 7 recalls, and it gets 24 to 37 mpg combined. The best Kia Optima year is 2017.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 621 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Kia Optima year. 2014 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 30K to 109K miles on the car (363 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 45K–116K miles
- steering complaints mostly came at 0K–61K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 49K–96K miles
Recalls 7
- brakes 2023
The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
- fuel system, gasoline 2022
The low pressure fuel hose may be damaged, or missing heat-protective tape, which can result in a fuel leak.
- brakes 2021
Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Show all 7 recalls
- brakes 2020
Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
- fuel system, gasoline 2020
The low pressure fuel hose may deteriorate and crack over time due to heat generated within the engine compartment.
- fuel system, gasoline 2018
The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
- engine 2017
Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Kia told dealers about
Kia sent dealers 268 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Ecm upgrade - steering logic improvement - this bulletin provides information related to the…
- Smart pedal feature - the smart pedal is an integral part of the engine management system (ems)
- Wty004 - 2011-2014 my optima (tf/qf) engine short block warranty extension (wty004) - this
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenHyundai and kia abs module fires2023
- ClosedLoss of motive power2022–2023
- ClosedThrottle control system vulnerabilities2021–2023
- ClosedEngine fires2021–2024
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1750–2700 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Car completely shut down doing 40 miles per hour--- -was told engine seized --engine being replaced no power steering no brakes barely avoided an accident on a highway heavy traffic due to construction
2014 Kia Optima owner · NHTSA complaint 10885172
More owner reports
The car will not stay in its lane. It wonders and is very dangerous!
NHTSA complaint 10615857
Vehicle drifts from side to side. Very difficult to maintain a straight line. Constant corrective steering required.
NHTSA complaint 10632687
Quick answers
Is the 2014 Kia Optima reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.5× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 66; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Kia Optima year by this measure is 2017.
What are the most common 2014 Kia Optima problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (41%), steering (34%) and speed control (8%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2014 Kia Optima have?
7 safety recalls (latest: brakes). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2014 Kia Optima get?
24 to 37 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2014 Kia Optima safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2014 Kia Optima problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 30,500 and 109,000 miles. The middle report was at 68,000 miles, from 363 complaints.
Does the 2014 Kia Optima have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2014 Kia Optima cost in fuel a year?
About $1750 to $2700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2014 Kia Optima have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl.
What Kia Optima year is better than the 2014?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2017, 2019 and 2020.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works