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2014 kia Optima engine problems

severe 209 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100

Complaints
209
Recalls
1
Crashes
2
Avg fix
$3,100

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 17V224000 31/03/2017

Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles

Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.

What owners are reporting 10 most recent

engine · filed 12/30/2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 KIA OPTIMA LX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A GUARDRAIL WHICH STOPPED THE VEHICLE FROM GOING OVER AN EMBANKMENT. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE FAILURE HAD OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES PRIOR TO THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOWING COMPANY AND THEN TOWED TO THE …

engine · filed 12/28/2021

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would suddenly shut off without warning. The contact indicated that on several occasions, it was discovered that the engine oil level was extremely low although oil had recently been added to the engine. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of t…

engine · filed 12/27/2022

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The dealer…

engine · filed 12/27/2019

I HAVE A 2014 KIA OPTIMA THAT I PURCHASED 3 YEARS AGO. MY CAR LOST ALL POWER ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE MOTOR IS MAKING A KNOCKING NOISE I'VE TAKEN IT TO MY KIA DEALER WHO ALWAYS DOES MY OIL CHANGES AND THEY ARE SAYING THAT I NEED A NEW MOTOR BUT NO RECALLS ARE FALLING U SEE MY VIN IN THEIR PAPERWORK. EVERYTHING IS ALWAYS UP TO DATE ON MY VEHICLE OIL CHANGES TO DETAILING ONCE A WEEK AND THIS HAPPENS O…

engine · filed 12/24/2019

80,000 MILES ON VEHICLE AND ENGINE FAILED. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN ON THE HIGHWAY. LIGHTS IN THE DASHBOARD APPEARED. VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY AAA AND DETERMINED ENGINE FAILED.

engine · filed 12/24/2016

AT A STOP LIGHT WHEN I WENT TO ACCELERATE CAR HAD A HESITATION AND SMOKE CAME OUT THE EXHAUST PIPE. NO ENGINE, OR OIL LIGHT CAME ON. THE CAR DROVE AND RAN AS IT ALWAYS HAS. GOT HOME CALL KIA OF DAYTON FOR AN APPOINTMENT. TOOK CAR IN, COUPLE DAYS LATER I WAS CALLED AND TOLD I HAD SLUDGE BUILT UP AND NEEDED A NEW ENGINE AND THEY WILL SUBMIT IT TO KIA FOR APPROVAL. KIA DENIED REPAIRS. I LOOKED UP ONL…

engine · filed 12/23/2018

WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY TRYING TO MAKE A PASS I SUDDENLY LOSS POWER. I WASN'T ABLE TO GET THE ENGINE RESTARTED ONCE I PULLED OVER. AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME ON THE SIDE OF THE I RESTARTED THE CAR AND WAS HEARING A CONSISTENT KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM ME ENGINE. NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES OR ANYTHING WITH THE CAR.

engine · filed 12/23/2015

CAR CUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING, DOESN'T MATTER IF GOING 40 MPH OR 80 MPH.......ENGINE TACH DROPS TO "0"........FOOT FEED DOESN'T RESPOND........YOU KEEP TRYING TO GIVE GAS UP AND DOWN.......FINALLY WILL BUCK AS TRYING TO RESPOND ......AS CUTTING IN AND CUTTING OUT.....FINALLY WILL THEN DRIVE AS NORMAL........YOU MAY COAST DOWN TO FROM 80 TO 20 MPH BEFORE IT GOES AGAIN. NO DASH LIGHTS INDICATED, …

engine · filed 12/20/2018

I WAS DRIVING IN A 2014 KIA OPTIMA WITH AN ESTIMATE 55,400 MILE ON IT DOWN I-285 EAST WHEN ENGINE SUDDENLY LOST POWER. I NOTICE AN ODD CLICKING NOISE, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME AND STAYED ON, AND RPM DROPPED. I SAFELY MERGED OVER IN 4 LINES OF TRAFFIC ON SHOULDER AND TURNED ENGINE OFF. THE CAR SPUTTERED WHEN I CRACKED IT ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, THE CAR SOUNDED TERRIBLE, EXTREMELY ROUGH IDLE AND …

engine · filed 12/20/2017

TL-CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA OPTIMA LX.... RECALL LETTER FROM KIA REGARDING ENGINE REPLACEMENT... DEFECT CAUSES ENGINE TO STALL.... CONTACT FILED COMPLAINT THROUGH KIA... ENGINE OF VEHICLE HAS NOT STALLED YET... CONTACT UPSET WITH KIA SERVICE.... KIA STATED ENGINE NEEDED TO GO THROUGH TESTING BEFORE ENGINE IS REPLACED.... CONTACT HAD STATE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING THEN WENT OFF. …

Common questions

How serious is the engine problem on the 2014 kia Optima?

It's a meaningful issue. 209 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.

At what mileage does the engine typically fail?

Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.

Are there any recalls related to engine?

Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover engine issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.

Other problem areas on this vehicle

Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.
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