2014 Kia Optima · symptom sheet
Check engine light or misfire
- 53owner reports
- 100,000median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 15, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
348 of the 546 complaints on this car are about the engine. 53 of those describe misfire.
Tick what matches of 53 reports
Misfire on other Optima years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them.
What this problem usually is
These reports start with the check engine light. Many describe the engine running rough or shaking at idle, a P0300-series code, or a catalytic converter code. A worrying number say the light was flashing. Owners often list ignition coils or spark plugs already replaced, and the light coming back afterward.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the sensor (9 reports).
Recalls and investigations
4 recalls on the engine cover the 2014 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The low pressure fuel hose may be damaged, or missing heat-protective tape, which can result in a fuel leak.
The low pressure fuel hose may deteriorate and crack over time due to heat generated within the engine compartment.
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.
Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
All 7 recalls on the 2014 Kia Optima, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Optima
Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.
Engine fires. Closed feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V-877.
Non-crash vehicle fires. Closed dec 22, 2021, led to recall 20V-088.
Non-crash vehicle fires. Closed may 10, 2019, led to recall 18V-907.
Scope and timeliness. Closed dec 22, 2021, led to recall 17V-224.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 75,000 and 136,000 miles, from the 33 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 8 service bulletins or notices for the 2014 Kia Optima that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
COMBINATION TSB / SERVICE ACTION: AIR FILTER AND NVLD REPLACEMENT (SA447) This bulletin provides the procedure to perform an evaporative leak test and replace the Fuel Tank Air Filter, and, if necessary, the Natural Vacuum Leak Detector (NVLD) on some 11-16MY Kia vehicles listed in the table below, which may experience an ...
PITSTOP: MANUAL EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS TEST FOR HARD TO FIND/SMALL LEAKS If the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is illuminated with DTC(s) P0442, P0455, P0456, or P0457 (Evaporative Emissions System-Leak detected) and the evaporative (EVAP) leak self-test resulted in NTF, a manual EVAP test is recommended.
ECU UPGRADE ? MIL ON WITH DTC(s) P0420/P0171 - This bulletin provides information related to the ECU software upgrade for some 2012~2015MY Optima (QF) vehicles, produced from August 12, 2011 to October 2, 2015, some 2012~2015MY Sorento (XMa) vehicles, ...
2.4 GDI MIL ON WITH DTC(S) P0263/ P0266/ P0269/ P0272 THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION ABOUT THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL INJECTORS IN SOME SORENTO (XMA) PRODUCED 12/17/2012~12/11/2014, OPTIMA (QF) PRODUCED 07/28/2013~10/02/2015, OPTIMA (TF) PRODUCED 09/09/2013~07/23/2015 2014~2015MY, AND SPORTAGE (SL) PRODUCED ...
4 more on the 2014 Kia Optima page.
What owners wrote
“Check engine light was flashing and the car wouldnât accelerate up to speed, wouldnât turn over when tried to start.”
Filed Dec 31, 2025
“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”
Filed Mar 20, 2025
“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 !”
Filed Sep 9, 2023
“Engine speed slowed. Engine knock noticed. Engine wouldn't remain running.Took it to mechanic. Checked NHTSA website for reals and TSBs. None found. He retrieved DTC P0014 Camshaft Position B - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1). He recommended replacing the Timing Chain, Tensioners, Guides AND the Camshaft Phasers. During this process, he discovered that the crank turned only with great difficulty.”
Filed Oct 20, 2022
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 53 reports involved a crash and 2 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Which lights mean pull over now? Warning lights by color and urgency
Other problems on this car
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 129 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 113 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 41 reports
- Vehicle fire 39 reports
- Paint peels or body rusts 33 reports