2014 Kia Optima · symptom sheet
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing
- 129owner reports
- 100,000median miles
- $5,422median quote
- 1involved a crash
Newest report Sep 15, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
291 of the 546 complaints on this car are about the engine. 129 of those describe engine failure, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2014 Optima.
Narrower sheets: Engine knocking or ticking (51 reports) · Engine seized (42 reports)
Tick what matches of 129 reports
Engine failure 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 are the reports nobody wants to file. The engine started knocking or ticking, the oil light came on, and then it seized or had to be replaced. Some owners had the replacement covered under warranty or an extension, and plenty were told they'd pay. Several narrower sheets split this group into knocking, seized engines and rod bearing failure.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (120 reports), the turbo (5 reports) and the short block or long block (4 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the engine covers the 2014 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
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.
Scope and timeliness. Closed dec 22, 2021, led to recall 17V-224.
What owners paid
9 of the 129 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $3,600 to $6,500.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 59,000 and 127,000 miles, from the 87 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 38 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.
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802Y/Z) This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published PI1802 titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement"; equipped w/THETA II engine.
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803Y/Z) This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published PI1803 titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement" equipped w/THETA II engine.
PITSTOP: INJECTOR HARNESS ROUTING FOR PI1802Y/Z AND PI1803Y/Z ENGINE REPLACEMENTS This bulletin provides information to address a no-start or hard start with poor running condition after engine replacement under PI1802Y/Z or PI1803Y/Z. Some replacement long blocks may come with pre-installed fuel rail, injectors, and injector wiring ...
ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802Y/Z) This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published PI1802 titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement" equipped w/THETA II engine.
34 more on the 2014 Kia Optima page.
What owners wrote
“My vehicle was having engine problems in 2024. It was towed to the dealership because it was a recall on it. The new engine is malfunctioning as well causing me to lose power while driving. I have only put 2,000 miles on the car since the engine was replaced.”
Filed Apr 20, 2026 · 2,000 miles
“Vehicle has been burning oil consistently since 100,000 miles and Kia dealership denied coverage. Now I have a knock sensor code and the Dennis eakin dealership in Killeen is claiming itâs a bad rod bearing and denying their 200k mile warranty coverage due to me not being able to provide 10 years worth of receipts even though this was a known issue.”
Filed Jun 19, 2023 · 100,000 miles
“Almost wrecked when the engine bearings seized prematurely in there expected life span. I would like to submit for my car to be fixed. Please help me with this process. Thank you.”
Filed Sep 6, 2022
“Engine knocking bottom end.yes itâs available for inspection.Engine could have locked up on freeway and caused an accident.Machanic checked out an said rod bearing failure.Yes vehicle has been inspected.No warning lights or symptoms just got off the interstate and vehicle was doing fine then all of a sudden motor started knocking with no warning. Towed vehicle a hour and a half back home.”
Filed Aug 24, 2022
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 1 of 129 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 Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 113 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 53 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 41 reports
- Vehicle fire 39 reports
- Paint peels or body rusts 33 reports