2014 Kia Optima · symptom sheet
Engine stalls or loses power while driving
- 113owner reports
- 95,000median miles
- 6involved a crash
Newest report Aug 25, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
351 of the 546 complaints on this car are about the engine. 113 of those describe stalling. Only engine failure is reported more often on this car.
Tick what matches of 113 reports
Stalling 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. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2019, 2020.
What this problem usually is
Stalling reports are some of the most alarming on the site. The engine quits while the car is moving, sometimes on a highway and sometimes at a stop. Many owners say it restarted right away and the dealer found no stored code, which is part of why these complaints pile up before anything gets fixed.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the battery (15 reports) and the engine (10 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.
Transmission shift cable detachment. Closed apr 5, 2011, led to recall 11V-153.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 64,887 and 128,000 miles, from the 82 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“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 optimaâs, but my 2014 Kia Optima EX was denied. Please help. I love my Kia. Thanks.”
Filed Jul 23, 2025
“There was no accident or anything the problem just happened out of nowhere there was only sound then the car shut off and the engine stopped working”
Filed Mar 3, 2025
“Oil consumption issues. Was informed when check engine light appeared. Oil light also appeared. Over 3qts consumed in 20 days. Car shut off while driving. Engine noisy and shaky.”
Filed Aug 29, 2024
“Engine died after knocking and shutting off in the middle of tragic. Engine will not even make a sound now. Spoke to the dealership ans they refused to repair my car bc 1) I stopped going to the dealership for maintenance back in 2016 and 2) I have not completed any of the recalls.”
Filed Jun 29, 2024
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 6 of 113 reports involved a crash and 7 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 failure, knocking or rod bearing 129 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