2014 Kia Optima · symptom sheet
Engine seized
- 42owner reports
- 104,450median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Aug 28, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
42 of the 129 reports of engine failure on the 2014 Optima describe engine seized.
Part of Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing (129 reports) · also: engine knock
Tick what matches of 42 reports
Engine seized 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: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (5 reports) and the rod bearing (3 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.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 98,000 and 127,718 miles, from the 29 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“While driving the engine seized In April 2026 on the interstate. The vehicle started to decelerate while cars where flying on the interstate. The problem has not been fixed. The issue has been inspected by the manufacturer. There were no warnings or sighs before the care seized.”
Filed Jul 20, 2026
“Engine seized up on the highway going onto incoming traffic. Almost got into a car accident.”
Filed Jun 18, 2026
“Engine seized not even 10mins after driving it. Car now needs a new engine. I'm on disability and can't afford it and I need to go to my doctors appointments.”
Filed Nov 9, 2022
“My partner was driving my car and the engine seized. We never miss an oil change and use full synthetic since I got it. We did notice little changes in the engine over time that were concerning. Out of nowhere my check engine and oil light came on at the same time and the engine seized. Thatâs the first time I ever seen my oil light come on. He was on the express driving, lucky he is still here.”
Filed Apr 8, 2022
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 42 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