Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2014 Kia Optima owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated while his son was driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact's son was able to pull over safely. The contact attempted to jump start the vehicle however, the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted or notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 97,484.
I was with my family on PA I-476. While traveling home in our 2014 Kia Optima the vehicle's dash lights such as oil lamp, battery, etc popped on. As soon as I noticed the lights the vehicle had completely lost all drivability. Lights operable and possibly radio and accessories but I had to react so quickly as it was so unexpected. The vehicle completely lost its function and I was unable to operate it but in the capacity of steering and hardly able to break. Lost all power components. We are so thankful I was able to make a split second decision to dodge traffic while vehicle was decelerating, 18 wheelers going by 70+ mph (speed limit) and pulled off to one of the few shoulders. This scenario was so dangerous that if I didn't believe in a higher being before, I do now! …
The engine failed after a prior engine replacement performed by the manufacturer. The failure caused the vehicle to become non-operational and created a risk of sudden loss of power and engine stalling while driving. The vehicle required towing and could not be safely driven. This is a repeat engine failure involving the same vehicle.
I was in a parking structure, stopped at a stop sign. I continued a few feet to my designated parking stall and when I turned the wheel the car accelerated at what felt and sounded like full throttle on it's own. The surge of the vehicle forced the car to crash into a concrete wall causing extensive damage to the vehicle and bodily injury to myself. The vehicle is only a few months old. This car has some very serious safety issues. Someone could have been killed. Now I am terrified to ever drive it again.
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the vehicle stalled without warning. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where they informed him that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The contact had the vehicle towed to his home and another mechanic inspected the vehicle and diagnosed the vehicle with the same failure. The manufacturer was then notified of the failure and referred him to the local dealer for assistance. Triple j auto group (470 north, marine corps dr, tamuning, 96913, guam) was contacted and informed him that his VIN was not under recall. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA campaign number: 17V224000 (engine and engine cooling) which he linked to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
When I cold crank it the engines sound very very loud rattle and settles to a loud rattle after about getting warmed up with the engine vibrating which could also be seen. I took it in warmed up & the technician stated after a review, he didn't hear a rattle or a knock (thats a lie, I am going back again & review with the tech) I also hear a rattle from the left cv axle when the trac control comes to play, turning on a hard right & a thump when pulling hard on a wet pavement on a green light. This cold crank rattle cannot be heard on other optimas when I ask to hear them start the other cars up. This is ridiculous this is a 30000 mile car & should be having a vibrating engine & a cold crank rattle or any rattle at all when warmed up, it should be smooth.
Crank shaft bearing went bad causing engine to fail in vehicle and almost get hit by traffic contacted dealer and was advised that there was a recall on every model of my car except mine because it was the gas hybrid which still has the same engine and problem as the ones in recall j bought the car for around 13K and only had it for bout 3 months before this happen dealer won't repair work under recall because it does fall under the recall for millions of other because it is hybrid as well as gas ? Doesn't make any sense and I got screwed outta 13K and could have been injured as well as my 2 kids that where in the car with me
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. On several occasions, when attempting to start the vehicle by pressing the start push button, the vehicle would not immediately start. Occasionally, the contact would have to jiggle the transmission shifter to get the vehicle to start. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer (mathews Kia, 595 east main st, cartersville, ga) to be diagnosed, but the failure could not be duplicated. The failure was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 25,000. Updated 11/29/18
Driving down in motion on a village road going 40 MPH, car completely shut off, lost power steering, I had to pull car over without power steering to side of busy road, car would not stop right away and park would not engaged right away into park, car then rolled forward about 10 feet and slammed into park. Car would not turn over however all power lights, and battery were working without issue. Called a tow truck, could not get ahold of Kia for Kia 24 hour emergency roadside assistance, due to covid-19, I had to call a local body shop/used car dealer for a tow.
Check engine light has been on for a week. Had appt to go in 2/2/21 with Kia but driving down the interstate started hearing a light ticking sound. When I accelerated on the gas it didnt do anything. It was bogged down. It stayed at 60 MPH so I did it again and still the same thing. My husband aslo said that it's been sucking oil down for no reason. It has 89,000 miles on it. I had to pull over and have it towed to Kia. I'm still currently waiting to hear what they are gonna do.
Transmission complaints in other Optima years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2014 Kia Optima?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2014 Kia Optima, 3% of the model year's 590 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission › control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2014 Kia Optima transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2014 Kia Optima, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2014 Kia Optima transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 97,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.