The contact owns 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the "Check Hybrid System - Turn Off Engine" message displayed on the instrument panel and the vehicle stalled. On two occasions, the vehicle shifted to LIMP Mode. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the engine was replaced twice. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 58,997.
2014 Kia Optima Hybrid engine problems
16 complaints (52% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 58,997. 3 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 16
- of this car's complaints
- 52%
- typical mileage
- 58,997
- crashes
- 3
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
Owners did not name a specific part.
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Kia Optima Hybrid engine problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid engine
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Related investigations
Loss of Motive Power
the federal safety agency received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitionersâ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODIâs evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to the federal safety agency which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. Â There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in the federal safety agency's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, the federal safety agency does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing the federal safety agencyâs reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to the federal safety agency cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
DP22003
Scope and Timeliness
the federal safety agency opened Recall Query (RQ) 17-003 to investigate the timeliness and scope of Kia?s Theta II GDI engine recall (Recall No. 17V‑224), and Kia?s compliance with reporting requirements. On November 23, 2020, the Agency entered into a Consent Order with Kia to administratively resolve the federal safety agency?s assertions of violations of law in connection with RQ17-003. the federal safety agency?s assertions included that Kia may be liable for civil penalties on multiple grounds, including that Recall No. 17V‑224 was untimely and Kia?s recall report contained certain inaccuracies.Under the Consent Order, Kia agreed to a total civil penalty of $70,000,000. The total civil penalty included a payment of $27,000,000 as a Non-Deferred Amount.Kia also agreed to a sum of $27,000,000 as an Abeyance Amount to be deferred and held in abeyance pending its satisfactory completion, as reasonably determined by the federal safety agency, of the requirements of the Consent Order.Kia also agreed to a $16,000,000 Performance Obligation Amount to be expended by Kia to fulfill specified Safety Data Analytics Infrastructure obligations. The Consent Order also includes other terms designed to enhance Kia?s safety practices, and requires Kia to retain a Third-Party Auditor who directly reports to the federal safety agency.Other than RQ17-003, the Consent Order is not intended to affect any other current or future investigation of the federal safety agency which may involve vehicles equipped with Theta II GDI engines. In particular, Engineering Analysis (EA) 21-003 (which is upgraded from Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 19-004) continues the federal safety agency?s evaluation of certain performance and design issues relating to the Theta II and other engines.Nothing in the Consent Order discharges Kia from any obligation to comply with the Safety Act or regulations thereunder, including the obligation to carry out recalls in accordance with the law, and to initiate a recall upon any future determination by Kia, or upon any finally adjudicated order from the federal safety agency, that vehicles equipped with Theta II GDI engines contain a defect related to motor vehicle safety or do not comply with an applicable FMVSS.This RQ is closed. Closure of this RQ has no bearing on the terms of the Consent Order, including Kia's ongoing performance obligations, and does not represent a determination by the agency as to Kia's performance under the Consent Order to date.
RQ17003
What 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the engine seized without warning. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000. The contact stated that the dealer and the manufacturer were notified but refused to help with the issue.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle decelerated with the "check hybrid battery and check engine" warning lights displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 122,000.
On 6/07/19 while travelling to work on the highway, travelling about 65 MPH, the dash display read check hybrid system, and suddenly shut down. Engine stopped running, steering wheel began stiffening, I coasted from the passing lane to the right lane and then to the shoulder without incident and was able to safely park the car. Kia failed to provide roadside assistance since the car has over 60,000 miles(actually has 95,000 miles), however I am still under the 10yr/100,000 miles warranty. The car was towed to the kia dealership via my insurance coverage. After the assessment I was told I had a blown main hybrid fuse. Charged $201.24 to replace the fuse. I present this as a safety issue because had I been on a major highway with my grandchildren in the middle of traffic, there would be no way possible to reach a lane shoulder without possible harm or death. According to kia's own "technical operations notice - ps515(rev 2, 02/28/2019" dated august 2017), they are fully aware of this problem. The battery fuse is to be replaced from a 125 amp to a 150 amp. This fuse is part of the safety plug located in the trunk. As a owner I should have been warned of this possibly happening to the car and given the option to have this fuse replaced....at kia's expense. For those still driving this year and make optima hybrid,please be aware of this occurrence. The 125 amp hv battery fuse should be replaced with the newer 150 amp hv battery fuse(part #375f2 4r150. See kia's pitstop: technical operations notice #ps515. Unfortunately my communication with kia proved fruitless.
I was traveling on the freeway when the dashboard read 'hev system warning. Pull over and shut off vehicle.' engine then shut off. After nearly being hit by a semi-truck, I coasted from the carpool to the off ramp exit. The vehicle was able to travel at approximately 5-15mph and made it home safely. I towed my vehicle to the citrus valley motors in the city of ontario. They ran diagnostics stating it was a fuse in the engine and it will cost me $686.97. Kia released information to the public stating they know the 125 fuse amp for the hybrid systems was the wrong size which can cause a 'blow out' turning the engine off while driving. Kia stayed they needed to replace it with the 150 amp fuse in order to sustain the power to the engine. I called kia expressing my concern under the federal policy 'lemon law.' kia told me 'your warranty is expired by 3 weeks. We can not give you assistance.' my vehicle sits in the shop with a wrong size fuse and want me to pay for the correct size that should have been placed in their in the first place.
Driving veh on hwy at about 70 miles per hour when within seconds the car just turns off completely. Scary!!! After taking to local kia dealership and them being stumped so much they called and spoke to kia engineers,( tech line case ref #13028149) I was told I needed to replace the pressure source unit. I did, did not fix it. In fact when I returned the part they said it is now not working. Mechanic suggested a new ABS system. I also replaced that.... Veh is still not repaired. I have spent over $1600 and can still not operate my veh safely. Kia does not have a clear answer, and I have seen this complaint on this site more than once. Please recall this vehicle before someone gets hurt.
When starting up the car you can smell a rubber burning smell comimg from the air vents. When driving the vehicle sometimes while driving it the car accelerates on its own.
Stalled out in the middle of I-25, going about 70 MPH and rush hour. I was about 40 min from home still on my everyday communte. I am seeing very many others with the same issue. This has me and my family in an unsafe situation daily and kia will not take responsibility for it. There clearly needs to be a recall on the same (or very similar) issue on the recall on the gas version of this vehicle. We shouldn't wait till someone gets killed or seriously injured first.
Engine sounds like it is going to blow up. Valves are very loud and it lurches under acceleration.
My 2014 kia optima hybrid blew-up going down the road! The engine threw a rod through the motor which is the exact motor in the recall.. It's just the hybrid so kia says it's not recalled even though it's the exact recall of the same motor in the gas car!! This car falls in the exact recall! Please help me! The car only has 72,000miles on the car & should not have had this to occur!! 3 different mechanics has told me it's the exact recall kia has put out for the exact motor!! Kia is telling me (in paperwork) that I have to pay $10,700.00 for a new engine when the problem is the exact recall in the car!! Again please help me with this! My name is [xxx] & my contact email is [xxx]. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Questions about the 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid engine
Does the 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid have engine problems?
Owners have filed 16 complaints about the engine of the 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid, 52% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 58,997 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid engine?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Kia Optima Hybrid have bad engine?
The Kia Optima Hybrid model years with the most engine complaints are 2012 (73 complaints), 2011 (19 complaints) and 2017 (18 complaints).
Other 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid problems
Electrical 11Acceleration 4Fuel system 4Airbags 3Steering 3Transmission 3Brakes 1Driver assistance 1Suspension 1
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