2014 Kia Optima: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Aug 1, 2025 · Lights · IL

Vehicles Low-Beam headlights are very poor. Brought for service/adjustments and was advised that they were properly aimed and that nothing more could be done other than installing brighter headlights. While driving at night I need the fog lights or the high-beam lights on for proper visibility which could cause issues for other drivers on the road.

Filed Feb 4, 2025 · Lights · 135,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at night, the low-beam headlights were very dim. The contact stated that the high-beam headlights had to be used while driving in poorly lit areas. The contact had called a local dealer and was informed that a diagnostic test was needed to check the headlights. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the reflective coating in the headlight assemblies had deteriorated to the point that there was an accumulation of reflective material debris on the headlamp floor and that other reflective material was peeling away from the sides of both headlight assemblies. The contact was advised by the mechanic that the heat of the light bulbs was degrading the reflective material. The headlight assemblies were not replaced. The contact changed the light bulbs and both headlights were still dim. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

Filed Nov 19, 2022 · Lights · TX

The low beam (driving) lights are incredibly poor, almost non-existant. In order to actually see the road at night you need to use high beams, which is a problem for the drivers in front of you and on the other side of the road. It seems this is a widely know issue with this vehicle as I find multiple postings about it online. This has been going on for some time, and replacing the bulb does no good. I've gone to the dealership about it and they offer to "adjust" it at no charge, but there is no change and since they don't charge me for it there's no service ticket, which means there's no record. The consumer stated the form is outdated and has expired.

Filed Aug 19, 2021 · Lights · 75,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, he noticed that the low beam headlights were significantly dim. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated he was able to continue to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The dealer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to their location for diagnosis. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.

Filed Dec 15, 2020 · Engine, Lights · 15,000 miles · AL

Recall on engine was replaced 2 years ago for having metal shavings in the oil. The second motor has 15,000 miles on it and it's burning oil and smoking to where you can't see anything. I was getting on I 65 going north and smoke came out. It hesitates to go. Can't drive it over 45-50. Steering has a recall for a plastic cuffling behind steering wheel. It was replaced last year according to riverchase kia in pelham alabama. It is now making a popping noise again. Condensation is getting in tail lights causing the bulbs to blow. The headlights when on dim you can barely see.

Filed Aug 23, 2020 · Lights · NC

The headlights fail, while driving. The headlights work in delay mode, the park lights can be turned on and off, but the headlights do not work consistently. Turn signals work. The headlights do not always work while driving. I've had the vehicle to 3 mechanic shops they all agree it should be recalled by kia.

Filed Dec 1, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 79,000 miles · MO

I have a 2014 kia optima and I keep up with the maintenance and also the recalls on my car the only thing I havevreall had to replace that was quite expensive to me was the battery so far but I took my car in to the dealership for the recall for the bearing and was told it was fine and everything checked out and they changed my oil for free less than 5 months later I am back at the kia dealership because I was driving down the highway at 6 am cold raining and sleeting and my car loses power engine light comes on flashing so I pull over turn off the engine then wait a minute turn it back on same thi g so I go to the dealership and was told they will check out my car and within 20 minutes told I need a new engine so now that the engine has been replaced less than a month ago my daytime running lights does not turn on and off like they are supposed to automatically if I dont turn them off or on then they won't be off or on I have had to replace my driverside headlight bulb for the second time now and when I'm driving it looks so dim so now I have to keep spending money every month on a bulb that isn't cheap my back passenger brake light keeps going out like every 3 weeks the kia optima has some electrical issues and kia needs to issue a recall and get them all fixed before someone encounter a serious problem and kia have a much serious issue on their hands.

Filed Nov 26, 2019 · Lights · 127,000 miles · TN

I have recently purchased a 2014 kia optima lx, and the headlights are so dim on low beam it is unsafe to drive. Bright lights work great. Low beam when you meet another oncoming vehicle you can barely tell if you are in your lane or not. Also if your by yourself on the road, you cannot hardly tell if anything is up ahead in the road or on the sides of the road.

Filed Jul 6, 2019 · Engine · SC

Driving today on interstate 20 in south carolina at 70 MPH and car just suddenly cut off. Had to wait 31/2 hours for tow through kia roadside assistance in 95 degree weather. Car will not start, had battery checked but car won't do anything, all dash lights, headlights, radio all will come on but the engine won't turn over to crank.

Filed May 21, 2019 · Lights · 41,000 miles · TX

Main headlights have become 1/2 bightness since the car was purchased. High beams dont the issue, have replaced bulbs three time in last two years, dealership states they cannot see the issue. But the chrome reflectors inside the headlights has peeled completely off. This make driving at night dangerous because I have to use the high beams all the time. I have throughly researched the internet and government websites. This issue started about two years ago.

Filed Feb 16, 2019 · Lights · AL

My head lights keeps going out due to the loose socket/ pocket it sets in. Frustrating..I've already had left side replaced.. Right side needs replaced..it's the dim lights only..please inform me if there is or was a recall...you can turn it and it comes in but while driving 7 miles it goes out

Filed Mar 12, 2015 · Lights · 10,722 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2014 kia optima. While driving at night, the headlights failed to provide enough lighting on the highest setting. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the voltage on the bulb was not bright enough. The vehicle was replaced with new bulbs however, the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 10,722.