← All Kia models · Optima, all years
2014 Kia Optima
Sedan · 2010–2020 · Optima, Optima Hybrid, Optima Plug-In Hybrid
_(cropped).jpg){kind=link}
Which year to buy
Best bet2019Fewest serious problems: 0.7× usual
Newest we'd buy2020The latest year rated a good buy
AvoidNoneNo year stands out as bad
Be careful2012, 2014, 2016–2017More problems; check the recalls were done
Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year.
2014CAREFULSerious complaints 1.3× usual, mostly engine and steering Extended coverage
530 serious complaints of 617, the most about engine (299) and steering (98); per car on the road, 1.3× this model's usual year. 7 recalls. NHTSA investigation EA19001: electrical overstress. NHTSA investigation EA21003: engine fires.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the contact heard a loud knocking sound coming from the engine compartment, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Jun 2025
“The contact owns a 2014 kia optima. While driving various highway speeds, the vehicle would sway from right to left and the steering was unstable. The contact indicated that the vehicle was difficult to drive in a straight line. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the steering, Jul 2017
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage The MDPS unit may experience noise when turning the steering wheel left or right, especially while the vehicle is stopped. Kia's analysis has identified that this condition occurs mainly in extremely high humidity states adjacent to warm ocean waters due to the wear of the flexible coupling in the… (TSB-CHA072R2, Apr 2017)
- Extended coverage This warranty extension is to address certain concerns related to the potential failure of the high-voltage battery safety plug fuse. WARRANTY EXTENSION: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals that Kia America, Inc., is extending the Hybrid System… (WTY029, Sep 2022)
- Extended coverage Dear Kia Optima Owner: Kia Motors America, Inc. would like to thank you for your purchase of a Kia Optima vehicle. (CS1604OWNR, Mar 2019)
- Extended coverage Dealer parts and service manager memo: wty004 - effective immediately, kia motors america, inc. Has extended the warranty coverage of the kia new vehicle limited warranty for the short block assembly (engine block, crankshaft and bearings, connecting rods and bearings and pistons) on all 2011-2014… (WTY004DEALERPSM, Jun 2016)
- Extended coverage Warranty bulletin: wty004 - 2011-2014 my optima (tf/qf) engine short block warranty extension (wty004) - this warranty bulletin provides information related to the extension of the new vehicle limited warranty for the engine short block assembly (engine block, crankshaft and bearings, connecting… (WTY004BULLETINR1, Jun 2016)
- Extended coverage Request for reimbursement form: cs1604 - 2011-2013 and some 2014 my optima vehicles motor driven power steering (mdps) customer satisfaction/warranty extension program - if you have paid to have the flexible coupling in the mdps replaced, you may be eligible for reimbursement for some or all of… (CS1604FORM, Aug 2016)
From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.
617 owner complaints · 7 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 24–37 mpg · NHTSA: 5 of 5 stars · 2014 trims and features
Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. Cars on the road from New York State registrations. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.
Trims and features
What changed for 2014
- Starting prices: −$1,300 to +$800 (4 trims; hover for each)
- New trim: SX Turbo
- Engine: 2.0L Turbo GDI I4 → 2.4L GDI I4 (SX)
- Horsepower: 274 hp → 192 hp (SX)
- Torque: 269 lb-ft → 181 lb-ft (SX)
- Ground clearance: 5.3 in → 5.1 in (SX, Limited, LX, EX)
- Curb weight: 3,385 lb → 3,468 lb (Limited)
- Horsepower: 200 hp → 192 hp (LX, EX)
- Torque: 186 lb-ft → 181 lb-ft (LX, EX)
2014 Optima trims
| EX | Limited | LX | SX | SX Turbo | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||||
| Starting MSRP | $23,950 | $35,300 | $21,500 | $25,500 | $27,500 |
| Powertrain | |||||
| Engine | 2.4L GDI I4 | 2.0L Turbo GDI I4 | 2.4L GDI I4 | 2.4L GDI I4 | 2.0L Turbo GDI I4 |
| Horsepower | 192 hp | 274 hp | 192 hp | 192 hp | 274 hp |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft | 269 lb-ft | 181 lb-ft | 181 lb-ft | 269 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Sportmatic | Sportmatic | Sportmatic | Sportmatic | Sportmatic |
| Gears | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Drivetrain | Fwd | Fwd | Fwd | Fwd | Fwd |
| Size and capability | |||||
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Trunk | 15.4 cu ft | 15.4 cu ft | 15.4 cu ft | 15.4 cu ft | 15.4 cu ft |
| Ground clearance | 5.1 in | 5.1 in | 5.1 in | 5.1 in | 5.1 in |
| Length | 190.7 in | 190.7 in | 190.7 in | 190.7 in | 190.7 in |
| Curb weight | 3,272 lb | 3,468 lb | 3,237 lb | 3,327 lb | 3,468 lb |
| Tech | |||||
| Touchscreen | Optional | 8 in | — | Optional | Optional |
| Apple CarPlay | Optional | — | — | Optional | Optional |
| Android Auto | Optional | — | — | Optional | Optional |
| Digital gauge cluster | — | 4.3 in | — | 4.3 in | 4.3 in |
| Audio | Optional | Infinity | — | Optional | Optional |
| Speakers | 6 + option | 8 | 6 | 6 + option | 6 + option |
| Driver assistance | |||||
| Blind-spot monitoring | Optional | Blind Spot Alert | — | Optional | Optional |
| Rear cross-traffic | Optional | Rear Cross-Traffic Alert | — | Optional | Optional |
| Parking sensors | Optional | Rear | — | Optional | Optional |
| Comfort | |||||
| Seats | Leather | Leather | Cloth | Leather | Leather |
| Heated seats | Optional | Front, Second Row | — | Optional | Optional |
| Ventilated seats | Optional | Front | — | Optional | Optional |
| Driver seat memory | — | Driver Seat | — | — | — |
| Climate zones | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Exterior | |||||
| Sunroof | Optional | Panoramic Moonroof | — | — | Optional |
| Wheels | 17 in | 18 in | 16 in | 18 in | 18 in |
| Headlights | — | HID Projector | — | — | HID Projector |
Packages and options (21)
| EX | Limited | LX | SX | SX Turbo | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EX / SX Turbo Premium Package | Optional | — | — | — | Optional |
| EX / SX Turbo Technology Package | Optional | — | — | — | Optional |
| LX Convenience Plus Package $1,500 | — | — | Optional | — | — |
| SX Premium Technology Package $5,300 | — | — | — | Optional | — |
| Bright Silver | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Corsa Blue | — | — | — | Optional | Optional |
| Dark Cherry | Optional | — | Optional | — | — |
| Ebony Black | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Metal Bronze | Optional | — | Optional | — | — |
| Remington Red | Optional | — | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Satin Metal | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Snow White $200 | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Titanium Silver | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Beige Cloth | — | — | Optional | — | — |
| Beige Leather | Optional | — | — | — | — |
| Black Leather | — | — | — | Optional | Optional |
| Black Nappa Leather | — | Optional | — | — | — |
| Gray Cloth | — | — | Optional | — | — |
| Gray Leather | Optional | — | — | — | — |
| Gray Nappa Leather | — | Optional | — | — | — |
| White Nappa Leather | — | Optional | — | — | — |
Trim data from OpenSpec (ODbL 1.0), built from Oem brochure, Nhtsa vin decode, Oem order guide, Oem order guide, Oem order guide. Still partial for this year: model, trims, powertrain, fuel economy, chassis, dimensions, exterior, interior, infotainment, safety, warranty, options, option rules, vin decode. "Optional" means a package or option adds it; hover for which.
Year by year
| Year | Engines | Drive | Fuel economy | Crash rating | Recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported problem | CarPlay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 178 hp 2.0L 4-cyl hybrid, 154–245 hp 2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid, 154–245 hp 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 154–245 hp 2.4L 4-cyl, 185 hp | FWD | 24–42 mpg | 5 of 5 | 0 | 150 | Engine (101) | Yes |
| 2019 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 178 hp 2.0L 4-cyl hybrid, 154–245 hp 2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid, 154–245 hp 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 154–245 hp 2.4L 4-cyl, 185 hp | FWD | 24–41 mpg | 5 of 5 | 1 | 211 | Engine (91) | Yes |
| 2018 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 178 hp 2.0L 4-cyl hybrid, 154–245 hp 2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid, 154–245 hp 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 154–245 hp 2.4L 4-cyl, 185 hp | FWD | 25–42 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 243 | Engine (137) | Yes |
| 2017 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 178 hp 2.0L 4-cyl hybrid, 154–245 hp 2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid, 154–245 hp 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 154–245 hp 2.4L 4-cyl, 185 hp | FWD | 25–42 mpg | 5 of 5 | 4 | 305 | Engine (191) | Yes |
| 2016 | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 2.4L 4-cyl, 185 hp 2.4L 4-cyl hybrid, 185 hp | FWD | 25–37 mpg | 5 of 5 | 5 | 760 | Engine (427) | Yes |
| 2015 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 2.4L 4-cyl 2.4L 4-cyl hybrid | FWD | 24–37 mpg | 5 of 5 | 4 | 1021 | Engine (627) | Yes |
| 2014 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 2.4L 4-cyl 2.4L 4-cyl hybrid | FWD | 24–37 mpg | 5 of 5 | 7 | 617 | Engine (299) | No |
| 2013 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 2.4L 4-cyl 2.4L 4-cyl hybrid manual available | FWD | 26–37 mpg | 5 of 5 | 10 | 1438 | Engine (625) | No |
| 2012 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 2.4L 4-cyl 2.4L 4-cyl hybrid manual available | FWD | 26–36 mpg | 5 of 5 | 6 | 1028 | Engine (470) | No |
| 2011 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 2.4L 4-cyl 2.4L 4-cyl hybrid manual available | FWD | 26–36 mpg | 5 of 5 | 6 | 627 | Engine (275) | No |
| 2010 | 2.4L 4-cyl 2.7L 6-cyl manual available | FWD | 23–25 mpg | Not rated | 1 | 75 | Power train (24) | No |
Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.
Which years have…
Apple CarPlay (wired or wireless)Wireless phone chargingHybrid, plug-in hybrid or electricAdaptive cruise with stop and goBlind-spot monitoring360-degree cameraHeated front seatsHeated second-row seatsVentilated (cooled) seatsHeated steering wheelLeather seatsRemote startSunroof or moonroofPanoramic roof
Apple lists CarPlay for: Optima 2015–2020 (Apple).
Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
| Year | Version | Stars | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 148 |
| 2020 | Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 1 |
| 2020 | Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid 4 DR FWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 0 | 1 |
| 2019 | Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 210 |
| 2019 | Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 210 |
| 2019 | Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid 4 DR FWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 1 | 210 |
| 2018 | Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 232 |
| 2018 | Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 3 |
| 2018 | Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid 4 DR FWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 3 | 243 |
| 2017 | Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 3 | 256 |
| 2017 | Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 26 |
| 2017 | Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid 4 DR FWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 2 | 23 |
| 2016 | Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 5 | 756 |
| 2016 | Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 0 | 4 |
| 2015 | Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 4 | 1009 |
| 2015 | Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 0 | 12 |
| 2014 | Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 7 | 586 |
| 2014 | Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 0 | 31 |
| 2013 | Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 9 | 1383 |
| 2013 | Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 2 | 55 |
| 2012 | Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 5 | 919 |
| 2012 | Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 3 | 109 |
| 2011 | Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | 5 | No | No | 5 | 593 |
| 2010 | Kia Optima 4-DR w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 1 | 75 |
Source: NHTSA.
Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
| Year | EPA model | Engines | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Optima | Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
24–31 |
| 2020 | Optima FE | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 29 |
| 2020 | Optima Hybrid | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 42 |
| 2020 | Optima Plug-in Hybrid | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 41 |
| 2019 | Optima | Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
24–31 |
| 2019 | Optima FE | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 29 |
| 2019 | Optima Hybrid | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 41 |
| 2019 | Optima Plug-in Hybrid | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 40 |
| 2018 | Optima | Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
25–31 |
| 2018 | Optima FE | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 29 |
| 2018 | Optima Hybrid | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 42 |
| 2018 | Optima Plug-in Hybrid | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 40 |
| 2018 | Optima S | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 26 |
| 2017 | Optima | Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
25–31 |
| 2017 | Optima FE | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 29 |
| 2017 | Optima Hybrid | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 42 |
| 2017 | Optima Plug-in Hybrid | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 40 |
| 2016 | Optima | Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
25–31 |
| 2016 | Optima FE | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
25–29 |
| 2016 | Optima Hybrid | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 37 |
| 2016 | Optima Hybrid EX | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 36 |
| 2015 | Optima | Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
24–26 |
| 2015 | Optima Hybrid | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 37 |
| 2015 | Optima Hybrid EX | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 36 |
| 2014 | Optima | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
24–26 |
| 2014 | Optima Hybrid | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 37 |
| 2014 | Optima Hybrid EX | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 36 |
| 2013 | Optima | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
26–27 |
| 2013 | Optima Hybrid | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 37 |
| 2013 | Optima Hybrid EX | Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 36 |
| 2012 | Optima | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
26–27 |
| 2012 | Optima Hybrid | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 36 |
| 2011 | Optima | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
26–27 |
| 2011 | Optima Hybrid | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 36 |
| 2010 | Optima | Auto 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 2.7 L |
23–25 |
Source: fueleconomy.gov.