Problems · by component

2014 Kia Optima fuel/propulsion system problems

42 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2014 Kia Optima cite fuel/propulsion system, 7% of all 591 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
42
7% of all complaints
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
9
Reported by owners
Injuries
8
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the fuel/propulsion system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“My vehicles Low-Pressure Fuel Feed Tube disconnected from the engine and sprayed fuel over the top. The vehicle was running and the engine was hot but luckily there was no fire and no was injured, but if this had happened any sooner it could have been much worse. There is currently a recall for this part on my exact model car and year, but my VIN does not show the recall. The part was inspected by a mechanic who informed me this should be covered by the recall based on everything listed in the safety recall campaign. The vehicles check engine light came on just before the temperature gauge light up. after pulling over there was a clear gasoline smell in the vehicle and upon inspection the feed tube was no longer connected to the engine.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 15, 2026Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11764464
“On 7/13/26 around 0715 my son was driving our 2014 Kia optima when it caught fire and burned from the engine to the back of the car. Fire dept and law enforcement had to respond and the vehicle along with thousands of dollars of property was destroyed by the fire. This vehicle is a total loss and I’m trusting an investigation as to I believe their fire started due to the engjbe and electrical faults of Kia motors.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 13, 2026Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemFire reportedODI 11750155
“High pressure fuel This put me at risk because my car could have caught on fire if that gas leaked in a certain spot under the hood. Independent service center No warning signs. This is the second time, I am paying to get this done. There should be some type of recall on this part.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 13, 2026Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11737512
“The car is available upon inspection, the car caught on fire after being driven for about 45 mins. Smoke started to come from under the car hood, fire starting dropping from underneath the vehicle and then fire started coming from under the hood of the car. The car started smoking while being inside vehicle and the fire could've spread. The fire was put out by the fire department, the vehicle has not been inspected as of yet. No warning signs.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 29, 2026Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemFire reportedODI 11734586
“My vehicle was leaking oil an oil change. My vehicle started having a knocking sound. I am a single parent of a [XXX] child. The car would suddenly stop while I was driving which put me and my daughter's safety at risk. I took if to Southern Kia Greenbriar dealership to have a diagnostic test on Jan 17, 2026. [XXX] from the dealership confirmed my vehicle needs a new engine. It could be covered under the recall, however I would need to show receipts of every oil change from 2017 to 2026. The dealership has had my vehicle for over 2 1/2 months. My vehicle or component has been inspected by the Kia dealership, but not inspected by the police, insurance representatives or others. I noticed my oil on my drive way Jan 10th and put additional oil in my vehicle. Shortly after I began to noticed the car suddenly stopping for no reason, then heard a knocking sound when driving.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 6, 2026Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11729408
“It has problems with: High voltage battery voltage sensor circuit, the computer displays a code which is P1B74 and the car's dashboard displays a problem with the hybrid system and the initials HEV”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 27, 2025Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11683428

Showing 6 of 42 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.