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2014 Kia Optima SXL Turbo

The 2014 Kia Optima SXL Turbo is a 274-hp turbocharged inline-4 with a 6-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. It starts at $35,300 MSRP and is rated at 24 mpg combined.

It makes 274 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 20 mpg city and 30 mpg highway (24 mpg combined).

The Optima measures 190.7 inches long on a 110.0-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,385 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSedan
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$35,300 ($48,469 *)
MSRP with Destination$36,100 ($49,567 *)
Destination Charge$800
Engine
Engine TypeTheta II G4KH 2.0L turbocharged GDI DOHC inline-4
Horsepower274 hp
Torque269 lb-ft
ValvetrainDOHC 16-valve with Dual-CVVT
Bore and Stroke86.0 x 86.0
Injection TypeTurbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection (T-GDI)
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive
Transmission
Transmission6-speed automatic
Fuel Economy
City20 MPG
Highway30 MPG
Combined24 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular unleaded
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front18 in
Wheels Rear18 in
Tires Front225/45R18
Tires Rear225/45R18
Dimensions & Weight
Length190.7 in
Width72 in
Height57.3 in
Wheelbase110 in
Front Track62.8 in
Rear Track62.8 in
Ground Clearance5.3 in
Cargo Volume15.4 ft³
Curb Weight3,385 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front40 in
Headroom Rear37.6 in
Legroom Front45.5 in
Legroom Rear34.7 in
Shoulder Room Front57.2 in
Shoulder Room Rear55.7 in
Hip Room Front54.7 in
Hip Room Rear54.5 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall ★★★★★
Frontal crash ★★★★★
Side crash ★★★★★
Rollover ★★★★★ (9.6 % risk)
Tested variant: 2014 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD

Recalls

7 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2014 Kia OPTIMA. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Sep 25, 2023 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE Park outside

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.

NHTSA campaign 23V652000

Feb 17, 2022 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Optima vehicles that were previously repaired under NHTSA recall number 20V-100. The low pressure fuel hose may be damaged, or missing heat-protective tape, which can result in a fuel leak.

Consequence: A fuel leak can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel hose, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 2, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-33-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC228.

NHTSA campaign 22V093000

May 10, 2021 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE Park outside

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.

Consequence: An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will install a new multi-fuse, and inspect the HECU for leaks, replacing the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 2, 2021. This recall supersedes previous NHTSA recall number 20V-519. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC212.

NHTSA campaign 21V331000

Aug 27, 2020 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE Park outside

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.

Consequence: If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. The recall began October 20, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC197.

NHTSA campaign 20V519000

Feb 21, 2020 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Optima vehicles equipped with 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) or 2.0L GDI Turbo engines. The low pressure fuel hose may deteriorate and crack over time due to heat generated within the engine compartment.

Consequence: If the fuel hose cracks, a fuel leak can occur, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Kia will notify Owners, and Dealers will inspect the low pressure fuel hose for damage or leaking, replacing it as necessary. If no damage or leaking is found, a heat-protective tape will be installed. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began June 12, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC187.

NHTSA campaign 20V100000

Dec 19, 2018 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.

NHTSA campaign 18V907000

Mar 31, 2017 · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.

Consequence: Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.

NHTSA campaign 17V224000

590 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2014 Kia OPTIMA

Owner Complaints

590 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2014 Kia OPTIMA (20 mention a crash, 43 a fire, 17 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Engine284
Steering96
Unknown Or Other89
Electrical System60
Structure48
Fuel/Propulsion System42
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Oct 15, 2026 · Engine And Engine Cooling
“The contact's daughter owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the engine stalled and shut off. The vehicle coasted to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated…”
Oct 5, 2026 · Unknown Or Other, Engine Fire
“I was driving normally on I-76 when suddenly, I couldn’t feel the gas working. Everything was fine with the car until then, but all of a sudden, I saw all the lights on the dashboard. I could slowly…”
Oct 5, 2026 · Steering
“The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact’s son stated that while driving 30 MPH, the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized, and significant effort…”
Oct 5, 2026 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Parking Brake, Engine And Engine Cooling
“The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that after leaving the vehicle parked for approximately 4 hours, the contact returned to the vehicle and the engine running even though the…”
Sep 28, 2026 · Steering
“Steering effort loss. Can’t drive vehicle as steering wheel is hard to move. EPS and Traction light came on. Could cause accident as I was driving and with no warning could not make turns unless using…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2014 KIA OPTIMA. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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