Automakers spend a lot of time ensuring their vehicles are safe and reliable. However, some problems may not become obvious right away – or until the owners are driving them. When this happens, the manufacturer may issue a recall to let owners know that the vehicle needs to come in for service.
How many recalls were issued for the 2014 Kia Optima engine?
As of August of 2020, yes, these include:
- Low-pressure fuel hose may crack and leak
- High-pressure fuel pipe may leak
- Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing
In this piece, we’ll discuss some of the most common concerns about recalls and customer complaints related to the 2014 Kia Optima engine (and associated systems). You will then be able to seek help from the manufacturer to have the repairs completed.
Low-Pressure Fuel Hose May Crack and Leak, Leading to Engine Failure
NHTSA Recall ID: 20Vb100000
The recall has to do with the vehicle’s fuel system that can leak and cause an engine fire. This recall could impact all 2014 Kia Optima with a 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) or the 2.0L GDI Turbo engines.
The vehicle’s low-pressure fuel hose can deteriorate over time. It can also develop cracks in it due to the heat generated by the engine. This can happen because of the placement of the hose within the engine compartment.
If this happens and a fuel hose cracks, it can allow fuel to leak into the engine area. This increases the risk of a fire occurring.
To fix this problem, Kia announced a recall in February of 2020.
Dealers will inspect the low-pressure fuel hose for any signs of wear and tear, leaks, or other cracks. If necessary, they will replace the hose. If there is no damage, Kia dealerships add a heat-protective tape over the hose to minimize further risks for drivers.
Bearing Wear May Result in the Engine Seizing
NHTSA Recall ID: 17V224000
This initial engine recall was issued in March of 2017. The problem impacts most 2014 Kia Optima vehicles. It relates to the engine and the engine cooling process.
In these cars, along with the Sorento and Sportage vehicles, machining errors are present. These errors occurred during the time the car was manufactured. As a result of the mistakes, the bearings may suffer significant wear before the end of their expected life span. This happens within the engine compartment.
If this type of wear occurs, the bearing can fail, which can lead to engine seizure. As a result, the car will stop operating, and that will increase the risk of a crash.
This recall resulted in Kia inspecting the entire engine assembly in these vehicles. They replaced the engine in some situations to ensure that bearing wear problems did not occur.
High-Pressure Fuel Pipe May Leak
NHTSA Recall ID: 18V907000
This recall impacts the 2014 Kia Optima’s fuel system and engine. These vehicles had a previous engine replacement that was done under recall number 17V-224, as a result of the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign or through a warranty recall.
In these engines, the high-pressure fuel pipe that connects the fuel pump outlet can become misaligned or damaged. In other cases, it has not been properly torqued. This happened during the replacement procedure, and it can lead to fuel leaking into the engine.
If the fuel leak occurs due to the damaged fuel line, it can allow fuel to leak into the engine compartment. If that happens and an ignition source is present, it can cause a fire.
Kia alerted owners to this recall in December of 2018. To repair it, they inspect the fuel pipe, and when damage is present, they replace the fuel pipe.
How Do You Handle an Open Recall on a 2014 Kia Optima?
To see if your Optima has any open recalls, just visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. Then, enter the vehicle identification number (VIN) of the vehicle. If you do not have the VIN, enter the make, model, and year of the car.
The system automatically checks for any type of recall or investigation into the car.
If recalls are pending that have not been serviced on the car, the system will tell you this. It will also tell you to contact Kia’s customer service representatives at 1-800-333-4542. They can tell you how to get repairs or recalls taken care of right away.
