2014 Kia Optima Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 3%of 591 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 58,900miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2014 Kia Optima, 3% of the 591 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 58,900 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The tail light's on my vehicle continue to collect condensation causing problems with the electrical components. I have returned to the dealership on this issue for a repair. Issue continues to occur, and I'm afraid that the lights will stop working causing for my vehicle to be hit from the rear if the tail lights are wet and not working properly.”
NHTSA complaint #11348621, filed 2020-08, 39,759 miles“This happens while I am driving or when I come to a stop. The car appears to stall and then the gear indicator lights in my console area go out and the light indicator in the dashboard goes out and therefore you cannot see which gear you in. I have taken it to the Kia dealer they said nothing was wrong and that it appeared to fix itself. It appeared to clear up but since has started back .”
NHTSA complaint #11326202, filed 2020-05, 83,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11209045, filed 2019-05, 41,000 miles“Brake rear lights went out, changed brake switch and fuse and lights still not working. Only have 49800 miles on the car. Was on highway and a man stooed me and let me know they are not working”
NHTSA complaint #11203154, filed 2019-04, 49,800 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11383573, filed 2020-12, 15,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10201529Sep 13, 2021TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this…
- 10170778Jan 21, 2020TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HALOGEN HEAD LAMP LOW BEAM BULB CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information regarding the procedure to repair the bulb connector on…
- 10123322Oct 31, 2017TSB - OUTSIDE REAR COMBINATION LAMP WATER INTRUSION - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the outside rear combination lamp pads on some 2011-2015MY Optima (TF)…
- 10089609Aug 2, 2016"tsb: combination lamp water intrusion - this bulletin provides the procedure to install additional foam gaskets in both rear tail lamps on 2014-2015my optima (qf) vehicles, when…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 | 1% |
| 2019 | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 | 14 | 6% |
| 2017 | 15 | 6% |
| 2016 | 47 | 6% |
| 2015 | 23 | 2% |
| 2014 | 18 | 3% |
| 2013 | 40 | 3% |
| 2012 | 31 | 3% |
| 2011 | 88 | 15% |
| 2010 | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 | 9 | 8% |
| 2008 | 8 | 6% |
| 2007 | 27 | 16% |
| 2006 | 16 | 10% |
| 2005 | 4 | 3% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 3 | 2% |
| 2002 | 2 | 2% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2014 Kia Optima
284 complaintsSteering
97 complaintsOther or unknown
90 complaintsElectrical system
60 complaintsFuel system
48 complaintsBody and structure
48 complaintsBrakes
42 complaintsVehicle speed control
21 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
20 complaintsAir bags
16 complaintsEngine cooling
16 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
12 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2014 Kia Optima
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology