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Exterior lightingPart report

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 miles

Related service bulletins

Exterior lighting: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202021%
201921%
2018146%
2017156%
2016476%
2015232%
2014183%
2013403%
2012313%
20118815%
201023%
200998%
200886%
20072716%
20061610%
200543%
200452%
200332%
200222%
200132%

Other parts of the 2014 Kia Optima

Engine
284 complaints
Steering
97 complaints
Other or unknown
90 complaints
Electrical system
60 complaints
Fuel system
48 complaints
Body and structure
48 complaints
Brakes
42 complaints
Vehicle speed control
21 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
20 complaints
Air bags
16 complaints
Engine cooling
16 complaints
Visibility (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