2014 KIA OPTIMA Structure Problems

My cars paint is peeling uncontrollably due to delamination of the paint. The issue with the paint has been reported by others also.

[XXX] , [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] Email: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] Date: October 5, 2025 Kia America, Inc. Consumer Affairs Department [XXX] Subject: Request for Goodwill Repair – Defective Paint on 2014 Kia Optima LX Dear Kia Consumer Affairs Team, I am writing to formally request assistance regarding the defective paint on my 2012 Kia Optima LX. The paint has begun to peel and flake on several areas of the vehicle, including [insert locations — e.g., the hood and roof, if you want to specify], and the problem continues to worsen over time. My vehicle details are as follows: •Year/Model: 2014 Kia Optima LX •VIN: [XXX] •Mileage: 187,000 miles •Color: silver After researching this issue, I learned that many other Kia owners with similar models and colors have experienced the same paint defects. It appears to be a known issue related to the factory paint or clear coat used on certain Kia vehicles from this period. I have always maintained my Optima properly and have not had any repainting or accident-related body work done. The paint defect significantly impacts the car’s appearance and resale value, and I respectfully request that Kia provide a goodwill repair or repaint under its customer satisfaction or defect resolution policy. Please let me know how I should proceed to have the vehicle inspected or evaluated. I have photographs of the damaged areas available for your review upon request. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to your response. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] Email: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Paint is peeling off in big chunks down to the metal. On the hood, trunk, and over the doors.

The clear protective coat has failed over the white paint. I was originally unbothered. However, now I've learned it is a known issue in this and other makes/models. I am fearful the areas where paint has chipped, are now showing wear and rust. I've learned rust can weaken the body and affect the safety/structure. What can be done to correct this? This is my first report, if I should begin elsewhere, please advise. Thank you in advance for any help. I would simply like to have a reasonably safe vehicle and dont want to be negligent in not reporting/caring for the issues.

My vehicles paint is chipping off. It’s chipping off on the hood the top of the car and on the trunk some spots have rusted over. As I was looking into a possible repaint, I’ve heard that there has been an issue with this type of color is associated with my vehicle on other Kia Optimus, as well as some Hyundai vehicles. There were no warning lamps associated with this issue. No component or system has failed that related to the vehicle. The safety confirm would be that the rush gets deeper into the vehicle and causes other parts of the vehicle to rush to and messes up with the vehicles operating systems that could cause greater issues in the future with the operation of my vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the Kia dealership, as well as inspected by other paint and body shops.

The Snow White Pearl (SWP) paint on the exterior body of the car is peeling-off in various places. The paint often peels completely off the hood in large sheets while in motion, and flies up and sticks to the windshield obstructing the driver's view while moving.

Driving down the road several large pieces of pain flaked off on the driver side door. This is a 2014 Kia Optima with 61,000 miles on it. None of the other questions apply. I am filing this because I see on other forums that both KIA and Hyundai cars with the Snow White Pearl paint have this problem, so it seems to be a failure by the manufacturer.

My car overturned/flipped over after i hit a very small bump in the road located on [XXX] in Utica Ny doing about 15 mph in a trailer park where I worked I have printed out all of my recalls on my 2014 Kia Optima GDI there was some brake fluid on the ground around the area where my car landed in a ditch however the Sheriff that came to the scene of the accident and the female state troopers failed to even check or smell the fluid after I informed both the officers and the Deerfield Fire Department the only ones willing to give me any advice on how to handle this matter even though I could had lost my life then to show up to court for the tickets I got for literally driving 15 mph in a trailer park and my car flips over into a ditch and not be able to make a statement in court due to the paperwork not being in to the courthouses computer system in [XXX] at 6:00 to show the judge all my recalls as well as plead not guilty to them I find unprofessional and as for the damage sustained to my vehicle I need to find an independent property adjuster to do a investigation however it is set to go to the Kia Dealership located at 5056 commercial Dr., Yorkville, NY, for the recalls on December 30, 2024 however due to the damage done in the roller I am unsure on what to do please help I paid for this car in full as a private sell and it had no issues with it at all no lights on the dashboard or anything was driving good at time of accident on [XXX] at [XXX] until I literally hit that bump in the road of the trailer park should anyone from your agency need to contact me to view the damage and pictures please contact me at [XXX] for I could not upload all documents and photos thank you very much [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

White paint is peeling all over the car, in spots as large as 6 inches by 4 inches.

Pearl white paint is chipping and falling off all over the car. The paint isn't sticking to the factory primer, causing paint chips to fly off while driving. This issue also exposes the unprotected steel to the elements, causing rust and weakening the car body.

My paint is delaminating all over my vehicle and is flying off in large sheets. My car now has metal exposed which is susceptible to rust which poses a risk to the structure of my vehicle and the potential of my windshield flying off as a result. This first started occurring less than 2 years after purchasing my vehicle in 2019. KIA fails to recognize this manufacturer defect and it continues to delaminate at an alarming rate.

Pearl white paint has been chippong through the years. I have had paint retouched in certain places. I continuously complained and demanded it get fixed. Eventually they would repaint. But when it gets painted over a new part of the car starts chipping away. It’s nonsense. I bought this car new and my parents have cars older than me that have no problems with the paint. My car started chipping with it warranty we paid for but they always found loopholes. Fast forward more years and my car is an embarrassment to drive around

Pearl White Paint is peeling off the car in multiple locations. Several areas are beginning to rust and damage the body The problem is well known online through multiple Kia/Sorrento Owners. We've taken the vehicle to several car painting companies who confirmed the defect. The problem began about 2020.

Paint (Pearl White) has been peeling and delaminating for a number of years. Tried working w/Kia directly. Their Customer Care center told us they have a memo stating the known issue with the pearl white paint and told us to send in pictures, get it repaired and send in the bill. We didn't want to do this directly so received an estimate from the body shop. Kia then recanted and said we weren't under warranty. We've seen many other complaints across Kia and Hyundai cars related to this pearl white paint. We just want them to cover repainting. The body shop has 50 photos to include the actual paint thinness measured with digital measurement device.

paintKIA Kia optima lx SNOW WHITE PAINT PEELING CHIPPING AND DELAMINATION! it started about a few months ago in oct 2023 and now its starting to peel in different places please help this is not fair!

I have snow white pearl color car. I noticed that the there is painting peeling off my car. I also had my windshield replaced by safelite and they took a chunk of paint off my car as well and are refusing to pay for damage.

The pain is delaminating (peeling) throughout the vehicle. The pain color is white pearl, it starts bubbling up then peeling off in large areas.

Paint is peeling off in substantial amounts. The door pillars/roof rails are almost completely bare metal. There is a large paint bubble on the trunk that will come off soon. The roof, hood, doors all have paint delaminating and coming off. Its all getting worse by the day. I've discovered that this is a common issue with Kias in my year range (2014), model (Optima) and color (white) particularly. The paint started to delaminate about maybe a year ago and I let my local Kia dealership know and they said there was nothing they could do. It got so bad I went to a body shop in my area about 4 months ago, JJ paint and body shop in Bakersfield, CA, and he told me it should be covered by Kia, so I went through Kias customer care program with them intaking my information, getting photos, quotes and service records, only for them to take 10 weeks to deny rectifying this paint issue citing that the paint was out of warranty (3 years 36, 000 miles). I appealed to the BBB Auto Line and they took several weeks as well to come to the same result citing the warranty. This widely known paint defect is Kias fault, I know Toyota has had paint issues of the same type and they warranty it for 10 years. I wash my cars regularly and keep them up to date on service. It is unfathomable to me that I should bear the financial responsibility to repaint my vehicle. There's more damage than I could show, being limited to only 10 pictures. I'm hoping that this organization can give me recourse.

I have a snow white pearl painted Kia optima that has peeling paint on the pillars by the windshield. It started out really small but now it’s almost down the entire pillar.

Vehicle paint is chipping / peeling off in large parts . Mainly roof and area surrounding windshield

The contact's sister owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked unattended, it spontaneously caught fire. The ABS warning indicator light had previously been turned on and off. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. A police report was filed. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. There were no reported injuries, crashes, or air bag deployments. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V100000 ( Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

Mileage: 85,000

Paint on vehicle on top of trunk has chipped off like a whole section out of no where.

The paint is bubbling and peeling from the hood, pillars, and the roof. So. Enough that will start to settle in. Kia refuses to acknowledge it is a manufacturer defect.

The White paint is chipping on the hood and roof of the car.

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the steering wheel would jerk and shake. In addition, the steering wheel would vibrate whenever the contact would drive over rough roads. The vibration would omit a loud vibrating noise as well. The vehicle's driver seat would move out of position independently. The contact also mentioned that whenever they attempted to move the seat it failed to adjust accordingly. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who stated the steering column needed to be replaced along with other parts in connection to the steering. The contact stated that many bolts and screws had detached, as well, that needed to be replaced as well. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 126,170.

Mileage: 126,170

The paint on my car is just falling off. I cant even wash my car because its peeling off so easily.

The paint is defective/chipping. Now, rusting has occurred.

Pearl white paint has been rapidly chipping. Dealership has refused to do anything.

Snow White paint is chipping and peeling on random parts of the car

Pearl White paint peeling around windshield, paint bubbling and lifting on roof and trunk lid.

Paint started peeling on both sides of front windshield and has gotten worse over the years

My car has 80,000 miles and the paint chipping on the bumper, hood, and roof is starting to cause rust on the car body.

I noticed a small spot of paint chipping one day. Then I was washing my car and noticed a lot of spots chipping. As I started watching them they kept chipping all over from my hood which is the worst to side of doors sides and roof around front window and front and back bumper. I looked online to research it and if anyone had this problem and it seems to be just the white kia that has this problem. I have contacted kia mutable times. I sent pictures of my car and 3 estimates. All I keep doing is getting the run around about what there going to do. It is now getting worse and starting to rust real bad.

I noticed that the pain on the hood had a chip in it. About two months or so later there were a few spots where the paint has bubbled and peeled off. Later I noticed the the paint was doing the same along both sides of the windshield and above both doors. The spots are continuing to bubble and peel.

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph the vehicle shut off and rolled in a parking lot. There were no warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the dashboard and vents melted and the air conditioner became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was informed there were metal shavings in the engine. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted who referred the contact to a local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.

Mileage: 129,000

PAINT HAS BEGUN BUBBLING AND PEELING IN SEVERAL AREAS. BODY SHOPS HAVE SAID IT IS DELAMINATION.

Mileage: 115,677

THE ANTENNA FIN SCREWS SHEERED OFF AND PLASTIC SCREW HOLDER BROKE INTO PIECES CAUSING THE FIN TO COME LOOSE AND FALL OFF, EXPOSING ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. THERE WAS NO PRIOR INTERFERENCE WITH THE FIN, I OBSERVED THE FIN SLIGHTLY LIFTED ON THE FRONT END AND IT PULLED RIGHT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PARKED POSITION AFTER JUST DRIVING IT 5 MINUTES. THERE IS NO EASY WAY OF FIXING THIS ISSUE, RAIN DAMAGE MAY OCCUR CAUSING ISSUES WITH RADIO AND OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. OTHERS HAVE COMPLAINED OF THE SAME THING HAPPENING TO THEIR KIA OPTIMA ANTENNA FINS.

Mileage: 66,752

2014 KIA OPTIMA SHARK FIN RADIO ANTENNA COVER BROKE OFF AFTER EXITING THE FREEWAY. ALL FIVE SCREW HOLDERS CRACKED INSIDE THE HOUSING, OBVIOUSLY A FAULTY DESIGN. THE 2016 KIA OPTIMA SHARK FIN RADIO ANTENNA WAS RECALLED FOR THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. MY VEHICLE IS STORED IN A GARAGE EACH NIGHT AND HAS NEVER SUSTAINED ANY DAMAGED TO THE ROOF AREA. THIS IS A VERY UNSAFE PROBLEM HAPPENING TO MANY KIA OPTIMAS, GOD FORBID MY ANTENNA FLEW OFF AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE BEFORE I EXITED.

Mileage: 80,000

NOTICED THE SHARK FIN MISSING. AFTER CLOSER EXAMINATION IT APPEARS THAT IT SNAPPED OFF TO REPLACE THE HEADLINER MUST BE REMOVED I ORDER A NEW ONE AND I AM UNABLE TO REPLACE IT. TAKING TO DEALERSHIP AND HOPEFULLY THE WILL IT WHEN CHECKING ON MY STEERING ISSUE.

Mileage: 104,000

SHARK FIN ANTENNA SNAPS OFF, ONLY 4TINY SCREWS HOLD IT ON

Mileage: 123,000

'KIA PEARL WHITE PAINT RECALL' I HAVE HAD MY KIA OPTIMA FOR LESS THAN 2 YEARS. I AM FROM THE SOUTH AND I DROVE IT UP NORTH A FEW WEEKS AGO AND ICE AND SNOW GOT ON MY CAR AND MY PAINT HAS STARTED PEELING. IT'S $2,000 TO GET THE HOOD AND THE DRIVERS SIDE PANNEL FIXED AND ALL KIA TOLD ME IS THEIR PAINT WARRANTY ENDED IN 2016. I DID NOT EVEN OWN THE CAR AT THAT TIME. THIS IS CLEARLY AN ISSUE WITH THE WAY THEY PAINTED THE CAR. NO 2014 CAR SHOULD BE LOSING PAINT FROM DRIVING UP NORTH FOR A FEW DAYS. I ALSO CALLED KIA AND THEY STARTED A 'CASE' THEY TOLD ME TO SUBMIT A QUITE. I SUBMITTED THE NEXT DAY AND A FEW DAYS LATER THEY SAID THEY DECLINED MY REQUEST AND THEIR REASON WAS BECAUSE THE PAINT WARRANTY ENDED IN 2016. ALL PEARL WHITE PAINT CARS NEED TO GET THEIR CARS COMPLETELY REPLANTED. IF THIS IS NOT A COMMON CASE PLEASE GOOGLE THE PAINT ISSUES ON THIS CAR. THEY ARE EVERYWHERE. I WISH I WOULD HAVE KNOWN BEFORE BUYING THE CAR. (3 PHOTOS ATTACHED)

Mileage: 53,500

SUNROOF EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING. LOUD EXPLOSION SOUND WITHIN THE CABIN, GLASS SHARDS THEN BROKE AWAY FALLING INSIDE VEHICLE AND OUTWARD ON INTERSTATE.

Mileage: 71,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS AND AS SOON AS THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KIA OF ALHAMBRA (1247 W MAIN ST, ALHAMBRA, CA 91801, (626) 478-1012) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM A LOOSE LICENSE PLATE IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER UNKNOWN DEALER FOR A SECOND OPINION AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000.

Mileage: 52,000

MY ANTENNA SHARK COVER CAME OFF DURING WASHING IT IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS SHARK COVER. THE OWNER OF THE CAR WASH TOLD ME THIS AND SO DID THE COLLISION CENTER AT THE REPAIR PLACE. IT IS GOING TO COST ALMOST 400.00 TO REPAIR THIS AND I THINK KIA SHOULD HAVE A RECALL ON THESE DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE SCREWS HOLDING THE SHARK ON IS BREAKING OFF. THE CONSUMER SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS.I SAW 2 OTHERS WHILE I WAS AT THE REPAIR PLACE.I DO HAVE A REPORT FROM THE CAR WASH AND THE OTHER SAYS THE VIDEO SHOWS THAT HER EMPLOYEES DID NOT TOUCH OR HIT THE SHARK.

Mileage: 59,000

I WAS HEADING NORTH BOUND, CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 55 WHEN MY 2014 KIA OPTIMA THERA II MOTOR STARTED MAKING A GRINDING SOUNDS, LOST COMPLETE POWER AND STALLED OUT. CAR WOULD NOT TURN ON ANYMORE, A TEXAS STATE TROOPER AND SMALL TOWN COP HELPED ME PUSHED THE CAR INTO A PARKING LOT AFTER ABOUT AN HOUR, THE CAR STARTED SMOKING AND CAUGHT FIRE FROM THE ENGINE BAY. LUCKILY NO ONE GOT HURT BUT THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSE AND I HAVE A FEELING KIA IS GOING TO GIVE ME THE RUNAROUND. THE THETA II DOES HAVE AN OPEN RECALL. THE MOTOR WAS CHECKED TWICE AND PASSED BOTH TIMES.

Mileage: 85,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE SHARK FIN FELL OFF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KIA OF ABILENE (4702 SOUTHWEST DR, ABILENE, TX 79606) AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, BUT DID NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TT

Mileage: 63,000

THE ANTENNAE FALLS OF, IT SNAPPED. IT IS ONLY PLASTIC AND IT LEAVES COMPONENTS EXPOSED TO THE ELEMENTS WHICH MAY CAUSE A FIRE IN THE ROOF. ALSO IF IT SNAPS OF WHILE DRIVING IT COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT TO THE CAR BEHIND YOU. THERE ARE MANY OF THESE OUT THERE THAT HAVE COME OFF. THIS SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO, THEY ARE ASKING ABSORBENT PRICES TO REPAIR .IT HAPPENED WILL PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT.

Mileage: 15,000

DRIVING SOUTHBOUND ON I-95 IN VIRGINIA, I HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION LIKE A GUNSHOT. MOMENTS LATER, I HEARD THE SOUND OF AIR RUSHING PAST FROM ABOVE MY HEAD AND DEBRIS VIBRATING ON THE INTERIOR SUNROOF SCREEN. I LATER FOUND THAT IT WAS BROKEN GLASS CRACKLING AND FALLING AGAINST THE INTERIOR SUNROOF SCREEN. I PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY TO CHECK THE ROOF FOR DAMAGE. WHAT I FOUND WAS A GAPING HOLE (8-12 INCHES IN DIAMETER) IN THE GLASS OF THE FRONT SUNROOF. I WAS NOT NEAR ANY OVERPASS OR WORK TRUCKS, NOR DID I EVER OBSERVE ANYTHING STRIKING THE CAR AT ANY TIME- NOT DURING THIS INCIDENT OR EVER BEFORE. I SERIOUSLY THOUGHT THERE HAD BEEN AN EXPLOSION OR GUNSHOT SOMEWHERE NEARBY. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE. THE EXPLODING SOUND ALONE MIGHT CAUSE A PERSON TO GO OFF THE ROAD OR OTHERWISE SWERVE INTO TRAFFIC. *TR

Mileage: 1,000