Warning about the 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid Check Hybrid System.
Hi everyone, I’m hoping someone has some thoughts before I get too deep into this issue.
I bought a 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid with 80K miles. Everything was great at first, but about a month into owning it, I started having a problem.
When I drive on the interstate at 65 to 70 mph, a warning light pops up that says ‘Check Hybrid System, please pull over and do not drive’ and it shuts off my cruise control and starts to slow down. This warning stays on for just 1 or 2 seconds, and before I can pull over, it lets me drive again.
I took it to my dealer (not a Kia dealer, we don’t have one nearby), but they didn’t find any codes.
I searched online a lot about this, but I haven’t found anything that matches my issue where the light only stays on for a second or two.
Does anyone have any ideas or have experienced something similar?
Thanks in advance to anyone who might know something 
@Ellis
I had the same thing happen. The dealer said everything was fine. I have to be careful when getting on the interstate because if I push the pedal too hard, the light shows up. Warming the car for about 10 minutes before driving helps. I have a 2012 Optima Hybrid.
@Adair
I’m curious, how long have you had your car and how long has this been happening? I’m trying to figure out how serious the issue is
Ellis said:
@Adair
I’m curious, how long have you had your car and how long has this been happening? I’m trying to figure out how serious the issue is
I bought it in February 2016 and this problem started in November when the weather got cooler. I’m seeing if it gets better as it warms up. I think the hybrid battery might be wearing out.
@Adair
I’ll keep you updated if anything changes. Hopefully, it’s just a cold weather issue or an easy fix. It definitely sounds like it could be a battery problem.
Ellis said:
@Adair
I’ll keep you updated if anything changes. Hopefully, it’s just a cold weather issue or an easy fix. It definitely sounds like it could be a battery problem.
As the weather warmed up, this issue has mostly gone away. I’m guessing the battery will need replacing near future since the cold plus acceleration seemed to be tough on it.
@Adair
Mine clears up too when it warms up. I think you’re right.
@Ellis
I have the same year Optima hybrid with 96K miles. Around 50K, I noticed the Check Hybrid System message showing up for less than a minute when I started driving in the morning if it was really cold, near zero degrees. I think the cold battery wasn’t giving enough current. Once it warmed up, the warning went away. Recently, around 80K, I’ve had a few of these alerts like what you described. It happens mostly when cruise control is on. The dealer can check diagnostic codes for $150, but from what I’ve read, nothing shows up for this. I’ve seen comments that the warning comes up when accelerating hard, so it might be related to that when in cruise control and going uphill. Maybe a weak battery not keeping up is at fault. Since the warning goes away fast, I’m hesitant to take it back to the dealer.
This may not be related, but I once had a 2008 Sportage that would randomly cut out cruise control without showing any codes. The dealer couldn’t find a problem, but I discovered that the intake pipe was loose after the flow sensor. It would open up sometimes and cause issues. Good luck.
Hi everyone. I just saw this and I need some help. I can’t get an appointment at the Kia dealer until next month. Just got a ‘Check hybrid system turn off engine’ warning. My car slowed down to 40 mph. I made it home safely, but I’m trying to figure out what’s wrong. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks in advance.
Hello, everyone. I have a problem with my Kia Optima Hybrid and I can’t find out what the issue is.
Hi, try changing the hybrid battery coolant. It helped my 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid.
I have the same problem with the same car. I took it to the dealer, and they told me I needed an $8K fuel system replacement because coolant was leaking onto the hybrid battery, but I’m not sure if that will fix everything. About the cruise control turning off, one dealer said it might be a booster failure. I’m really confused. Did anyone find a solution?
@Elliot
Nobody seems to update once their issue gets fixed. It’s so frustrating.
Caden said:
@Elliot
Nobody seems to update once their issue gets fixed. It’s so frustrating.
I hear you. I did the fuel system replacement, which seems to have lessened the hybrid battery warning issue, but I still got the warning when I left the car outside in the cold and drove it right after starting. I think that might have been my fault, but I’m not really sure. The cruise control still turns off randomly.
Eliot said:
@Elliot
[deleted]
How are things going now? Are you seeing an improvement after changing the spark plugs and coils?