2015 Kia Optima
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 1,008 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 2nd highest complaint count among 20 Optima model years with reports.
Of the 2015 reports, 31 involved a crash and 74 involved a fire. 23 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideSep 25, 2023
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
Campaign 23V652000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideMay 10, 2021
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will install a new multi-fuse, and inspect the HECU for leaks, replacing the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 2, 2021. This recall supersedes previous NHTSA recall number 20V-519. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC212.
Campaign 21V331000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideAug 27, 2020
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. The recall began October 20, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC197.
Campaign 20V519000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsDec 19, 2018
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
Campaign 18V907000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
135 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 27, 2024
For the past month or two my vehicle hesitates to start on the first try. I can smell an odor at times when this occurs. Most recently it seems to occur more frequently when the outside temperature is warmer.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Aug 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Additionally, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle turned off unintendedly. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the Technical Service Bulletin NHTSA ID: 10252085 (Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling); with a similar failure description. The failure mileage was approximately 92,394.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Jul 23, 2024
While driving on freeway lights, flicker and car just dies. Steering goes out and lose control of vehicle. Then will randomly start up again
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 23, 2024
I was driving on the expressway onto the exit ramp going about 75 mph when my car suddenly slowed down even though my foot was on the pedal as i kept trying to drive, it was slowing down. The temp gauge was exactly in the middle and the rpm was at 0. The mph was at 60 mph even though it was slowing down it didnt change on the reader. When i realized the mph on the reader was not changing all the service lights came out on the dash. So I idled to a stop on the side of the road when I got out of the car I realized there was smoke coming from the hood and it had a really awful smell of something burning. I know the engine didnt over heat because the coolant reservoir is full and the upper radiator hose had pressure. Ive been having an issue with burning oil so I topped it off with a qt of oil. I left the car off for about 2 hours and then tried to start it and the engine would not start , the break pedal became hard to push down but the burning smell got worse. So i decided to turn the car off again. Meanwhile im still stuck on the side of the road. I watched a couple of youtube videos and there are many people having the same issue with the radiator fan, or a leak in a pipe or hose, or some sort of sensor.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while her granddaughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and there was smoke coming from the front end of the vehicle. The driver was able to pull to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact met her granddaughter on the side of the road. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the smoke was coming from underneath the vehicle, under the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that an unknown wiring harness had burned, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the dealer informed the contact that the repair could not be covered under the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jun 18, 2024
has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall It smells like burning
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 7, 2024
Drove this 15 Kia Optima on the highway when all of a sudden it lost power and died. There was no lights or symptoms prior to this happening. The vehicle ran as it should up until the other day, the Engine had no codes or lights on in the vehicle.. Then without any signs at all the vehicle stalled and almost caused an accident on the highway and the would not start. Barely made it to the breakdown lane. We had it towed to a shop and We spent some time checking the Kia over to find out the starter had melted. We installed a new starter and now the engine has a very loud knocking sound that was never there before. Based on reading the safety recalls and bulletins on this Kia and issues surrounding this vehicle online, we should meet the criteria for a claim. Can you help me please!!!!
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the check engine and battery warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the engine had been replaced two weeks prior to the failure. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer for routine maintenance; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. In addition, during a battery replacement, there were several unknown warning lights illuminated and smoke was coming from the vents. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that there was an EVAP leak, the canister purge valve had cracked, and the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced Kia Campaign Number: SC135. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Engine, May 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated the vehicle failed to start-up. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the oil level was extremely low. The contact was unaware of any oil leaks. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost of towing the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) after the failure had occurred. The failure mileage was approximately 184,000.
Electrical system, Engine, May 6, 2024
I have 3 issues currently going on with my 2015 Kia Optima. The first is the Oil Control Valve. This is supposed to be covered under my extended warranty that I pay for. If I didn't have the extended warranty I would be responsible for putting a new engine in a car with less than 60,000 miles on it. However, it will take time for the adjuster to come out and then to decide if the entire engine should be replaced which would then take even longer. The second issue is the O2 sensor which is part of the exhaust. Apparently in a care with less than 60,000 miles on it it's not unusual in the Kia Optima for this to go bad. Kia knows this is an issue but hasn't done anything about it. Lastly, the Stop Module in the braking system needs to be replaced. After hitting my brakes at a red light the ESC light came on and the brake lights don't go off. It's very dangerous as no one behind me can tell if I'm stopping or not. There was a previous recall for the HEC system which I had fixed. Per that recall brake fluid can leak and cause an electrical issue within the brake system but my Kia dealer service department is telling me it's not related to the original recall. I think it is and I think Kia should make the repair with no charge to me on a car with less than 60,000 miles on it. How does the engine, the exhaust system and the electrical system all go bad at the same exact time? This is unacceptable.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 30, 2024
- The issue occurred for the first time 4/30/2024 - The following 3 warning lights appeared while I was driving: ABS, Traction Control, and Brake - I took the vehicle immediately to a facility to have the warning codes read. The printout showed: C2402 & C2380 - The warning lights remain illuminated every time the vehicle is turned on - I believe there is a safety concern of a potential fire or brake failure
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 19, 2024
I received a safety recall notice in November 2023 stating that there is defect with Hydraulic Electrical Control Unit (HECU) in my car that can result in an engine compartment fire either while I am driving my car or when it is parked. As of April 2024, I am still waiting to be notified that the part to fix this issue is available. This delay is putting my life and my children's lives at risk every time we drive in our only car, as well as the drivers around me if my car catches on fire when I am near them. In addition, this issue puts our home, as well as our neighbors' homes, at risk of catching on fire since I am not able to park outdoors away from other cars and structures as was recommended. In the past few days, I have felt a difference in my car's performance and today 04/19/24, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) warning light turned on. According to the notice I received, I am supposed to stop driving my car and have it taken to a dealership immediately if this happens. However, I called my local dealership, and the earliest appointment available is on 05/13/24. I have no other car and cannot afford to drive a rental car for almost 30 days. I have been placed into a horrible situation because of this major issue. I have to risk my safety every time I am in car and even when it is simply parked because of this. This is completely unacceptable, and Kia should be held responsible immediately as I have no other means to remedy this problem.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Apr 3, 2024
I was driving in downtown Gilbert when I pulled up to a red light. My car would not inch forward when taking foot off brake. I then had to put my foot all the way down to get my car to drive. When taking a turn my car would run perfectly until I stopped. Then we pull up to parking garage and the car just stops without while in drive so I put it in park and then turn it off and then back on and it works again. I had the alternator, battery and starter checked and they were all good no issues so why am I having electrical problems with my vehicle Kia needs to fix this.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Mar 24, 2024
I NEED REMEDY COMPENSATION IN REGARDS OF MY RECALLS MY ENGINE WARRANTY WAS GONE AFTER BEING REPLACED DUE TO ENGINE SEIZED 01/01/2023 I HAD ENGINE WARRANTY SINCE 2020 AND NOW MY CAR WAS BEING REJECTED REFUSED REJECTED EXCLUDED IAM BEING DISCREDITED I OWN MY 2015 KIA OPTIMA I LIVED SLEEP IN MY CAR IAM HOING THROUGH FINANCIAL HARDSHIP SINCE 2021 I NEED LEGAL ADVICE HELP ASSISTANCE PLEASE
Electrical system, Mar 21, 2024, fire
Hello, I am writing a complain in hopes of getting some type of help to try and recover damage on my car. I own a KIA OPTIMA 2015 and sometime in November of 2023 I received a letter in the mail stating the car had a recall on it that could result in the car catching on fire. While I was waiting for the remedy letter to come in less than a month after I received the recall letter the car randomly caught on fire. I strongly believe that it had to do with the recall because the car was Fine before that and had no check engine light on or anything on the dash board. The car was parked in the backyard of my residence in which the letter did warn to park away from any residence if any light was on in the car but at this time no warning light was shown on the dashboard. At this time I was taking my brother who is a minor to school when it happened.It was around 8am in the morning when I had turned on the car to let it warm up and as I ran inside the house for less than 2 minutes I came back to the car shut off making a weird noise. When I tried to turn it back on it took less than a minute and it started to catch on fire. I did have to call the fire department as the flames moved fast and were uncontrollable. My insurance unfortunately was no help in helping recover anything and when I reached out to the kia company after 2 long months of waiting on answers I was told that they could not offer no type of reimbursement as they aren't sure how or why the fire started. They said that the fire started in the compartment of the passenger side which the recall letter did mention something similar to that.Kia company does not want to take any responsibility in their mistakes and just brushed me off. I am now left with no car and a bill that I am waiting for in the mail from calling the fire department. Not only was my life in danger but so was my brother as he did suffer a panic attack from how scared he was that day. Please assist in what I can do next. Thank you
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 5, 2024
HI, I own a 2015 KIA OPTIMA. Sometimes when I drive it, I get a burning smell from the dashboard/engine after driving it after a while. I received A KIA recall notice regarding an electrical short circuit in November 2023. The notice said that the electrical short circuit could cause a fire, which I think is the cause of the burning smell. When I called KIA to bring the car in, they said there is no remedy to fix it yet. So I receive the notices in November 2023 and at the time of writing it is March 5th 2024, five months after and KIA does still does not have a remedy to fix the problem. I think this is a major safety issue that is not solved in a timely manner as there is potential risk of fire every time I drive my car. I hope NHTSA can step in and have KIA expedite a remedy to fix this hazard that can lead to potential injury and/or death. Thank you Concerned KIA owner
Electrical system, Feb 5, 2024, fire
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH, the vehicle lost power and the check engine light was illuminated. The vehicle was parked at the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that a handheld diagnostic machine provided code: P1326 where the knock sensor needed to be replaced. On another occasion, while driving at 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact attempted to start the vehicle again but observed smoke and flames emanating from the engine compartment and exited the vehicle. The fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the knock sensor needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 152,451.
Electrical system, Air bags, Structure, Jan 24, 2024, crash
I OWNED MY 2015 OPTIMA SLX SINCE THEY HAVE IT REPLACED MY ENGINE IN KEARNY MESA DEALERSHIP I PAID OUT OF POCKET FROM REPAIRS LABORS THERE IS A DEFECTS ON DOOR PANELS AIRBAGS ELECTRICL WIRING HARNESS NEVER RECEIVED ANY CLAIM COMPENSATION SETTLEMENT FROM THOSE CLAIM ACCIDENTS THAT IAM NOT AT FAULT FOR IT IS UNLAWFUL UNCONSTITUTIONAL UNFAIR I DESERVE A RESTORATION OF MY PERSONAL VEHICLE I OWNED IT I LIVED IN IT.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Jan 13, 2024
I purchased my car in 2015 at 23k miles, now we're at 86k miles and I'm experiencing issues. How is there a recall for this car but no remedy yet when there is a high risk of fire? Shouldn't there be a resolution for this safety concern? I noticed my car in 2022 would smoke here and there when driving, and I would smell burning. I took it to my mechanic and he changed the head gasket, and the smoking stopped. There is residue on my engine from a leak from the oil. My mechanic at the time told me I might still smell burning oil just due to that. As time went on things were fine but a year later, the oil smell came back stronger. I notice it only on longer drives, so I do believe my car is leaking oil. Also, the amount of time I've changed my break lights this year and head lights. They dim so fast over time and eventually go out to where I have to replace them. There is 100% an electrical issue going on.
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 10, 2024
HECU has been replaced by kia dealership but I paid although all recalls performed are free.
Electrical system, Jan 9, 2024
HECU has been replaced but has not been free
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 23, 2023
Unknown
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 14, 2023
When driving down the highway car will beep a message on dashboad to pull the car over and turn engine off. the HEV light will be flashing. you can turn engine off and re start in a minute or so. the check engine light stays on and tells me to check hybrid system this willl ocur at random once a week or two times in a month. Kia dealership has not fixed the issue. I dont trust driving the car or safe when pulling off a busy highway. ON hand held obd did get a trouble code P0A37 Generator Temperature Sensor Hi Range .
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Nov 13, 2023
Something is so wrong with my car, I can not see through the UVO screen no sound at all, can not detect my car key unless I put my key on dashboard. UVO works and dies instantly. Something in computer part of my KIA is BAD not operating normal. I take my car to KIA in Lithonia GA still NO HELP!! NO KIA DEALER WILL HELP ME UNLESS I PAY A HIGH DOLLAR! My 2015 Kia Optima EX needs help.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Nov 9, 2023
The contact leased a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the front passenger's side window, the rearview camera, and the brake lights were intermittently inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at approximately 10 MPH, the check engine warning light and several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle shut off. The contact shifted into neutral(N) and was able to push the vehicle to the side of the road with the assistance of several bystanders. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was leased, and it was diagnosed that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the battery warning light and the steering warning light illuminated, and the vehicle shut off. The contact was able to jumpstart the vehicle and drove to the residence, where the vehicle remained parked. The vehicle was not repaired. The Kia dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.