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: structure
76 reports, newest first. Show all
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.
Structure, Jan 15, 2024
Paint delamination on top surfaces of the vehicle.
Structure, Dec 19, 2023
my paint on my Kia Optima Pearl White paint is bubbling and peeling in various areas of my car exposing the metal to corrosion. It is peeling on the trunk and on the roof in various places.
Structure, Nov 17, 2023
2015 KIA OPTIMA WHITE PEAR PAINT JOB DELAMINATION ON HOOD, TRUNK SIDE PANELS BY WINDOWS AND FRONT AND BACK WINDSHIELDS. AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION, HAS BEEN INSPECTED. NATIONAL PROBLEM, INSPECTED BY KIA DEALER REFERRED BODY SHOP. FIRST TIME APPEARED VERY VISIBLE 1 YEAR 1/2 AGO. I HAVE REACHED OUT TO KIA, FILED CLAIM, CASE #[XXX] ON 10/11/2023, TODAY, 11/17/2023 RECEIVED E-MAIL "VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY". MY VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED IN GEORGIA WITHIN THE SAME TIME(S) OF THE CLASS ACTION RECALL FOR 2013 AND 2014 MODELS. I REQUEST MY CASE BE RECONSIDERED FOR THE PAINT REQUEST. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Structure, Oct 29, 2023
The paint on my vehicle has been bubbling and chipping off for years. I did buy my vehicle used and was a certified pre owned. It was in great condition at the time of purchase. The paint became a problem soon after owning the vehicle. I didn’t think much of it till it continued to peel off more and rust in certain areas. I noticed more vehicles like mine had the same problem. I began looking into it and seen that others were complaining of the same issue as mine online. I did contact Kias main corporate office and they wanted estimates and pictures. I did not go thru with this because they said it was a process to even get approved and if they approved it they would only paint certain parts, and not the whole car. I figured why paint parts if the same paint was used originally to paint the entire car then chips could happen anywhere else. And if paint was approved on certain areas I could only file once and to me that didn’t seem worth it at the time so I decided to see if this would become a recall and have been waiting patiently. Im very unhappy with KIA regarding this issue. It’s clearly a problem amongst multiple customers. I have this nice car and it’s embarrassing to drive like this. I hope this message reaches someone who will do something about this. Thank you
Structure, Oct 9, 2023
Pearl white paint is peeling off in chunks. Not normal.
Steering, Structure, Other or unspecified, Oct 6, 2023
Windows were broken and steering column was broken in to. Car was stolen and spray painted the seats and front end was smashed.Car was totaled
Structure, Aug 31, 2023
The concern is more of a cosmetic issue than mechanical. The paint or primer has a defect which is causing my vehicle to peel from the paint throughout the panels. Kia did decline the roof pillar when it first started but then the hood & left rear door is peeling. I paid out of pocket to have it repaired but other panels started to peel which it will not stop.
Structure, Jun 22, 2023
my car paint is chipping in multiple places around my car. This could lead to rusting witch, can ultimately lead the body of the car to be easily damaged. it will cause a weakened body structure which can lead to so many damages in the future. I am mediately contacted Kia corporate as soon as the problem got worse, they refuse to pay for my whole car to be repainted. I have a pearl white Kia car, which is known to chip and bubble up. to fix my issues immediately, I went to get my car painted at an affordable place with my own money.
Structure, Engine, Jun 11, 2023
pearl white paint chipping away. also both power mirrors went out. one replaced with after market and other one available for inspection
Structure, May 29, 2023
Chunks of paint are coming off my car on the freeway. It was raining and a large section of paint flew off and onto the car that was driving behind me and stuck to their windshield. The occupant almost had a collision with another vehicle on the freeway. I was able to follow the car that got the paint stuck to their windshield and I did apologize and got their contact information to verify my incident.
Structure, May 26, 2023
White pearl color start pealing off, affected area is at the back of the roof above the back window.
Structure, Apr 27, 2023
Paint is peeling off my white 2015 KIA Optima on the passenger side, trunk and driver and passenger front pillars. The paint is peeling from underneath the paint at the base of the vehicle. This is obviously a paint defect and unacceptable. I was told by multiple auto paint body shops that "the paint did not fuse with the primer which is causing the paint to bubble and peel". Kia is telling consumers to put in a claim and send pictures, sales contracts and paint estimates etc. and then deny the claim. However, I know for a fact that they are picking and choosing which claims to take care of. My claim was denied but I refuse to accept this and asked for a Case manager to call me directly to discuss further. I am suppose to get a call back within a 5 to 7 days. Kia is a billion dollar business with millions of Kia vehicles sold and for them not to take responsibility for there manufacturing defect is very bad business and I expect more from them. I spent hard earned money for my car that looks horrible and I am embarrassed to drive in and drive my clients in. I am not happy at how Kia is handling this matter and consumers of Kia deserve better treatment.
Structure, Mar 26, 2023
The paint has started delaminating and is coming off in sheets. This problem started about 2 months ago. I am worried that a large sheet of paint can fly off and affect a vehicle or motorcycle behind me.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Structure, Mar 8, 2023
Rear outer TAIL LAMP combination assemblies (NOT the inner lights on the trunk lid) have failed Virginia State SAFETY Inspection due to accumulation of moisture and standing water in BOTH left and right outer tail lamps, causing LEDs in the tail lamp assembly to burn out and not illuminate. There have already been multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) on the matter (i.e. KIA TSB PS364, KIA TSB BOD143, KIA TSB BOD172), and the cause outlined in these TSBs has been a DEFECT in design leading to a gap between the tail lamp housing gasket and the vehicle body allowing WATER INTRUSION. KIA has neglected to inspect, fix, or add additional gaskets per their instructions during eligible warranty periods, and extended warranties refuse to fix the issue as they classify it as water intrusion. This pins the financial burden to fix the safety issue on the customer/driver, as KIA dealers have quoted $1,232.46 for replacement of these tail lamps. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Components: Rear outer tail lamp combination assemblies (both left and right) (NOT the lamps on the trunk lid). Inspection availability: LIMITED due to significant time pressure and inconvenience (since the tail lamps have caused the vehicle to fail Virginia State Safety Inspection, the car needs to be fixed ASAP to resume commute to work, etc.) How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Lower visibility for others, may result in incident. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Confirmed by KIA dealer themselves. Also, multiple customer complaints on internet, as well as TSBs. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? KIA dealer did not inspect during warranty. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No and UNKNOWN.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Feb 17, 2023
Paint on the entire car is delaminating
Structure, Other or unspecified, Dec 28, 2022
Severe chipping of the paint
Structure, Oct 4, 2022
The vehicles paint started peeling on one of the rear columns. I have noticed very many different Kia optimas with the same issue when it came to the same color paint. The paint is snow white pearl. I’ve had no success working with Kia and it is clearly a defective paint issue. I own several cars older and they never had issues. They are unwilling to help.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jun 15, 2022
There was no accident. My paint keeps chipping. I’ve never had a car chip paint like this one. I’ve seen multiple other cars who have the same exact car in the color Snow White have this problem. Very frustrating.
Structure, Other or unspecified, May 28, 2022
Hello, I have a 2015 Kia Optima with Snow White Pearl paint. The paint has started to bubble and chip off. I understand that this paint color is an issue for cars in South Florida which have had the same issue. I have included pictures of the areas and also the vin with paint code.
Structure, May 3, 2022
Delamination of the Snow White Pearl Paint due to faulty factory primer appearing at multiple spots including front and rear pillars, hood and doors. Confirmed by 2 Auto Body Shops - Triangle Collision and Carolinas Collison. Rust has began appearing in said spots and the paint strips are getting worse overtime.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Apr 18, 2022
I have a 2015 Kia Optima and the paint (Pearl White) is starting to peel of. It started on the front left of the windshield last December (2021) There is now the back right of the vehicle, the top of the trunk and the hood. After research on line, it looks like it is common on this paint type on the Kia models. I am seeking out some help to resolve this problem for everyone. I talked to my car dealer about the problem and told me that the warranty for the paint stops at 36000 miles. My car has 96021 and is not covered anymore, even if it is a defect. My car is starting to rust, no recourse from the dealer, need some support from the NHTSA department to resolve this problem that is not isolated to my vehicle only but many more. Sincerely,
Structure, Feb 3, 2022
My paint is chipping badly. I have noticed a few other vehicles that have had the same problem with the SNOW WHITE PEARL paint. It started as a small knick in the paint and has gradually turned into severely needing a paint job. Hopefully kia can find a way to resolve the issue I love everything else about my car and fell in love with the color instantly and considering you pay extra for the snow white pearl color it should last!
Structure, Jan 24, 2022
I own a 2015 Kia Optima Ex that is having paint issues. it is the Snow Pearl White and there are chunks of paint peeling off of multiple spots on the vehicle.
Structure, Nov 10, 2021
I have a 2015 White Kia Optima and the paint started chipping a few months ago in just one area on the passenger side back door. I took it to a Kia dealer in Irvine, CA and they said it was not a covered item. I believe it should be a covered item and would like assistance getting it repaired please.