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: other or unspecified
139 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jun 18, 2024
has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall It smells like burning
Other or unspecified, May 14, 2024
I have a leak in my truck after it rains.
Other or unspecified, May 8, 2024
Hybrid system malfunction
Other or unspecified, May 7, 2024
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 about a year ago. KIA fails to recognize this manufacturer defect and it continues to delaminate at an alarming rate.
Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 28, 2024
Not sure what the exact problem is and my mechanic cannot figure out either, I had the car a little over a year purchased from carvana! First few months the brakes started messing up got caught in the rain ran into a trash can left minor scartches but nothing was wrong internally. September got side swiped on the highway not a reportable accident but I had to change whatever held the wheel literally everything that holds the right wheel had to be changed and after that incident a sensor came off, traction with wheels off but still drivable, about 3 days ago the engine just started making a cracking sound mechanic said it was some sensors he changed both and still making the weird noise, only had the car for a year and my mechanic cannot pinpoint the problem and suspects some type of engine issue which idk if it’s a recall on Kia optima’s or not because I don’t drive crazy!
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.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 6, 2024
Driving to work, that is less than 5 miles, started to hear a noise then car just stopped, called roadside assistance , towed to dealership. Had to wait for their diagnosis… I should be under my warranty. I have 44,400? Miles so under 100,000 miles. Has 10 yr warranty also but is 9 years old. Car paid off. They diagnosed rod bearings out and need a new engine—- m/b 6700.00 to replace engine. It should be under warranty- they said they had 4 recalls on that car/ make & model. I was never NOTIFIED so that is now supposedly null & void my warranty because they said my problem.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 6, 2024
The last recall that was fixed is occuring again . Car loosing power warning signal popping up Sometimes smells like matches after parked.
Other or unspecified, Feb 20, 2024
While driving doesn't matter the speed, my car doesn't accelerate and jerks, it had does these many times and I take it into the shop, at least 3 times now, and they can't find anything. Since it doesn't do it when they test drive it, they don't know what is wrong. But it is very annoying, since there are times I have been on a highway and my car doesn't speed up.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 8, 2024
3 months prior to my car going into limp mode I had an incident where I was on the highway and had to come to a stop of major traffic and suddenly my car cut off out of nowhere. I got it to crank after putting it in park, but it was very scary being on the highway thank God it was traffic to where cars wasn't going so fast. Fast-forward to my recent incident to now my car's now in limp mode (MIL) same situation different times was getting on the highway and started to pick up speed to accelerate to 60mph my engine light started to blink Non-Stop and here I am again in a terrifying situation to where I have to get back off of the freeway and I also was on my way to work now having to call in and praying and hoping nothing happens to me while trying to get my car home now I've called I'm certain dealerships decided to go with a dealership to get my recalls done and the dealer basically told me he told his mechanics to hurry up and do my recalls that he could do and get my car out of their shop and also told me to get rid of my car basically refusing to do what he's supposed to do regardless but I truly believe I need a new engine and that's why the dealer rushed me out I just want to know how can I get my vehicle fixed with no problems and also without dealerships denying me. I would love to hear back from you all to know my next step in getting my vehicle recall done please and thank you
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 4, 2024
While I was driving the car just stopped accelerating, the dash was still lit but the car went completely out would not turn over or restart,
Other or unspecified, Dec 27, 2023
Passenger door handle fell off in my hand. Worried the orhers will do the same. When I called the dealership in Cocoa FL they said that was the 5th call for door handles falling off this week. There was a recall for kia door handles in Canada. 5 calls to one dealership in a week! Multiply that by all the dealerships in the USA and add the ones that don't go through the dealerships. I believe it is worth an investigation into a recall.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 23, 2023
Unknown
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 21, 2023
There seems to be some oil burning off when I drive. But none leaking on the ground. My car is consuming oil. Also if I press the gas to speed up, my car will stall a bit and then some black smoke will exit my exhaust.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 29, 2023
engine died while driving 45 on highway, tow to garage and was told to take to dealership because of a recall for my engine. towed the car to the dealership and they check and are telling me that my car engine wasn't covered and I would have to paid for the repair. I was told the problem was the engine manufactured with the rod bearing issue. My safety was at risk because car died on a state highway.
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.
Other or unspecified, Nov 10, 2023
The paint on my Kia is abnormally bubbling and flaking off.
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
Power train, Other or unspecified, Sep 27, 2023
My car is dragging/hesitant to pick up speed. While on the highway, it takes a while to reach minimal speed. No warning lights are on, but one mechanic advised code, under turbo boost. My steering wheel vibrates at speeds above 40 mph (unsure if it's related to turbo), but no one seems to be able to find the core of the problem for repair, Kia dealership included. I've been trying to seek repair for close to a year, without satisfaction.
Other or unspecified, Sep 11, 2023
My sunroof basically spontaneously combusted while I was driving, sending tiny shards of glass flying. Thank goodness my sunshade was closed to catch all the glass shards and that no vehicles or bystanders were nearby to be hit by glass. The loud noise startled me but I was able to keep calm enough to drive the car to a safe location to inspect what had happened
Other or unspecified, Sep 6, 2023
I have a 2015 Snow White Pearl Kia Optima. My car have several spots where the paint has started to boil and peel off the car. The peeling has spread to all over the car and I can see new spots that start off looking like a cigarette burn, you can also see where the paints bubbles up.
Other or unspecified, Sep 4, 2023
The paint is chipping off in large pieces. We hand wash this vehicle and the paint will just chip right off.
Other or unspecified, Aug 4, 2023
Pearl white paint is peeling and chipping. I have photos, paint Samples and Receipts from having to repair to prevent rust.
Other or unspecified, Jul 5, 2023
Paint peeling appears to be a defect in paint it is the Pearl White Paint
Other or unspecified, Electrical system, Jul 2, 2023
Car was stolen because of kia issue