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
Other or unspecified, May 7, 2023
The paint on my white 2015 kia optima is coming off and when my windshield was replaced more paint came off on the roof above the windshield.
Other or unspecified, May 1, 2023
My paint is bubbling, chipping and is destroyed for no reason. I was my car by hand with a special car wash soap and dry it with a shammy. I took pictures and within 2 months of having my car sit the paint it boiling? I have seen claims ona facebook page this is happening to other Kia models. My friend just got his Prius painted due to the same issue *same color Pearl White~ !!!!
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 28, 2023
Driving down a highway and my engine completely turned off. I was lucky enough to make it to the edge safely, but my car would not start. Had it towed to a Kia dealership where they told me since the reset never took place, they would not honor the recall. I’ve only had the car 3 months and was not alerted of any recalls at my last oil change.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 28, 2023
My 2015 Kia is burning 1. a lot of oil and 2. The second is the car smells of gas scared it is one that will catch fire
Other or unspecified, Apr 12, 2023
In early February, my Kia was broken into and attempted to be stolen. There has been a lot of word going around about how Kia’s are easy to steal. My car fell victim to the viral trend of Kia theft. The damage done to my car included a broken window and my whole steering column ripped apart. The anti-theft protection has now become a safety issue because of the lack of industry standards for theft protection. I am still unable to drive my car because of the part shortage. I have been unable to drive my car for months.
Other or unspecified, Apr 2, 2023
The paint on my pearl white 2015 Kia started chipping around windshield areas a few years ago. Front ,side and back. Now the whole trunk is coming off and an area around rear passenger side. It just keeps spreading and I am so embarrassed and frustrated. My car is in great condition. no dents , no accidents! I take good care of it and this is what it looks like? Not right and Kia needs to do something about it.
Other or unspecified, Apr 1, 2023
Paint is peeling off of vehicle for no apparent reason. Large size pieces on the trench hood.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 13, 2023
The fuel rail seals keep leaking and spraying fuel all over . Fuel rail needs replaced
Structure, Other or unspecified, Feb 17, 2023
Paint on the entire car is delaminating
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 22, 2023
Driving down the road and suddenly there was loud knocking and smoke coming from under the hood and got it to the side of the road and turned it off and now it won't crank. The dash lights come on when you turn the key and that's all it will do. No noises at all.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Dec 28, 2022
Severe chipping of the paint
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 17, 2022
On the behalf of my daughter I am filing this formal complaint: * On August 10, 2022 my daughter was driving home from Des Moines to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She was on the highway and all of the sudden her car engine shut down, no warning lights came on prior to this happening. She did not have power steering, it took all she had to pull the car over safely, she was able to use the brakes but barely. She then tried to restart the vehicle, it was able to restart with no other problems along the way. This incident happened at 2am, had this occured earlier in the day, with heavy traffic the safety of my daughter and others would have been at a high risk, this could have caused a major accident. * On October 9, 2022 My daughter was just exiting the interstate, warning light appeared. She was approaching her home, not far from the highway, when the car engine shut down once again but this time it would not restart. The vehicle remains undrivable but is available for inspection upon request. * On October 10, 2022 I sent my step-father over to her house to take a look at her car. From his findings he stated that the oil plug was loose and that the oil had drained out. * On August 2, 2022 She had an oil change done at Jiffy Lube (Cedar Rapids,Ia.) I filed a complaint assuming that they did not properly tighten the oil plug. The manager from Jiffy Lube informed me that an investigation is in motion at this time for Kia (2005-2020) and Hyundai's due to oil plugs loosening and engines ramdomly shutting down at highway speeds. At this time I am strongly advising a thorough investigation into this matter. Thank you for your time.
Other or unspecified, Sep 22, 2022
Have a white pearl paint that is completely chipping off by the pillars, windshield sides, top of the trunk, roof, around the gas tank and some car door edges. Have read an excessive amount of kias with MAJOR white paint job problems. It is also obvious the paint is thin as water which is contributing to this issue.
Other or unspecified, Visibility, Sep 12, 2022
Sunroof spontaneously shattered while driving down the road. The glass is pushing outward like it was broken from the inside of the car. Nothing hit the care at the time, there was a loud explosion sound and then cracking sounds after that.
Other or unspecified, Aug 31, 2022
1. The paint on my car has been pealing off. I can make myself available for the car to be inspected. 2. No 3. I have the problem on multiple vehicles of the same make and model 4. Yes 5. No This is problem that the manufacturer should be responsible for. It causes monetary damages to the owners. Upon resale of the vehicle they will be out thousands of dollars towards the value of the car.
Other or unspecified, Aug 29, 2022
I purchased a 2015 Kia Optima SXL Turbo in Snow White Pearl color on Dec 11,2020. In Mid 2021 I started to notice little chip marks in different places throughout the exterior of the car. On April 16,2022 i was washing my car to prepare for vacation and as i was washing a large patch of paint flew off. I attempted to rinse the car to prevent further chipping only to my surprise more paint flew off in another area. The more rinsed the worse it became. i havent washed my car since june in fear that paint would just keep peeling,
Other or unspecified, Aug 7, 2022
Clear coat or paint is peeling on the back passenger panel over the tire and on the trunk lid under the kia medallion.
Other or unspecified, Aug 6, 2022
Passenger side window would go down, but not up. Was unable to get an appointment with Dutchess Kia to bring vehicle in. Went to Knuckle Busters Tire & Auto in Highland, NY. I explained to them what was going on and Knuckle Busters stated that my car was the 5th Kia optima to come in with that same problem, which was replacing the motor or regulator and from some both. Per the mechanic Steve when he unscrewed the motor from the door it fell apart.
Other or unspecified, Jul 30, 2022
Kia cars lack an engine mobilizer or something and thieves are able to break in and bypass the cars alarm and break the steering column down and start the car with a simple usb and steal the car. Kia’s are being targeted because of this issue and are being stolen . This is a major safety problem and should be fixed . It has been all over the news and police departments are warning Kia owners about it .
Other or unspecified, Jul 24, 2022
Heard noise, while driving, hitting car. Fin cover for antenna broke off. Pulled over and luckily found it. Looks like it broke loose at connecting screws. Thankful no one was behind me at time.
Other or unspecified, Jul 18, 2022
Paint is coming off vehicles has been since I purchased it
Other or unspecified, Jul 12, 2022
I buy the car 2 week ago and star turn on light slow I just get afraid because I didn't know that the car need to go back to Kia for the recall and is a used car I will like to see how soon I can get to the dealer to get fix is the only thing that I have for work . And is give me some issues to with the gas cap
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 6, 2022
not really sure my car just started making a clicking noise out of no where & powered off & now it wont detect key or wont start up
Other or unspecified, Jun 23, 2022
Rapid delamination of paint including severe chipping and paint bubbles. Car was inspected at an auto body shop who provided the final determination of this issue as well as provided clarity that this is a known Kia issue. Kia is refusing to handle this.
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.