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
1,008 reports, newest first.
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
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!
Engine, Apr 27, 2024
The car started making a noise and oil was just changed the prior month no leaks or anything and know it makes a noise and the engine light is on
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Apr 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, there was an abnormal smoke odor inside the interior of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that there was an oil leak in the engine compartment. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the engine, determining that the engine was consuming oil abnormally quick, and the engine might soon need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 22, 2024
I've been having an issue with my car just out of the blue breaking while I'm going into it seems to be only a left turn I had let Kia know about this when I took it in for the other recalls just recently nobody seemed to have any idea of what was going on or look at me like I was crazy I guess and now I see this recall that explains everything to a tee of what my car is doing I need somebody to contact me please. This has almost gotten me into serious accidents on more than one occasion
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.
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.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Apr 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that when starting the vehicle, the check engine and several other warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was overheating, and the contact was concerned about a possible fire. The contact had driven the vehicle to an independent mechanic who was unable to duplicate the failure. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle independently accelerated. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over and stopped the vehicle. The contact stated that she waited about 30 minutes and restarted the vehicle and drove back to her residence. The manufacturer was not made aware. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine, Mar 31, 2024
The vehicle engine stalled on me twice to where I almost crashed with my fiancé which is 7 months pregnant with my daughter
Engine, Mar 27, 2024
Loss of power to engine when trying to increase speed to turn into traffic/getting onto the highway and constant severe engine knocking noise. I have to use hazards when turning into traffic/merging onto highway because the vehicle takes too long to catch up with the speed of traffic. It also has a problem with excess oil consumption, needs to be refilled every week and a half to two weeks. Bremerton Transmission has provided an inspection and a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1326 (Knock Signal Range/Performance). The oil consumption has been an ongoing issue since I bought the car in February of 2022, only getting worse. The rest of the issues have been escalating problems.
Engine, Mar 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact stated that an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the engine oil level was checked. The contact was informed that the oil level was sufficient, however the oil needed to be changed. The engine oil was changed. The contact was informed that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was informed of an open recall repair for the engine. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact received notification NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer was notified of the issue. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was not available.
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
Service brakes, Mar 24, 2024
Car stalled. Received check Brakes warning. ABS pump motor voltage fault message.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
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
Engine, Mar 19, 2024
Oils going some where no oil puddles but very low on oil
Suspension, Service brakes, Mar 19, 2024
Coming to a stop and breaks go to floor u will freak out this happens in 2 different times
Structure, Mar 17, 2024
White pearl paint peeling off, all over hood, etc
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine, Mar 12, 2024
The contact's sister owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, she noticed a burning odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, she noticed that there was a fluid leak under the hood. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled inadvertently. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure recurred, and the vehicle failed to restart immediately. The contact stated that she was able to restart the vehicle after some time. The vehicle was driven to the residence of the contact's mother. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the manufacturer was contacted and had declined to cover the repair because the contact had failed to complete an unknown software update on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Mar 9, 2024
This owner has a 2015 Kia Optima. Car started tapping without warning. Checked the oil level and it was out of oil. No warning at all. Had maintenance on car when due. Motor is completely gone. I have had this car 3 years and it only has a little over 60,000 miles on it. This vehicle needs to be repaired @ no expense to me because the 10 year or 100,00-mile factory warranty still remains.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal burning odor detected inside the vehicle. There was smoke coming from under the hood. The contact pulled over and checked the oil, antifreeze, and other fluids. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who cleaned and changed the 02 sensor and informed the contact to keep the vents closed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.