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.
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
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.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Apr 25, 2023, fire
The vehicle caught fire
Engine, Apr 13, 2023
While driving down interstate highway 49/71, in the southbound lane of traffic, the engine failed. The vehicle began to shudder and shake and then stalled. There was barely enough time to pull off to the side of the road before it completely stalled. The dash did not display any warning symbols or anything to make me aware of any issue. There was a shuddering noise coming from under the hood that last about 45 seconds before the engine stalled. The vehicle has been taken to two mechanics and each one testified that the engine was blown and unworkable. A vehicle that is only eight years old should not have engine failure. Kia dealerships were notified only to state that there was no recall on this specific model and make it seem like engine failure is not relevant. The vehicle is just 50,000 miles out of warranty and still contains a lien. Engine failure such as this should be addressed please. Please note: No documents to upload - no repairs have been made and quotes for a new engine were all done verbally. Both mechanics stated that the engine cannot be re-built. They would have to replace the current engine with another, or new, Kia engine. The average cost for a new engine is around $4,200-$5,800.00.
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.
Power train, Engine, Apr 10, 2023
Was driving down the interstate and engine cut off suddenly. Had to coast across several lane to pull over out of traffic. This was very dangerous. Had car towed home. Engine is locked up . Called Kia dealerships near me. Closest one is not accepting any engine replacement appointments at this time and don’t know when they can. Wouldn’t even give me a future appointment. Kia lawsuit website says my vin number is covered for engine replacement but I can’t get a dealer to even look at it.
Engine, Apr 4, 2023
The KIA engine associated with the KIA Engine recall falls under the recall but KIA denied the claim to repair. The oil change documentation provided showed consistently with oil changes to prove no negligence. WE didn't have the complete oil change history as all of the paper receipts were no kept and the mechanic shop performing the oil change converted to a new system and therefore could not provide the documentation requested.
Engine, Apr 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated and lost motive power; however, the vehicle remained running. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was then able to coast the vehicle off the road and the vehicle stopped. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was then advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the contact stated he heard an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact observed white smoke coming from under the hood. The contact was able to pull over with the engine still running however, when he stopped and turned off the vehicle, he was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the oil and battery warning lights were illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
Engine, Apr 3, 2023
Faulty engine causing vehicle to consume oil rapidly and causing burning smell, as of car may catch on fire. Vehicle has been taken to several different auto mechanics that all say engine should have been a part of the recall and lawsuit should be filed. When taken to Kia dealership they are aware of the problem but refuse to do anything unless the car is listed under the recall list. This has been an ongoing issue for over a year now and there have been several gallons of oil poured into the car now.
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.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated to 60 MPH. The vehicle began to shudder and failed to accelerate above 20 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated and flashing. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Mar 29, 2023
1.Since 1/17/23 I've had 5 occurrences of the car yanking me to the left as I am turning right. The steering wheel gets stiffed, the dashboard lights come one, car slows down and I have to park the car and turn it off and back on. When I turn it back on, no dashboard lights are on and the everything is back to normal as if nothing ever happened. I have taken the vehicle to the dealership 3 times for a diagnostics and nothing comes up. The vehicles computer is not even tracing the times the dashboard lights have turned on as it shows zero history and that is not the case. I have taken pictures and video of the dashboard lights and have showed the guys at the dealership but since there's no record on the dashboard computer/history, they're not able to determine the problem. 2.My safety has been put at risk as I can get involved in a car accident and involve others safety at risk as well. The vehicle doesn't give any prior signs when it's going to act up when turning to the right, therefore it can happen at any given time. The first time I was leaving a parking lot and it happened on the freeway feeder. I towed my vehicle to the dealership the first time as I was in fear of driving it only to be told they can't find the issue. 3.The dealership has ran 3 different diagnostics on 3 different occasions and nothing comes up. It is still unresolved. 4. Kia service department has inspected in on 3 different occasions since the first incident. 5. No warning lamps or warnings of any sort before the first incident.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Mar 28, 2023
Knock sensor replaced due to engine knocking did not fix the problem the cars engine does not work it julks and pulls really hard engine noise check engine flashing left me stalled on the main highway with my 2 children with no warning the car has engine oil to adequate levels maintenance was up to date
Engine, Mar 28, 2023
My engine light all of a sudden just started blinking, engine started smoking, and making Very loud clanking noise.
Engine, Mar 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle began to lose power and stalled. The contact stated that upon lifting the hood, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 118,580.
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.
Engine, Mar 25, 2023
I own a 2015 Kia Optima Turbo SX. every time I park my vehicle in an enclosed garage. and only when the engine is cold does it makes a grinning noise for about 12 seconds or less. once I turn the engine off and turn it back on the noise it stops. also, there is a mild fuel odor coming from the engine compartment every time the motor is turned off. your response will be much appreciated thank you. Sincerely. Carl M. Velasquez
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 24, 2023, fire
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated upon starting and exiting the vehicle, he noticed that there was smoke coming out from underneath the hood. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact opened the hood and saw flames. The contact closed the hood and immediately went into his residence to grab fire extinguishers. Upon returning to the vehicle, the contact was unable to reopen the hood. The contact called the fire department, who extinguished the fire. A fire department report was filed. There was no injury sustained. There was no police report filed. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The vehicle remained at the contact’s residence. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), which he related to the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Mar 24, 2023, fire
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) on Facebook. The contact called the local dealer and made an appointment for March 25, 2023. The contact stated on March 23, 2023, while driving 50 mph, depressing the accelerator pedal but the vehicle began to decelerate. The contact stated the battery warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road and when exiting the vehicle she saw smoke but no fire/flames exiting the hood. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to her residence. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
Engine, Mar 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, she observed a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment, and then the vehicle stalled. On the third attempt, the vehicle restarted, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was pushed to the side of the road. The vehicle was then towed it an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 117,674.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 13, 2023
The fuel rail seals keep leaking and spraying fuel all over . Fuel rail needs replaced