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.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jan 9, 2020
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE DASH LIGHTS FOR THE STEERING WHEEL AND TRACTION CONTROL COME ON AND THE STEERING GETS HARD AS IF NO POWER STEERING. I PULL OVER TURN CAR OFF, CHECK POWER STEERING FLUID AND BELT, NO ISSUES. TURN CAR BACK ON NO AFOREMENTIONED DASH LIGHTS TURNED OFF AND STEERING IS FINE. THIS HAS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES WITHIN THE LAST TWO MONTHS.
Engine, Jan 4, 2020
VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A BUSY HIGHWAY WHEN THIS HAPPENED. I WOULD HIT THE GAS AND THE CAR WOULD TRY TO STALL, IT DID STALL ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE CAR WOULD JERK AND THE ENGINE WOULD START KNOCKING.
Engine, Jan 3, 2020
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN MY CAR STOPPED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. I GOT IT TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. IT STARTED BACK UP AND RUNNING BUT WAS MAKING A WEIRD NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. I DROVE THE CAR HOME AND TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP TO GET A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK AND THE ENGINE OIL WAS VERY THICK. I JUST HAD AN OIL CHANGE 2 MONTH AGO. I HAVE ONLY 104.000 MILES ON THE CAR AND I TOOK VERY GOOD CARE OF THE CAR.
Steering, Jan 3, 2020
WHENEVER TRAVELING OVER SPEEDS OF 45 MILES PER HOUR THE STEERING SYSTEM STARTS STICKING AT THE 12 O'CLOCK POSITION, AND CAUSES YOU TO MAKE OVER ADJUSTMENTS WHICH MAKES YOU WEAVE ACROSS THE ROAD.
Steering, Jan 2, 2020
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED BUT MOST DANGEROUS WHEN AT FREEWAY SPEEDS THE STEERING BECOMES JERKY AND NOT RESPONSIVE AND FORCES YOU TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL AGGRESSIVELY THEN IT WILL START TO WORK AGAIN CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SWERVE. AT SLOWER SPEEDS THIS IS NOT NEARLY AS DANGEROUS AND THE SWERVING IS MINIMAL BUT STILL PRESENT. WHEN IT HAPPENS AT FREEWAY SPEEDS, THE SWERVING IS VERY SIGNIFICANT AND VERY DANGEROUS. THIS HAS CAUSED SEVERAL NEAR MISSES OF POTENTIALLY VERY DANGEROUS ACCIDENTS AND WILL EVENTUALLY CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT.
Engine, Dec 31, 2019
DRIVING ON FREEWAY THE CAR SHUT OFF WILL NOT START, INDICATING LIGHT AREN'T REPORTING ANY PROBLEMS
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 27, 2019
I WANTED TO ADD MORE INFORMATION TO MY COMPLAINT. WHEN IN MOTION IN FRONT OF HIGH SCHOOL CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE WITH KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM ENGINE. MY HUSBAND IS A MECHANIC AND DISCOVERED METAL FLAKES INSIDE ENGINE. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF ANY RECALLS INVOLVING THE ENGINE. NOW I HAVE TO PURCHASE A NEW OR REMANUFACTURED ENGINE COSTING ESTIMATED $3000 TO $4500 NOT INCLUDING CORE CHARGES AND SHIPPING FEES.
Engine, Dec 27, 2019
SUDDEN ENGINE KNOCK AND SUDDEN ENGINE FAILURE WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION IN FRONT OF A HIGH SCHOOL. THIS INCIDENT REQUIRES ENGINE REPLACEMENT.
Steering, Dec 26, 2019
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE STEERING HAS A CATCH IN IT AND YOU NEED TO USE FORCE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL
Electrical system, Dec 25, 2019
BOTH OF MY HEADLIGHTS ON MY 2015 KIA OPTIMA HAVE STOPPED WORKING ON LOW BEAM I HAVE FOG LIGHTS BUT I CAN'T SEE MAYBE 20 FEET IN FRONT OF ME IT'S ALREADY CAUSED ME TO ALMOST HAVE ONE WRECK I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSTATE WHEN MY LIGHTS WENT OUT
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 24, 2019
THE SPEED LIMIT ON THE FREEWAY AT 70 AND THE CAR CUT BUT ALL LIGHTS WHER STILL ON IT TO ME TO SIT FOR 5 MINUTES AND THEN IT STARTED BUT A FEW DAYS LATER MY CHECK EINGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THEY SAY IT A P0014 CODE BUT THE CAR IS KNOCKING.
Power train, Engine, Dec 11, 2019
I STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH MY VEHICLE IN OCTOBER 2019, I TRIED TO REACH OUT TO KIA DEALERSHIPS, WITH NO HELP. I KEPT BEING TOLD THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON MY CAR AND THAT I DID NOT NEED TO BE CONCERNED. MY CAR FINALLY STOPPED WORKING, IT JUST WOULD NOT DRIVE. IT WAS JUMPING FROM 0-7000 RPMS AND THEN FLYING FORWARD BEFORE IT STOPPED WORKING ALTOGETHER. AROUND THE MOMENT IT STOPPED DRIVING IT STARTED SMOKING AND I JUST PULLED OVER AND TURNED IT OFF AND THEN IT WOULDN'T EVEN GO INTO NEUTRAL FOR A TOW TRUCK. I PLACED A BRAND NEW TRANSMISSION INTO MY CAR EVEN WHILE MAKING A CAR PAYMENT ON IT ON NOVEMBER 23RD 2019, IT IS NOW DECEMBER 11, 2019 AND I HAVE ONLY DRIVEN IT 302 MILES AND I AM HAVING THE SAME ISSUES ON IT. WHEN I CALL KIA I AM TOLD THAT THERE ISN'T ANYTHING THEY CAN DO TO FIX THE VEHICLE AND THAT I NEED TO HAVE IT DIAGNOSED AGAIN FOR A CHARGE OF 170.00. I AM NOW WAY UPSIDE DOWN ON THE VEHICLE AND AM CONTINUING TO HAVE ISSUE AFTER ISSUE WITH IT. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS CAR. I HAVE TWO SMALL CHILDREN AND I HAVE TO HAVE A VEHICLE BUT I WILL NOT KEEP PAYING TO HAVE THINGS FIXED THAT SHOULD NOT BE AN ISSUE ON A LESS THAN FIVE YEAR OLD CAR!!!!!
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 10, 2019, fire
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR ON A TWO LANE STREET AT A NORMAL RATE OF SPEED WHEN THE MOTOR CUT OFF. I COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TRIED TO RESTART THE ENGINE. WHEN I GLANCED UP I NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I OPENED THE HOOD AND THE ENGINE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES AND THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS.
Engine, Dec 6, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT NOTICED A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V907000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, ENGINE); HOWEVER, THE FAILURES WERE SIMILAR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 160,000.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Dec 5, 2019
AIRBAG LIGHT KEEP COMING ON, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEP COMING ON
Exterior lighting, Dec 5, 2019
MY LIGHTS BULB KEEP BLOWING, I HAVE REPLACE THE BRAKE LIGHTS,REAR LIGHTS AND HEAD LIGHTS AT LEAST THREE TIMES THIS YEAR, THERE HAS TO BE SOMETHINGS GOING ON TO CAUSE THIS TO CONTINUE TO HAPPEN.
Visibility/wiper, Dec 3, 2019, fire
WINDSHIELD WIPERS SMOKING AFTER FUSE CHANGED NOT WORKING CAUSING BURNING SMELL FROM WHEEL REPORTED AT 75000 MILES AT 115000 DAY OUT OF WARRANTY..IF MY AIRBAG OR CAR CATCH ON FIRE DUE TO THIS ISSUE I AM COMING FOR KIA
Electrical system, Structure, Engine, Dec 2, 2019, fire
VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES WITHOUT PROVOCATION. VEHICLE WAS IN PERFECT, PRISTINE CONDITION. WAS IN VEHICLE 5 MINUTES ON WAY TO WORK IN AM. VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN APPROX 5 MILES PER HOUR ON A BUSY MAIN ROAD. SLOWED DOWN TO STOP AT RED LIGHT AND THE CAR DIED, INSTRUMENT PANEL STARTED FLASHING AND ENGINE BURST INTO FLAMES.
Engine, Dec 2, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE, SHUDDERED, LOST POWER, AND SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO, AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR WAS DETECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Other or unspecified, Nov 27, 2019
I WAS DRIVING DOWN I25 AROUND 530PM AFTER WORK WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY SLIDING SUNROOF GLASS EXPLODED. THERE WAS NO ONE AROUND ME AT ALL THANK GOD BECAUSE THE GLASS WENT EVERYWHERE AND I DIDN'T HAVE MY 10YR OLD SON IN THE CAR AS I USUALLY DO. KIA IN MOTOR CITY COLORADO SPRINGS IS WHERE WE BOUGHT IT. THIS WAS OUR FIRST LOW MILAGE EXPENSIVE CAR WE HAVE EVER BOUGHT. KIA TOLD US ITS NOT THERE PROBLEM AND WE MUST HAVE HIT A ROCK OR SOMETHING BUT THIS WAS FALSE. AS I HIT NOTHING.
Structure, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 23, 2019, fire
AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE 3 VEHICLES PASSED WAVING FRANTICALLY BEFORE SPEEDING BY. I NOTICED A REFLECTIVE ORANGE FLICKER ALONG THE BASE EACH VEHICLE. THIS WAS FOLLOWED UP BY A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND BEFORE I LOST ALL ACCELERATING POWER BUT RETAINED RPM REVS AS I PRESSED THE PEDAL. I ALLOWED THE MOMENTUM TO GET ME AS FAR UP THE EXIT RAMP AS POSSIBLE PRIOR TO PULLING OVER ONTO THE GRASS. I PLACED THE CAR IN PARK AND TURNED IT OFF TO BE MET WITH AN INSTANT ROLL OF SMOKE UP THE FRONT WINDSHIELD, OUT OF THE FRONT GRILL, AND FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE AREA. I EXITED THE VEHICLE TO THE SOUND OF LIQUID HITTING A HOT SURFACE AND HISSING. I STEPPED AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE AND LOOKED UNDERNEATH TO BE MET WITH ROLLS OF FIRE DRIPPING TO THE GROUND FROM BENEATH THE ENGINE AND ALONG THE BOTTOM CENTER OF THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE CAR. I IMMEDIATELY CLEARED THE AREA AND MY VEHICLE WAS COMPLETE ENGULFED IN FLAMES IN LESS THAN 4 MINUTES. NO SENSORS OR ALARMS NOTIFIED ME OF ANY TYPE OF MALFUNCTION.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Nov 20, 2019
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
Engine, Nov 11, 2019
DRIVING THE VEHICLE DOWN THE FEEDER ROAD OF THE BELTWAY GOING ABOUT 40 TO 45 MILES PER HOUR WITH NO WARNING LIGHTS DISPLAYED OR ANYTHING WRONG AND RUNNING NORMALLY THEN OUT OF BLUE THE ENGINES SPUTTERS SHUDDERS AND DIES. THIS VEHICLE WAS A CHANGE THE OIL EVERY 3,000 MILE VEHICLE. I WAS FORTUNATE TO HAVE AN APARTMENT DRIVEWAY TO COAST INTO. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO THE SHOP I'VE USED FOR 15 YEARS AND GOT THE CALL THE ENGINE HAD SEIZED UP!
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 8, 2019
WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE LIGHTS ON MY DASHBOARD CAME ON AND THE CAR BEGAN TO LOSE POWER/SPEED AND THEN THE CAR STOPPED AND I WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE AND SOME MINOR SMOKE AND WEIRD SMELL
Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Nov 4, 2019
"HALF" OF THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED IN JULY 2019. NOW BURNS OIL LIKE CRAZY. ON OCTOBER 29TH 2019 WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 40 MPH THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHUT OFF LEAVING ME WITH NO POWER STEERING. I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE ROAD SAFELY AND CALL FOR A TOW. I AM SECOND OWNER SO WARRANTY IS OUT BY ABOUT 2,600 MILES. DEALER HAD I FOR A WEEK AT ONE POINT THEY SAID IT WAS FIXED WHEN THEY WERE PULLING IT AROUND FRONT FOR ME IT STOPPED.