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, Feb 23, 2019
THIS COMPLAINT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH MY VEHICLE. IT IS ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE'S VEHICLES THAT HAVE THE SUPER-BRIGHT HEADLIGHTS. I GET TEMPORARILY BLINDED BY THESE LATE MODEL VEHICLES WITH NEW TECHNOLOGY HEADLIGHTS (HID OR LED) WHEN THEY ARE COMING TOWARD ME. I HAVE LONG RESPECTED THE OVERSIGHT PROVIDED FOR VEHICLE SAFETY IN THIS COUNTRY AND HAVE ALWAYS TRUSTED THAT PROPER CONSIDERATIONS ARE MADE TO ENSURE VEHICLES ARE SAFE. BUT I CAN'T FOR THE LIFE OF ME UNDERSTAND HOW THE SUPER-BRIGHT HEADLIGHTS HAVE MADE IT PAST SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS, AND THAT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN REGULATED OUT OF EXISTENCE. IT SHOULDN'T BE THAT HARD TO DEFINE MAXIMUM LIMITS FOR HEADLIGHT INTENSITY AND EFFECTIVE LIGHTING DISTANCE THAT WOULD PREVENT THE BLINDING OF ONCOMING DRIVERS. THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE ON AMERICAN ROADS, AND I'D BE SHOCKED IF IT HASN'T ALREADY CAUSED ACCIDENTS, INJURIES, AND DEATH. PLEASE RECTIFY THIS OVERSIGHT IMMEDIATELY TO ENSURE THAT THE REPUTATION OF AMERICAN CAR/ROAD SAFETY IS RESTORED AND TO PREVENT NEEDLESS INJURIES AND DEATH.
Engine, Feb 20, 2019
DRIVING THE CAR, CAR JUST STALLED OUT WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. I WAS LITERALLY STALLED ON A BUSY ROAD DURING MORNING RUSH HOUR. HAD CAR TOWED TO THE LOCAL AAA REPAIR CENTER AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE ENGINE ALTHOUGH I GET REGULAR OIL CHANGES. THE CAR WAS WORKING FINE, NO ENGINE OR OIL LIGHTS TO ALERT THAT THE OIL PRESSURE WAS LOW.
Exterior lighting, Feb 12, 2019
WHEN I'M OUT DRIVING I HAVE NOTICED THAT ALL KIA OPTIMAS HAVE SAME PROBLEM AS MINE. THE BACK LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING. HALF OF THE BACK LIGHTS WENT OFF.
Steering, Feb 6, 2019
STEERING WHEEL STICKS AT THE 12 O'CLOCK POSITION. IT TAKES SOME ADDITIONAL FORCE TO GET OVER THE 12 O'CLOCK HUMP CLOCKWISE AND COUNTERCLOCKWISE. THIS OCCURS DURING ALL DRIVING CONDITIONS
Other or unspecified, Jan 31, 2019
I WAS DRIVING ON MY DRIVEWAY GOING LESS THAN 10MPH AND ALL THE SUDDEN I HEARD A NOISE LIKE I WAS BEING SHOT AT. I IMMEDIATELY STOPPED AND GOT OUT TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS AND NOTICED MY SUN ROOF HAD EXPLODED OUTWARDS
Steering, Jan 29, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN, THE STEERING WOBBLED AND LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO REDDING KIA (888-778-5635, LOCATED AT 418 E CYPRESS AVE, REDDING, CA 96002) AND KEPT FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHILE THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED A LOANER VEHICLE. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE YOKE IN THE STEERING BOX WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE PART WAS BACK ORDERED. THE CONTACT WAS LATER INFORMED TO RETURN THE LOANER VEHICLE BECAUSE HER VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO DRIVE WHILE WAITING FOR THE PART. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AND PROMISED TO FOLLOW-UP WITH THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000.
Engine, Jan 29, 2019
MY CAR IS USING OIL BUT ITS NOT LEAKING OIL BUT EVERYTIME I GET A OIL CHANGE ITS OLNY A QUART IN MY CAR MAYBE. I HAVE TO GET MY OIL CHANGED EVERY MONTH TO MAKE SURE I HAVE OIL IN MY CAR CAUSE IT STOPPED ON ME AND I HAD TO GET IT TOWED HOME THEY PUT OIL IN IT A LIL LATER AND IT STARTED WORKING AGAIN. BUT NO WARNING LIGHTS OR OIL INDICATORS COME ON I NEED TO KNOW WHY AND WHY IS THIS OIL BURNING OFF MY ENGINE AM I IN ANY DANGER IF MY CAR CATCHING FIRE?? PLEASE I NEED TO KNOW CAUSE THIS HAS BECOME EXPENSIVE TO GET MY OIL CHANGED EVERY MONTH IT JUST BURBS THE OIL UP I DONT KNOW WHY?? PLEASE IF U COULD HELP ME UNDERSTAND THIS WOULD BE HELPFUL AND WHAT SHOULD I DO ABOUT IT WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU SO MUCH.
Engine, Jan 25, 2019, fire
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE BRAKES DID NOT WORK CAR SHUT OFF HAD TO JUMP OUT OF THE CAR IN NEVER CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD TO COME AND PUT THE FIRE OUT TOTAL LOSS
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jan 23, 2019
I WAS DRIVING THE ROAD WHEN OUT OF THE SUDDEN THE ENGINE STOPS AND SOMETIMES TURNS ON ON ITSELF,ITS SEEMS LIKE THE ENGINE LOCKS AND THE CARS STOPS SUDDENLY.IT ALSO HAPPENS AND I TURN ON INTERSECTIONS,WHEN I ACCELERATE TO GAIN SPEED IT TURNS OFF AND I HAVE TO PUT THE CAR ON NEUTRAL AND TURN IT ON. ON ALL OF THESE OCCASIONS MY FAMILY TRAVELING WITH ME.
Engine, Jan 22, 2019, fire
VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNERNEATH THE HOOD WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY INTERSTATE 70. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. THE WINDSHIELD SHATTERED DUE TO THE FIRE. YOU CAN SEE THE BURNED SQUARE SHAPE ON THE HOOD WHICH SHOWS THE DESTRUCTION UNDERNEATH THE HOOD.
Engine, Jan 21, 2019, fire
ON JANUARY 15, 2019 MY 2015 KIA OPTIMA CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE MY 16 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. SHE SMELLED A STRONG FUEL SMELL FIRST THEN TIRED TO STOP THE CAR. THE BRAKES WOULDN'T WORK SO SHE HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKES. PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD POPPED THE HOOD AND THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE.
Engine, Jan 8, 2019, fire
TAKATA RECALL MY SON AND I WAS RIDING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND WE HEARD A LOUD BOOM! AND THE CAR STARTED SMOKING WE IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND JUMPED OUT OF THE CAR WE CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD ONLY TO SEE FIRE! WE IMMEDIATELY STARTED RUNNING DOWN THE HIGHWAY SCARED FOR OUR LIFE'S. SINCE THAT DAY I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE OR RIDE INSIDE OF ANY VEHICLE.
Engine, Jan 3, 2019, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE CONTACT DETECTED A LOUD, ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. WHEN THE HOOD WAS LIFTED UP, THE FIRE EXTINGUISHED ITSELF AND ONLY SMOKE REMAINED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS PRESENT AND STATED THAT THE EXHAUST HAD BURST AND OIL LEAKED OUT, WHICH CAUSED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL TOW YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Power train, Engine, Dec 26, 2018
2015 KIA OPTIMA WITH APPROX 68,000 MILES. GOING UP HILL UP A RAMP TO MERGE ONTO HIGHWAY AROUND 40 MPH WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND WOULD NO LONGER ACCELERATE. SHORTLY AFTER, THE OIL AND BATTERY LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND CAR COASTED AS FAR AS POSSIBLE INTO SHOULDER AS I COULD. CAR WOULD NOT RESTART. SAT ON THE ON-RAMP FOR QUITE A WHILE PARTIALLY BLOCKING TRAFFIC AND ALMOST HAD SOME NEAR MISS ACCIDENTS FROM OTHER DRIVERS PASSING AND HONKING AT ME. TOWED TO KIA DEALERSHIP SAME MORNING. TECH BELIEVES MY ENGINE HAS SEIZED BUT NO OFFICIAL DIAGNOSIS. THEY PROVIDED ME WITH A LOANER CAR AT NO CHARGE. I AM ORIGINAL OWNER AND HOPE KIA WILL REPLACE MY ENGINE AT NO COST AND BUY MY CAR BACK. I AM SCARED OF THE VEHICLE FIRES THAT ARE HAPPENING WITH THESE ENGINES FOR OTHER PEOPLE. MY CAR GAVE ME NO FAILURE WARNING UNTIL IT WAS TOO LATE.
Engine, Dec 26, 2018
I WAS TRAVELING AT 65 MPH ON A STRAIGHT AND LEVEL HIGHWAY IN MY KIA OPTIMA (WHICH HAS LESS THAN 60,000 MILES), THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I LOST ALL POWER. I COULD HAVE LOST MY LIFE. CAR WAS TOWED TO LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHO DETERMINED THAT VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE BROUGHT TO A DEALER. BARRY HENDERSON, THE REPAIR SHOP MANAGER, SAID THERE IS A POSSIBLE WIRING ISSUE AND IF THE WIRING IS OKAY, THE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. HE TOLD ME THEY COULDN'T REPAIR SO THE CAR WAS TOWED TO HYMAN BROTHERS KIA IN MIDLOTHIAN, VA. ALL REQUIRED MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN DONE ON THIS CAR AND HARD COPIES OF ALL OF THE SERVICE RECORDS HAVE BEEN PLACE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AS PROOF.
Engine, Dec 21, 2018
CAR USED TO COMMUTE 50 MILES EACH DAY TO WORK AND BACK. ENGINE STARTED CONSUMING A LOT OF OIL (A QUART EACH WEEK). KIA DEALER SAID ENGINE IS BLOWN.
Electrical system, Dec 18, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CONTACT ACTIVATED THE HAZARD LIGHTS. THE CONTACT CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO LOU FUSZ KIA (1025 N LINDBERGH BLVD, ST LOUIS, MO, 63132). THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE ALTERNATOR FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BATTERY HAD TO BE CHANGED ON TWO OCCASIONS BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
Engine, Dec 14, 2018
AROUND 55,000 MILES I STARTED HAVING LOW OIL AND HAVING TO ADD OIL, SHORTLY I HEARD SOME RATTLING UNDER THE HOOD. AT THIS TIME I ALSO STARTED TO NOTICE WHITE SMOKE FROM THE TAILPIPE WHEN I WOULD ACCELERATE. I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY REFUSED TO COVER IT UNDER WARRANTY SAYING I DID NOT MAINTAIN THE PROPER OIL CHANGES. I OFFERED PROOF OF ALL MY OIL CHANGE RECEIPTS AND THEY STILL DENIED TO FIX IT. I COULD NOT AFFORD THE FIX THEY SAY NEEDED TO BE DONE SO I JUST DECIDED I WOULD JUST ADD THE EXTRA OIL TO THE ENGINE EVERY WEEK HOWEVER AROUND 63,000 THE ENGINE BLEW. NOW CURRENTLY THE CAR IS AT THE DEALERSHIP AND I AM AWAITING TO SEE WHAT THEY WILL DO ABOUT IT. I HAVE READ SO MANY COMPLAINTS ON THIS EXACT ISSUE ON THIS CAR AND I EXPECT THEM TO FIX MY CAR.
Steering, Dec 5, 2018
THE STEERING HAS BECOME DIFFICULT, JERKY, STICKS AND REQUIRES MUCH EFFORT TO CONTROL. THIS OCCURS AT ALL SPEEDS BUT OF COURSE IS MORE PREVALENT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. KIA INDICATED THAT THE MOTOR DRIVEN POWER STEERING IS DEFECTIVE AND THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN HAS TO BE REPLACED. THE CAR HAS BEEN IN FOR SIMILAR ISSUES MULTIPLE TIMES. AS THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY KIA IS REFUSING TO REPAIR THIS AT THEIR EXPENSE. I CONSIDER THIS TO BE A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT HAS THE POTENTIAL FOR INJURY OR DEATH TO ME AND MY FAMILY. I WOULD LIKE KIA TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE IN GOOD FAITH TO US AS A LOYAL CUSTOMER. KIA CLAIM # IS 12961775. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY AT JIM BUTLER KIA IN CHESTERFIELD MO AWAITING AN ESCALATION TO KIA CONSUMER AFFAIRS. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR SOME TIME, MOST LIKELY SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW, BUT HAS RECENTLY BECOME MORE NOTICEABLE AND MORE DANGEROUS TO DRIVE.
Engine, Dec 4, 2018
HAD OIL CHANGED AND A MONTH LATER NOTICED THE CAR MAKING A KNOCKING NOISE AND SKIPPING WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREET AND HIGHWAY. HAD THE OIL RECHECKED AND THE CAR WAS OUT OF OIL. FIRST THOUGHT THAT THE OIL PLACE FORGOT TO PUT OIL IN. HOWEVER, IT WAS LATER DETERMINED BY A MECHANIC THAT THE VALVE WAS GONE IN THE ENGINE AND I WOULD NEED A NEW ENGINE AT 130,000 MILES IN A 2015 KIA OPTIMA LX. THE CAR STOPPED ON THE HIGHWAY AT 70 BUT I WAS ABLE TO MOVE TO THE SIDE.
Engine, Dec 2, 2018
VEHICLE STARTED TO MAKE A KNOCKING NOISE GOING DOWN THE HEY AT 60 MPH. CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE WAS DIOGNOSED. KIA COMMISSIONSERS WAS NOTIFIED.
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 23, 2018
I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 40 MPH AND THE ENGINE AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS JUST SHUT OFF. THIS IS AFTER AN OIL CHANGE, AND WITH NO WARNING SIGNS. LUCKILY I WASN'T ON THE FREEWAY AND WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OVER. STILL HAVE NO LUCK GETTING IT RESTARTED AFTER BEING TOWED TO MY RESIDENCE
Electrical system, Nov 15, 2018
I BOUGHT A 2015 KIA OPTIMA EX BRAND NEW OFF THE LOT IN OCTOBER 2014. SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE BOTH DRIVERS SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW REGULATOR MODULES. THE FIRST ONE THAT BROKE (PASSENGER) IN MARCH 2016 AND WAS TOLD BECAUSE THE WINDOW SHATTERED ITS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. TO REPLACE THE MODULE AND WINDOW IT WAS $700. THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW REGULATOR WENT BAD IN JULY 2017. THAT WAS $250 TO REPLACE SINCE THE WINDOW STAYED IN TACT. HERE WE ARE NOVEMBER 2018 AND FOR THE SECOND TIME THE PASSENGER SIDE REGULATOR HAS GONE BAD. THAT'S 3 TIMES I HAVE REPLACED THE SAME PART WITH KIA GENUINE PARTS (PURCHASED FROM KIA) IN 4 YEARS. I HAVE DONE EXTENSIVE RESEARCH AND MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE SAME THING.
Engine, Nov 15, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE TO THE ROAD SHOULDER, BUT IT WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A FRIEND'S HOME. THE CONTACT CALLED DUTCH MILLER KIA OF CHARLESTON (335 MACCORKLE AVE SW, SOUTH CHARLESTON, WV 25303, (855) 739-5369) AND WAS INFORMED TO PROVIDE THEM WITH THE VIN SINCE THIS WOULD BE THE SECOND ENGINE THAT HAD TO BE REPLACED IN LESS THAN ONE YEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Other or unspecified, Nov 15, 2018
IN THE PAST 2 MONTHS I HAVE NOTICED MY CAR SHUDDERS AND SHAKES A LOT WHEN IT IS STOPPED AT A STOPLIGHT OR WHEN PARKED WITH THE ENGINE IDLING IT USED TO BE THAT I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW THE CAR WAS RUNNING IN EITHER OF THESE POSITIONS.