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, Engine, Jan 19, 2025
I am writing to file a complaint regarding a 2015 Kia Optima I purchased from Synergy Auto Deals LLC (formerly located at 1001 S State Road 7 Hollywood, FL 33023). The dealership failed to disclose a critical open safety recall on the vehicle at the time of sale, which I believe violates consumer safety standards and puts me at significant risk. Details of the Complaint 1. Undisclosed Safety Recall: • The vehicle has an open safety recall that was never disclosed during the purchase process. I only became aware of the recall after the sale, which has caused significant inconvenience and concern about my safety. 2. Dealer Misrepresentation: • In addition to failing to disclose the safety recall, the dealership misrepresented other aspects of the sale, including the price and fees, and employed deceptive practices during the loan approval process. 3. Expenses Incurred: • As a result of these issues, I have incurred additional costs, including: • Gas mileage to address the recall issue • New tires • Monthly payments for a vehicle that was sold under false pretenses • Insurance payments • Costs for repairs related to the recall Vehicle Information • Year: 2015 • Make: Kia • Model: Optima Desired Resolution I am requesting the NHTSA to: • Investigate this dealership’s practices, particularly regarding the failure to disclose safety recalls. • Assess whether this case is part of a broader pattern that may require additional enforcement actions. • Provide guidance on any potential remedies or reimbursements available for these safety-related violations. Thank you for your attention to this serious matter.
Seat belts, Jan 17, 2025
The issue concerns the rear center seatbelt used to secure infants and small children. The seat's "racketing" restraint did not disengage when the belt was unbuckled. My child became trapped and I had to cut the seat belt with scissors to get him out.
Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2025
There is serious peeling/delamination of the paint off of my car.
Visibility, Seats, Jan 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while attempting to activate the defroster, the defroster failed to active to defrost the windshield. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the heated steering wheel failed to operate as needed. The contact also stated that the front driver’s side and front passenger’s side heated seats were inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 127,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he smelled a burning odor permeating throughout the interior of the vehicle, prompting him to discontinue driving the vehicle. After a visual inspection of the exterior of the vehicle, the contact observed what appeared to be a hydraulic fluid leak underneath the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics); the VIN was included, but the vehicle had not yet been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.
Structure, Jan 3, 2025
Pearl paint has been peeling more and more especially when washing my vehicle. This shouldn't be happening and i see similar paint issues with other Kia and Hyundai models. I need Kia to take accountable and responsibly for their defect.
Other or unspecified, Jan 3, 2025
My vehicle is painted in the Snow White Pearl. The paint started out looking almost "bubbled" but definitely showed serious signs of delamination, quickly after noticing the delamination, the paint flaked off in relatively large pieces all over my vehicle. There is paint missing from the hood, the roof, the back passenger side door, the quarter back panel of the passenger side, and one chip on the driver side door. I reached out to KIA regarding the issue and was told that there is nothing that can be done. I have gotten to the point that i cannot stand to look at the car I once loved so much, it is a shame. KIA is a company that I have been loyal to when it comes to vehicles and I have only owned KIA's since 2008 but after this issue I am almost embarrassed to show up anywhere driving this car.. and even more so I am upset that KIA will not do what it takes to remedy this issue for myself and so many others.
Engine, Jan 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer and was repaired for excessive oil consumption. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired at the local dealer under an unidentified NHTSA recall; however, the repair failed to prevent a failure from occurring. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power, and the engine seized. The vehicle was towed back to the same local dealer, but the vehicle was not repaired due to the maintenance records not being available. The vehicle was left at the local dealer for further investigation. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
Air bags, Jan 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the driver's side air bag warning light was illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 148,827.
Engine, Jan 1, 2025
Engine seized
Engine, Dec 28, 2024
As I was driving in the fwy I hear noise and exit to check what was wrong. No lights or warning of what the issue might be. Turned off the car open the hood of the car and saw nothing wrong with it I turned it back on and the noise went away. About 2 week after I was exiting the fwy and the engine light turned on. Engine start making noises
Firerelated, Dec 27, 2024, fire
The contact owned a 2015 Kia Optima SX Turbo. The contact stated while stopped at a traffic light, smoke was emitting from under the hood and entered the vehicle through the A/C vents. The contact pulled over to the side and immediately exited the vehicle. The contact opened the hood and flames were visible. No warning lights were illuminated, and the temperature gauge was normal. The contact did not sustain any injuries. The contact pulled over in front of Robertson's Tire, the employees used a fire extinguisher to extinguish the fire and called the Fire department. No police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was notified of the fire and advised the contact to tow the vehicle to a KIA dealer. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer who inspected the vehicle, but the contact did not remember the cause of the fire. However, the dealer stated KIA was at fault. The manufacturer advised the contact that a field inspector would be sent to inspect the vehicle. The field inspector has inspected the vehicle. However, the contact was awaiting the results. The contact notified her insurance company and was waiting on KIA's decision. The failure mileage was 160,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine stalled. The engine would decrease in engine RPMs. The vehicle was able to restart however the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the residence, and then to a dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was provided manufacturer's recall number: PI1802A. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the caller the ECU Logic Upgrade should have been completed first before the engine could be repaired. The failure was recurring and the contact parked the vehicle to be not driven no longer as it was a safety concern. The failure mileage was 84,850.
Structure, Dec 17, 2024
The snow-white pearl paint is peeling off - this is a common problem, and the paint is flaking off - not adhering to the base material - seems like a factory defect. This will be a huge re-paint cost to be fixed, and it is just getting worse over time
Electrical system, Engine, Dec 14, 2024
When I was driving my car had stopped driving, the engine light had popped up. I put a new battery, and starter on to see if that was the problem, but it wasn’t. I then took the car to battleground Kia in Greensboro, NC. They confirm that the engine had stopped working due to being locked up and it had a recall on it. First they said they can’t fix the engine without my registration and license, I turned that in then They said they will not fix the recall if I don’t have enough evidence of oil changes which I’ve handed over to them multiple times. I thought a recall was suppose to be fixed without hassle. My Kia advisor is Matt Cates. Email:Mcates@battlegroundkia.com
Engine, Dec 11, 2024
I was driving on the interstate, going 80mph in the passing lane passing a semi. (speed limit in SD) my car died. No noises, no warning lights NOTHING. Just lost ALL power. I was able to coast to the side of the road. I towed it to Kia to find out my engine seized. It IS part of a Class Action Lawsuit but they should be recalling these engines BEFORE they go out. Imagine if an unexperienced driver was driving and lost all power, or if it was icy, or someone was behind me? This is unacceptable these engines are failing and putting lives in danger
Engine, Dec 9, 2024
DURING COVID 19 PANDEMIC GRIEVIANCE DEPRESION HOMELESSNESS RACISM CRITICISM HATE CYBERBULLY ATTACK I LIVE IN MY 2015 KIA OPTIMA I HAD [XXX] I HAD TBONE ACCIDENT IAM NOT FAULT FOR I HAVE ALL STATE INSURANCE I NEVER GET HELPED COMPENSATED THEY CLOSED MY CLAIMS I HAD MULTPLE CITATIONS 13 IN EL CAJON 4 IN SAN DIEGO 4 3 HOLLYWOOD 1 RIVERSIDE THAT I WASNT AWARE OF AS I WENT TO DMV TO RENEW MY CAR REGISTRATION I WAS BILLED FOR $1522 PAID $2200 FOR RENEWAL THERES PEOPLE WHO CROSSED MY LIFE WHO DAMAGED MY VEHICLE IT WASNT DRIVEABLE FOR ONE YEAR PARKED AT [XXX] THEN APRIL 2022 THIEVES INTENDED TO STEAL MY PERSONAL BELONGINGS THEY BROKE MY WINDOW ALL MY PERSONAL ITEMS WAS GONE IT WAS TOWED BY AGENCY HAD TO PAY $1000 WITH BUSTED WINDOWS MISSING PERSONAL ITEMS DENT TBONE ACCIDENT I SUFFERED BURDEN PAIN DEPRESSION EMOTIONAL DISTRESS WHILE I WAS BEING MOCKED CRITICIZED UNLAWFULLY I HAD TRAUMA THERE IS NO RELIEF RECOVERY IT DIDNT STOP THERE AFTER I PICKED UP F DR OM ROAD ONE TOWING AGENCY I HAVE IT TOWED MOVED PARKED IN [XXX] THEN MY ENGINE SEIZED UP WONT START IGNITION THEN BROUGHT KIA KEARNY MESA SERVICE DEALERSHIP JAN 1, 2023 THEN IT GOTTEN WORST MORE REPAIRS REPLACEMENT PARTS WHEN I HAVE LIFETIME WARRANTY ON MY ENGINE THEY INSTALLED BAD ENGINE REPLACED DEFECTS ON IT I WAS [XXX] MULTPLE TIMES NO PEACE OF MIND UNTIL PRESENT DEC 09, 2024 ALL THE REPAIR ORDERS WASNT BEING DONE PROPERLY. THEY PUT DAMAGES ON ME I GOT STRANDED MULTIPLE TIMES IN HIGHWAY FREEWAY INTERSTATE SIDE STREETS FOR ALL ISSUES ENGINE PROBLEMS THAT HAPPENED TO ME I COULDNT GET RECOVERY JUSTICE THEN JULY 17 2024 I HAD TRAFFIC COLLISION ACCIDENT IAM NOTAT FAULT I WAS BEING INTEROGATED BY KEMPER INSURANCE INVESTIGATORS TRYING TO ACCESS MY VEHICLE IMFORMATION DATA WHEN THEIR CLIENT HIT MY CAR FROM BEHIND I WAS WITH MOTHER WE BOUGHT HAD WHIPLASHED BACKPAIN WENT STRAIGHT TO E.R UNTIL NOW THEY WONT GIVE ME PEACE OF MIND I SUFFERED THE WORST PAIN INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 9, 2024, crash
DURING COVID 19 PANDEMIC GRIEVIANCE DEPRESION HOMELESSNESS RACISM CRITICISM HATE CYBERBULLY ATTACK I LIVE IN MY 2015 KIA OPTIMA I HAD [XXX] I HAD TBONE ACCIDENT IAM NOT FAULT FOR I HAVE ALL STATE INSURANCE I NEVER GET HELPED COMPENSATED THEY CLOSED MY CLAIMS I HAD MULTPLE CITATIONS 13 IN EL CAJON 4 IN SAN DIEGO 4 3 HOLLYWOOD 1 RIVERSIDE THAT I WASNT AWARE OF AS I WENT TO DMV TO RENEW MY CAR REGISTRATION I WAS BILLED FOR $1522 PAID $2200 FOR RENEWAL THERES PEOPLE WHO CROSSED MY LIFE WHO DAMAGED MY VEHICLE IT WASNT DRIVEABLE FOR ONE YEAR PARKED AT [XXX] THEN APRIL 2022 THIEVES INTENDED TO STEAL MY PERSONAL BELONGINGS THEY BROKE MY WINDOW ALL MY PERSONAL ITEMS WAS GONE IT WAS TOWED BY AGENCY HAD TO PAY $1000 WITH BUSTED WINDOWS MISSING PERSONAL ITEMS DENT TBONE ACCIDENT I SUFFERED BURDEN PAIN DEPRESSION EMOTIONAL DISTRESS WHILE I WAS BEING MOCKED CRITICIZED UNLAWFULLY I HAD TRAUMA THERE IS NO RELIEF RECOVERY IT DIDNT STOP THERE AFTER I PICKED UP FROM ROAD ONE TOWING AGENCY I HAVE IT TOWED MOVED PARKED IN [XXX] THEN MY ENGINE SEIZED UP WONT START IGNITION THEN BROUGHT KIA KEARNY MESA SERVICE DEALERSHIP JAN 1, 2023 THEN IT GOTTEN WORST MORE REPAIRS REPLACEMENT PARTS WHEN I HAVE LIFETIME WARRANTY ON MY ENGINE THEY INSTALLED BAD ENGINE REPLACED DEFECTS ON IT I WAS [XXX] MULTPLE TIMES NO PEACE OF MIND UNTIL PRESENT DEC 09, 2024 ALL THE REPAIR ORDERS WASNT BEING DONE PROPERLY. THEY PUT DAMAGES ON ME I GOT STRANDED MULTIPLE TIMES IN HIGHWAY FREEWAY INTERSTATE SIDE STREETS FOR ALL ISSUES ENGINE PROBLEMS THAT HAPPENED TO ME I COULDNT GET RECOVERY JUSTICE THEN [XXX] I HAD TRAFFIC COLLISION ACCIDENT IAM NOTAT FAULT I WAS BEING INTEROGATED BY KEMPER INSURANCE INVESTIGATORS TRYING TO ACCESS MY VEHICLE IMFORMATION DATA WHEN THEIR CLIENT HIT MY CAR FROM BEHIND I WAS WITH MOTHER WE BOUGHT HAD WHIPLASHED BACKPAIN WENT STRAIGHT TO E.R UNTIL NOW THEY WONT GIVE ME PEACE OF MIND I SUFFERED THE WORST PAIN INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 27, 2024
ENGINE KEEPS SHUTTING OFF
Engine, Nov 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from under the hood before the engine seized. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was repaired for several oil leaks, timing chain, timing chain cover, and fuel gaskets failures. The vehicle was later towed to another local dealer, Visalia Kia (825 S Ben Maddox Way, Visalia, CA 93292); for a second opinion where the vehicle was diagnosed with a rod bearing failure and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired under an engine warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,800.
Visibility/wiper, Nov 7, 2024
My 2015 Kia Optima has always had issues with the passenger side window getting stuck. Apparently there was a technical service bulletin, and recalls for the 2016 model but not 2015. My son was driving the vehicle the window got stuck and then shattered into 3 pieces. This is a HUGE safety issue and KIA does not want to take any accountability for this. A recall needs to be issued immediately to protect people from shattering glass!!!!! I did open up a case with KIA and so far NOTHING case#[XXX]. Meanwhile my car has been sitting at Beck and Masten Kia in Tomball waiting to be repaired. Why must we pay for this when I complained for months it was a problem and my warranty just expired!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is NOT safe. Please issue recall and investigate immediately! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Air bags, Oct 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that two independent mechanics were sent to the residence to diagnose the vehicle. The contact was informed that the clock spring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 72,000.
Structure, Oct 22, 2024
vehicle paint is peeling severely
Structure, Oct 21, 2024
White pearl paint is chipping all around the car. At times big chucks of paint just flake off
Engine, Oct 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle started smoking independently from the front of the vehicle and the accelerator pedal went to the floorboard. The vehicle was restarted and the vehicle went into limp mode. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.