2015 Kia Optima

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2015 Kia Optima
BUILT 2026-09-02

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2015: 1006 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2001	143
2002	107
2003	141
2004	225
2005	144
2006	155
2007	166
2008	143
2009	116
2010	75
2011	592
2012	919
2013	1379
2014	583
2015	1006
2016	754
2017	255
2018	231
2019	205
2020	142

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ENGINE 62%

62% of complaints: engine — 621 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

My 2015 KIA optima experienced a catastrophic engine fire while I was driving. There was no warning, I just heard a boom in the engine bay the breaks stopped working and all electrical cut out.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260824

Also filed under FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM and UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I HAVE 2015 KIA OPTIMA GREY OR PLATINUM GRAPHITE EXTERIOR COLOR SINCE AUG 2019 I HAD AN TBONE ACCIDENT LAST DEC 26 2021 WHICH IAM NOT AT FAULT FOR NEVER RECEIVED ANY TYPE OF COMFORT CARE CLAIM IT WAS DURING COVID PANDEMIC I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF...

NHTSA ODI report, 20230907

Also filed under FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM and POWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A CLANKING SOUND AS THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THICK, BLACK SMOKE EMERGED FROM THE ENGINE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180518

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 14%

14% of complaints: electrical system — 136 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing key/sender and management system/energy control module (bms/becm).

CRASH FIRE INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

THE BLUE TOOTH FOR THE PHONE IF ALLOWED TO RING CAN CAUSE ONE TO LOOSE CONTROL. THE RING CAN GO WELL PAST 100 DB. IF WE FORGET TO TURN OUR BLUE TOOTH OFF IT ACTUALLY HURTS.

NHTSA ODI report, 20151005

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the rear taillight socket wiring harness failed to function as intended.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260729

I would say that the time this incident happened I was driving and me and me nephew were in car at time taking to shop to see why it was making a sound like air and all of sudden the car started swerving and slowing down and then it made a pop...

NHTSA ODI report, 20260714

Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES

SERVICE BRAKES 9%

9% of complaints: service brakes — 89 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

STRUCTURE 8%

8% of complaints: structure — 76 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

WAS AT LIGHT THEN PROCEEDED ONCE LIGHT TURNED GREEN TRAVELING ON LEFT LANE ON A 2 LANE CITY ROAD. USED TURNING SIGNAL TO MOVE TO RIGHT LANE WHEN ANOTHER CAR THAT HAD TURNED AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT ON TO THE ROAD I WAS TRAVELING ON.

NHTSA ODI report, 20171223

Also filed under WHEELS

STEERING 7%

7% of complaints: steering — 69 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2015 — complaint volume: 1006

R 20190117 — engine, fuel system, gasoline

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)...

Remedy: 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 — check if this car was fixed

I 20190419 — EA (closed 20240919)

Electrical overstress

R 20201020 — service brakes, hydraulic

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.

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 20V519000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20210702 — service brakes, hydraulic

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519.

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 21V331000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20211112 — DP (closed 20230620)

Throttle control system vulnerabilities

I 20220912 — DP (closed 20231212)

Loss of Motive Power

I 20231117 — AQ (open)

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

R 20240329 — service brakes, hydraulic

Kia America, Inc.

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 23V652000 — check if this car was fixed