MYRModel Year Report

2015 Kia Optima

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2015 Kia Optima
BUILT 2026-10-10

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
1,008
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 2015

Investigations
4

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine

62% of complaints

Complaints per year

2001: 143 complaints 2001 2002: 107 complaints 2003: 141 complaints 2004: 225 complaints 2004 2005: 144 complaints 2006: 155 complaints 2007: 166 complaints 2007 2008: 144 complaints 2009: 116 complaints 2010: 75 complaints 2010 2011: 593 complaints 2012: 919 complaints 2013: 1,383 complaints 2014: 587 complaints 2015: 1,008 complaints 2015 1,008 2016: 756 complaints 2017: 256 complaints 2018: 231 complaints 2019: 210 complaints 2019 2020: 146 complaints
2001: 143 complaints 2001 2002: 107 complaints 2003: 141 complaints 2003 2004: 225 complaints 2005: 144 complaints 2005 2006: 155 complaints 2007: 166 complaints 2007 2008: 144 complaints 2009: 116 complaints 2009 2010: 75 complaints 2011: 593 complaints 2011 2012: 919 complaints 2013: 1,383 complaints 2013 2014: 587 complaints 2015: 1,008 complaints 2015 1,008 2016: 756 complaints 2017: 256 complaints 2017 2018: 231 complaints 2019: 210 complaints 2019 2020: 146 complaints
2001: 143 complaints 2001 2002: 107 complaints 2002 2003: 141 complaints 2003 2004: 225 complaints 2004 2005: 144 complaints 2005 2006: 155 complaints 2006 2007: 166 complaints 2007 2008: 144 complaints 2008 2009: 116 complaints 2009 2010: 75 complaints 2010 2011: 593 complaints 2011 2012: 919 complaints 2012 2013: 1,383 complaints 2013 2014: 587 complaints 2014 2015: 1,008 complaints 2015 1,008 2016: 756 complaints 2016 2017: 256 complaints 2017 2018: 231 complaints 2018 2019: 210 complaints 2019 2020: 146 complaints 2020

2015: 1,008 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
2001143
2002107
2003141
2004225
2005144
2006155
2007166
2008144
2009116
201075
2011593
2012919
20131,383
2014587
20151,008
2016756
2017256
2018231
2019210
2020146

Known problem areas

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

Engine

62% · 622 reports
CRASHFIREINJURY
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, 2026-08-24

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system

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, 2023-09-07

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, 2018-05-18

Electrical system

13% · 136 reports

Most commonly citing key/sender and management system/energy control module (bms/becm).

CRASHFIREINJURY
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, 2015-10-05

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, 2026-07-29

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, 2026-07-14

Also filed under Service brakes

Service brakes

9% · 90 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Structure

8% · 76 reports

Most commonly citing body.

CRASHFIREINJURY
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, 2017-12-23

Also filed under Wheels

Steering

7% · 69 reports
CRASHFIREINJURY

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    2015Complaint volume 1,008 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. R
    2019-01-17Engine, fuel system, gasoline18V907000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    2019-04-19Engineering analysisClosed 2024-09-19 Electrical overstress
  4. R
    2020-10-20Service brakes, hydraulic20V519000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    2021-07-02Service brakes, hydraulic21V331000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. I
    2021-11-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-06-20 Throttle control system vulnerabilities
  7. I
    2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
  8. I
    2023-11-17Audit queryOpen Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
  9. R
    2024-03-29Service brakes, hydraulic23V652000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2015 Kia Optima — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine: 622 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 136 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 90 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 18V907000 · Engine, fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 20V519000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 21V331000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 23V652000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2015 Kia Optima reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2015 Kia Optima is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Kia Optima?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 62% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2015 Kia Optima have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.