VehicleVerdict

2015 Kia Optima problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2015 Kia Optima carries two red flags at once: 1,388 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 5.2× the Optima norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). It is one of the Optima years to avoid. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 42 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 47% of all reports (645 of 1,388), far ahead of electrical system at 144. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

1,388

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

4

Investigations · 1 open

56

Crash-involved

113

Fires reported

42

Injuries

1

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2015 compare to other Optima years?

Optima NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted1,871 complaints2001: 231 complaints2002: 168 complaints2003: 190 complaints2004: 306 complaints2005: 180 complaints2006: 214 complaints2007: 217 complaints2008: 188 complaints2009: 166 complaints2010: 99 complaints2011: 771 complaints2012: 1,260 complaints2013: 1,871 complaints2014: 780 complaints2015: 1,388 complaints2016: 1,065 complaints2017: 351 complaints2018: 327 complaints2019: 308 complaints2020: 199 complaints
Optima NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Optima years to avoid →

What are the most common 2015 Kia Optima problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine64546%
Electrical System14410%
Other14010%
Brakes886%
Body & Structure755%
Steering685%
Fuel System544%
Transmission494%
Speed Control353%
Airbags262%
Lighting242%
Driver Assistance131%
Visibility & Wipers91%
Tires & Wheels81%
Suspension60%
Seats20%
Seat Belts20%

Does the 2015 Kia Optima have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V652000BrakesSeptember 25, 2023 · 1,730,192 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

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. 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.

21V331000BrakesMay 10, 2021 · 440,370 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.

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. 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.

20V519000BrakesAugust 27, 2020 · 440,370 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.

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. 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.

18V907000EngineDecember 19, 2018 · 71,653 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

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.

Open NHTSA investigations

AQ23002

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 8, 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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 8, 2019 · fire

“My car caught on fire under the hood about 15 minutes after I drove and parked it. It was not running at the time the fire started. We tried to put it out with 2 fire extinguishers but were not able to. By the time the fire department arrived my car was completely engulfed in flames. It burnt to…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 8, 2021 · fire

“TRYING TO AVOID ANOTHER VEHICLE APPROACHING ME IN A HEAD ON COLLISION, MY ENGINE BEGAN TO STALL, BRAKES LOCKED UP WHICH CAUSED SUSPENSION ISSUES OF THE VEHICLE. DUE TO THIS, THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY TOTALED AND GLOBAL LENDING SERVICES IS CONSISTENTLY REPORTING IT AS A REPOSSESSION. BOTH VEHICLES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 28, 2015 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · November 18, 2019 · fire

2015 Kia Optima — common questions

Is the 2015 Kia Optima reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 1,388 complaints put the 2015 model at #2 of 20 Optima years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Optima years to avoid.

What are the most common 2015 Optima problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (645 complaints), electrical system (144 complaints), other (140 complaints).

Does the 2015 Kia Optima have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2015 Kia Optima. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2015 Kia Optima under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Kia Optima years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Optima years to avoid are 2013, 2015, 2012, 2016, 2014, 2011. The cleanest record among Optima years belongs to 2010.

How safe is the 2015 Kia Optima?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2015 Kia Optima earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.