VehicleVerdict

2015 Kia Optima engine problems

The 2015 Kia Optima has 645 engine complaints filed with NHTSA — 46% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

645

Engine complaints

46%

Share of year

11

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Engine complaints by year

Related recalls

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.

What owners report

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

Common questions

How many engine complaints does the 2015 Kia Optima have?

NHTSA has 645 complaints about the 2015 Kia Optima engine — 46% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2015 Kia Optima engine?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the engine: 18V907000.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.