2015 Kia Optima

1,009 complaints on file, page 1 of 51.

1. Filed Sep 29, 2026Failure Sep 23, 2026231,000 milesPort Saint Lucie, FLService brakes, Hydraulic

   The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while pulling into the driveway, the ABS warning light remained illuminated after the vehicle was powered off. The contact stated that the parking brake warning light unexpectedly illuminated while the vehicle was being operated. The contact stated that the brake lights illuminated while the vehicle was turned on or off. The contact's son inspected the vehicle and became aware that the rear of the vehicle near the brake pedal was extremely hot and that the area under the hood was extremely hot. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The dealer informed the contact that the failure could be associated with a light switch failure; however, the contact stated that the failure was not related to the light switch and that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed to determine the cause of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 231,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11767775
2. Filed Sep 20, 2026Failure Jun 10, 2026Princeton, KYEngine, Vehicle speed control

   My energy in my car started messing up with only 150,000 miles it had a long knocking sound and it would not got over 20 miles while driving

   NHTSA complaint 11765682
3. Filed Aug 24, 2026Failure Aug 14, 2026lake havasu city, AZEngine, Fuel/propulsion system, Unknown or otherFire

   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. As I'm coasting, because I'm unable to stop, flames started to come in through under the dash. I couldn't turn the car off, nor put it in park so the doors stayed locked. The driver window was opened just enough for me to grab the top and break it, allowing me to crawl out. The car coasted itself to the shoulder then blew up (I had a full tank of gas.). All this happened in the manner of 30 to 35 seconds. It's important to note that KIA just replaced the engine 2 months prior to this incident.

   NHTSA complaint 11759158
4. Filed Aug 20, 2026Failure Aug 20, 2026123,000 milesLongview, TXEngine and engine cooling

   The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that for over 8 years, the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact became aware that there was an oil leak on the ground underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions for the oil consumption failure; however, the dealer was unable to find a fault with the vehicle. The dealer had not yet provided a cause for the oil leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 123,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11758211
5. Filed Aug 19, 2026Failure Aug 14, 2026Austell, GAEngine

   The engine in my vehicle failed while putting the car into reverse to back into my garage. I thank God I wasn't on the road when this happened. I took the car into a mechanic who confirmed that the engine was locked and that the car was very low on oil(even though I had my oil changed by him a few months prior). There was an undetected oil leak that led to the engine failure. The warning indicators didn't appear on my dash until after my engine failed.

   NHTSA complaint 11758113
6. Filed Aug 13, 2026Failure Jul 27, 2026Brockton, MAEngine, Fuel/propulsion system, Steering

   This is a formal vehicle safety complaint regarding a manufacturer's active refusal to remedy a known safety defect under an active recall campaign guidelines.My 2015 Kia Optima Turbo experienced an active internal mechanical engine knock, violent sputtering, and a complete engine seizure. The vehicle is currently sitting un-driveable at an authorized Kia dealership.The required Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software update was successfully completed on this vehicle prior to the incident, legally qualifying it for a 100% free long-block engine replacement under the manufacturer's active Lifetime Warranty extension. However, the dealership service department is actively withholding the safety warranty paperwork and refusing to submit the diagnostic photos and engine seizure data to corporate for warranty approval unless I agree to pay an additional $800 out of pocket for an external throttle body and O2 sensor.I have explicitly declined the retail accessory charges five separate times. I only authorize the replacement of my front sway bar links. Instead of separating the ticket and processing the free engine block safety remedy, the dealer is holding my safety warranty hostage to force a retail sale. Furthermore, a manufacturer consumer care representative recently refused to listen to my request on this matter and dropped the call.The manufacturer is using internal technical advice to block a court-ordered safety remedy and is allowing a dealership to use unauthorized retail accessory charges to deny me a safe, operating vehicle. I request immediate federal intervention to force the manufacturer to release the free engine block safety replacement order to the dealer and halt these predatory dealer practices.

   NHTSA complaint 11756632
7. Filed Jul 29, 2026Failure Nov 10, 202588,000 milesCartersville, GAElectrical system

   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. The contact was informed that the brake lights were inoperable. The contact stated that the failure had occurred every 6–7 months. The contact stated that the repair was completed by the contact. The dealer was not made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11753610
8. Filed Jul 23, 2026Failure Jul 17, 2026140,000 milesGroton, CTEngine and engine coolingFire

   The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. During the failure, several unknown warning lights flashed on the instrument panel and there was smoke coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle, and there were flames coming from underneath the hood. The Fire Department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. During the failure, the vehicle was destroyed. A Police report was filed, and the vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the original engine was previously replaced by the local dealer due to a previous recall. No further information was available. The failure mileage was 140,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11752336
9. Filed Jul 20, 2026Failure Jun 30, 2026Woodbridge, VAEngine

   My girlfriend was driving on interstate 95 to pick me up from the metro. The engine suddenly cut off in a manner that appears to have melted the wiring harness of the vehicle, risking fire. She was able to safely get to the side of the road and call a tow. After taking it to a local repair shop, they diagnosed the issue as related to the KSDS recall. We had it towed to the dealership that has also confirmed it is related to the recall. The engine is completely seized following this incident and it's worth noting that Kia is completely denying the engine repair claim as the KSDS update was not installed prior.

   NHTSA complaint 11751632
10. Filed Jul 14, 2026Failure Jul 8, 2026212,000 milesBowie, MDEngine and engine coolingFire

    The contact owned a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving to the residence, the vehicle caught on fire. The contact stated that while at a traffic light, the vehicle suddenly shut off. After exiting the vehicle, the hood was opened, and there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact called an independent mechanic and, within two minutes, became aware of the fire. The contact called 911 for the Emergency Services. The Fire Department arrived and extinguished the fire. There was no injury sustained. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was previously taken to an unknown local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine was leaking with a blown head gasket. The engine was replaced. The vehicle was towed from the scene and was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 212,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11750336
11. Filed Jul 14, 2026Failure May 29, 2026Valdosta, GAElectrical system, Service brakes

    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 sound and smoke started coming from the car and I was thankful that I didn’t get hit but affraid and also hit my head in car due to the sudden jerk car mad and then it popped sound a d smoke came from good. The next day I have to pay to get back on the other side and also tow it home which it been parked since but I see a recall on my vin and want to find out how to get it to the nearest Kia to fix the recall

    NHTSA complaint 11750184
12. Filed Jul 5, 2026Failure Dec 31, 1969Blandinsville, ILBody

    My 2015 white Kia Optima is having terrible paint peeling problems. It is peeling and chipping on the hood, along the sides of the windshield, above the wind shield, on my back bumper, above my back tires, and just about every place in between. PLEASE HELP!

    NHTSA complaint 11748405
13. Filed Jun 23, 2026Failure Jun 15, 2026Okmulgee, OKEngine

    While driving my 2015 Kia Optima, the engine failed completely without warning. The vehicle lost power while in motion approximately 300 miles away from my home. All warning lights illuminated and the car shut down during driving conditions, creating a serious safety hazard. The vehicle was towed to a Kia dealership where it was inspected. I was informed the engine has failed and may be related to the known 2.4L engine defect and prior recall campaign involving this engine type. This vehicle has a history of multiple recalls, including engine-related recalls issued in 2018 for the same engine family. The failure occurred suddenly and without prior adequate warning, and the vehicle is now inoperable. I purchased the vehicle in May 2023, and at the time of failure it had approximately 133,000 miles. The engine began knocking loudly prior to failure, then stalled and shut off completely while driving. This incident placed me and others at risk because the vehicle lost propulsion while in traffic. I believe this may be related to a known manufacturing defect in Kia 2.4L engines that has been the subject of recall and/or investigation. I am requesting that this complaint be documented as a safety-related engine failure potentially associated with the existing recall and that it be reviewed for further investigation and manufacturer accountability

    NHTSA complaint 11745917
14. Filed Jun 22, 2026Failure Jan 6, 2025artesia, CAElectrical system, Engine

    1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The primary failure involved the engine. The vehicle experienced a major engine failure that resulted in an engine replacement under a manufacturer recall. After the replacement engine was installed, the vehicle later developed additional engine-related problems. An independent mechanic advised that the vehicle would require another engine replacement or extensive engine repairs. Additional defects included a malfunctioning moonroof that would no longer close properly and other mechanical issues affecting the vehicle's operation. The vehicle may be available for inspection depending on its current status and location. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The repeated engine problems created concerns about the reliability and safe operation of the vehicle. Sudden engine failure while driving resulted in loss of power, inability to maintain speed in traffic, and being stranded in unsafe conditions. The ongoing mechanical failures caused significant concern regarding the vehicle's dependability and safety. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The original engine issue was confirmed by authorized service personnel and resulted in an engine replacement under a manufacturer recall. The subsequent engine-related problem was evaluated by an independent mechanic, who advised that the vehicle required another engine replacement or significant repairs. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle was inspected in connection with the original engine recall and replacement. It was also inspected by an independent mechanic regarding the subsequent engine issues. At this time, I am not aware of any inspection by police or insurance representatives related to these mechanical failures. 5. yes, right away

    NHTSA complaint 11745534
15. Filed Jun 8, 2026Failure Dec 13, 2025Phoenix, AZEngine, Power train

    P1326 code flashing engine light knock sensor went out 3 times in 6 months and just replaced it again and this time engine light didn't go off I was reading that there was a recall on this but apparently mine doesn't state it. Car cannot pass emissions if engine light is on and the 15th of June is approaching. The car doesn't make any sounds or nothing.

    NHTSA complaint 11742779
16. Filed Jun 5, 2026Failure May 5, 2021137,000 milesUnion Springs, ALEngine, Service brakes, Hydraulic

    The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was take to O'Reilly's to be diagnosed. The DTC: P1326; was retrieved. The contact attempted to start the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to start. The contact researched online and found NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V543000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V543000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the dealer refused to repair the vehicle because the vehicle was not currently registered and additional repairs were needed before a recall repair could be performed. The vehicle was being towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11742315
17. Filed May 29, 2026Failure May 28, 202660,000 milesCarbondale, ILEngine, Engine and engine coolingFire

    The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while accelerating at 55 MPH, there was an abnormal burning smell detected. While driving, she was alerted by another driver who informed her that the vehicle was on fire. The passengers were able to exit the vehicle safely. The vehicle was engulfed in flames. There were no reported injuries. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The vehicle was previously taken to an independent mechanic, who said the engine was bad. The engine was previously replaced at 147,000 miles. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A police report was filed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11740785
18. Filed May 19, 2026Failure Apr 28, 202675,309 milesIndianapolis, INEngineFire

    The contact owned a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 65 mph and slowing down to enter a parking garage, she observed black smoke emanating from under the hood, and the vehicle stalled. The contact then observed flames near the windshield wipers coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and called 911. She observed flames coming from under the hood and under the vehicle, and the vehicle became engulfed in flames. The contact stated that the garage manager attempted to extinguish the fire but was unsuccessful. The police and fire department arrived shortly after the attempt, and the fire department extinguished the fire. The contact did not sustain any injuries. A police report was not taken, and she was not aware of any fire department report being filed. The vehicle was bulldozed out of the parking garage and towed to a tow yard. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 75,309.

    NHTSA complaint 11738851
19. Filed May 16, 2026Failure May 13, 2026Covington, WAVehicle speed control

    They were speeding with their phone in a phone stand watching a show while on the freeway

    NHTSA complaint 11738230
20. Filed May 15, 2026Failure Dec 10, 2023San Dimas, CABody

    Factory paint defect/delamination known to Kia causing excessive paint bubbling, peeling, flaking, large chunks of paint falling off, a widespread issue documented inherent to appear on the roof, front pillars both sides next to windshield, trunk, door panels and hood rapidly expanding. Notorious on model Optima 2013 - 2017 with Snow White Paint (SWP). This issue comes with an extreme safety hazard I am officially reporting to you; Windshield at Risk of Detachment - Paint defect has expanded inside the glass layers of the windshield up and down both sides causing the adhesive to bubble/weaken, potentially could detach causing serious injuries to myself, passengers and all other drivers. Citrus Kia Ontario, CA inspected my vehicle May and June 2025, confirmed damages are a result of a factory paint defect known to Kia and their body shop has repaired many of these Optimas with SWP. I was directed to file a report with Kia Customer Care, they will issue a claim number needed to schedule an appointment for repair. Kia denied my claim. Contact Dealer reporting paint defect; 11/7/2017 repair made for peeling paint Confirmation X03S999EM3, 6/11/24 officially reported paint cracking bubbling Claim # 16453820, May & June 2025 Citrus inspected my vehicle explained the damages to my vehicle a factory paint defect known to Kia, their body shop has already repaired many model 2015 Optima SWP, confirmed my vehicle is eligible for repair. I was directed to file a report with Customer Care, a claim number would be issued for so I could schedule a repair date. I filed a report. Kia reopened Claim 16453820 & denied the claim. I have written a formal letter to Kia Corporate requesting repair, no response.Kia's factory paint defect is a documented global widespread inherent issue affecting thousa+nds of Kia consumers, refusing to accept responsibility, refusing to honor TSB Extended warranty. This is a disgrace.Our vehicles look horrible & are safety hazards.

    NHTSA complaint 11738221