2015 Kia Optima Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
93/100
#2 most-complained of 16 Optima years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2015 Kia Optima has 1,008 NHTSA complaints, a complaint index of 90, and ranks 2nd worst out of 11 model years, earning an Avoid verdict. Engine problems dominate, making up 65% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 87,996 and 52 reported fires.
- Complaints
- 1,008
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 31 / 74
- Injuries / deaths
- 23 / 1
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 25
- 21.5 city / 31.5 hwy
Top 2015 Kia Optima problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine657 (65%)
- Electrical System150 (15%)
- Other141 (14%)
- Brakes98 (10%)
- Structure & Body78 (8%)
- Steering69 (7%)
- Fuel System56 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain49 (5%)
- Airbags26 (3%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires14 (1%)
What owners report
- Engine stalls or loses power suddenly at highway speed, sometimes followed by a loud bang and a fire under the hood.
- Vehicle catches fire while stationary or at idle, with smoke smelling like burning plastic coming from under the steering column or engine bay.
- Steering fails or the car pulls to one side after a cracking noise, leading to loss of control.
- Vehicle accelerates or lurches on its own at low speed and crashes into a fixed object.
- Frontal airbags fail to deploy in a crash, including a rollover incident.
- Brakes stop working during driving, leaving no way to stop the vehicle.
2015 Kia Optima recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V652000Sep 25, 2023Brakes1,730,192 vehiclesPark Outside
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 21V331000May 10, 2021Brakes440,370 vehiclesPark Outside
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 20V519000Aug 27, 2020Brakes440,370 vehiclesPark Outside
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
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.
Risk: 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.
2015 Kia Optima fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 21.5 MPG
- Highway
- 31.5 MPG
- Combined
- 25 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,600
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2015 compared with other Optima years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2015 Kia Optima reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2015 Optima ranks 2nd worst among 11 model years with a complaint index of 90 and 1,008 complaints, earning an Avoid verdict relative to other Optima years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2015 Kia Optima?
- Engine problems are the top issue, accounting for 65% of complaints (657 of 1,008), with 52 reported fires and a median failure mileage of 87,996.
- Does the 2015 Kia Optima have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2015 Optima, covering brake fluid leaks in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit and an engine fuel pipe issue tied to prior engine replacements.
- How does the 2015 Optima compare to other years?
- The 2015 model has a complaint index of 90, worse than 2014 (60), 2016 (70), and 2017 (20), but slightly better than 2013 (100), which ranks as the worst year.
- Are there fire risks with the 2015 Kia Optima?
- NHTSA complaints report 74 fires for the 2015 Optima, with 52 of those tied to the engine problem area.