How common are engine complaints for the 2015 Kia Optima?

NHTSA lists 657 engine-related complaints for the 2015 Optima, which is 65% of the 1,008 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2015 Kia Optima engine?

Yes. Recall 18V907000 covers 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento, and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously had an engine replaced under an earlier recall or warranty; dealers inspect and replace the fuel pipe as needed.

At what mileage do 2015 Optima engine problems usually happen?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for engine complaints on the 2015 Optima is 87,996 miles.

Do 2015 Optima engine problems lead to fires?

NHTSA data shows 52 fires and 14 crashes linked to complaints in this engine problem area for the 2015 Optima, with 11 injuries reported.

Is the 2015 Optima worse than other Optima years for engine complaints?

Yes, relative to other Optima model years. The 2015 Optima's 65% share of complaints tied to the engine is higher than most other years in the data, which range from 21% to 73%.

2015 Kia Optima Engine Problems

Owners filed 657 engine-related complaints for the 2015 Kia Optima, 65% of all 1,008 complaints that year. Median mileage at failure is 87,996, and NHTSA recall 18V907000 covers a fuel pipe issue tied to prior engine replacements.

Engine complaints: 657; 65% of 1,008
Crashes reported: 14
Fires reported: 52
Injuries reported: 11
Median mileage: 87,996 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Sudden engine stall or loss of power while driving at highway speed, sometimes preceded by a knocking or clanking sound.
Engine fires that ignite under the hood, with some vehicles fully engulfed while parked and not running.
Loud bang from the engine followed by visible flames or thick black smoke coming from the engine compartment.
Strong fuel or burning-plastic smell before smoke or fire appears, sometimes accompanied by brake failure right after the stall.
Complete engine failure requiring full engine replacement without a clear explanation from the dealer.

When 2015 Kia Optima engine complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 9, 2015, latest Sep 20, 2026.

657 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2015 Q1 to 2026 Q3; peak 2023 Q1 (38).

Engine recalls for the 2015 Kia Optima

NHTSA 18V907000Dec 19, 2018Engine71,653 vehicles
Engine
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.
Risk: 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.

Engine complaints by Optima model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201016 (21%)
2011269 (45%)
2012441 (48%)
2013670 (48%)
2014306 (52%)
2015657 (65%)
2016450 (60%)
2017174 (68%)
2018146 (63%)
201997 (47%)
2020106 (73%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine complaints for the 2015 Kia Optima?: NHTSA lists 657 engine-related complaints for the 2015 Optima, which is 65% of the 1,008 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2015 Kia Optima engine?: Yes. Recall 18V907000 covers 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento, and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously had an engine replaced under an earlier recall or warranty; dealers inspect and replace the fuel pipe as needed.
At what mileage do 2015 Optima engine problems usually happen?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for engine complaints on the 2015 Optima is 87,996 miles.
Do 2015 Optima engine problems lead to fires?: NHTSA data shows 52 fires and 14 crashes linked to complaints in this engine problem area for the 2015 Optima, with 11 injuries reported.
Is the 2015 Optima worse than other Optima years for engine complaints?: Yes, relative to other Optima model years. The 2015 Optima's 65% share of complaints tied to the engine is higher than most other years in the data, which range from 21% to 73%.