2015 Kia Optima problems
NHTSA has received 1,406 complaints about the 2015 Kia Optima, and 46% of them involve engine. Next are electrical system (10%) and brakes (6%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 1,406 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Engine 46% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 56 and 118
- Injuries and deaths
- 42 and 1
- Typical mileage
- 80,000 miles 668 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 54 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 64 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 89 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 126 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 119 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 89 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 61 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 32 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 17 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 9 |
| 200k+ miles | 8 |
What the data shows
Of the 668 complaints that include odometer readings, half describe a problem before roughly 80,000 miles. For engine specifically, the median reported mileage is about 88,000 miles (340 complaints with mileage).
Safety-related details: 56 complaints mention a crash; 118 complaints mention a fire; 42 injuries reported; 1 death reported.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 2015 ranks 2nd most-complained-about out of 20 model years of the Kia Optima with enough data (511 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 4 safety recall campaigns.
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
The vehicle was involved in an fatal accident vehicle collided with a standing tree then overturn onto it roof the frontal airbags driver and passenger never deployed very concerning
As I was driving on the interstate 3 vehicles passed waving frantically before speeding by. I noticed a reflective orange flicker along the base each vehicle. This was followed up by a loud knocking sound before I lost all accelerating power but retained RPM revs as I pressed the pedal. I allowed the momentum to get me as far up the exit ramp as possible prior to pulling over onto the grass.
Was driving on the freeway at about 55 MPH, got in lane 4 to exit the highway when my engine just turned off. I drifted to the side of the highway and tried to restart the engine. When I tried to restart the engine smoke started to come from the engine. Towed the vehicle to the dealership where they stated that they would call me with any updates (this was after telling me that it would cost $165 to diagnose). Just got the ECU updated approx. 6 months ago.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving after a stop, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that an unstated hose had failed, causing the engine to seize. The contact called an unknown local dealer and was informed that the warranty on the vehicle was under another person's name.