Worse than most Optima years
Owners filed about 1.7 times as many complaints as a typical Optima year. The main thing to watch is the engine and cooling, which half of owners reported by about 88,000 miles. Years with fewer complaints: 2018, 2019 and 2020.
Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Optima years from 2012 to 2020. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
Owners have filed 1,010 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015 Kia Optima. The most reported problem area is the engine and cooling (648, 64% of complaints), followed by the electrical system and the brakes and stability control. That ranks 2nd of 9 Optima years from 2012 to 2020 for complaints. It has 4 recalls.
6 of these complaints came from Utah owners.
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Start my car searchMost reported problems
Problem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2015 Kia Optima before you buy.
Engine and cooling
648 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 88,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
- Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
- Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
- Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.
Tools that help
What owners said
There is a known issue with this vehicle and the fix by KIA is not safe nor fair to the consumer. Kia's knock sensor recall centers on the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software update for Theta II GDI engines. The update listens for rod bearing wear, triggers a check engine light and limp mode via Code P1326, and extends the…Owner complaint, filed 2026
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…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 123,000 miles
Electrical system
135 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 81,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
- Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
- Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.
Tools that help
What owners said
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…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 88,000 miles
In September of 2025, my radio and back up camera stopped working. I contacted Hayward Kia and was informed by staff member, Eraca Craig, that my 2015 Kia Optima needed a software update that was covered by a recall. I waited several weeks for the dealership to contact me once the update was available. During the waiting period my car's…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Brakes and stability control
99 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 88,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
- The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
- Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.
Tools that help
What owners said
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…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 231,000 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal became inoperable. The contact stated that while attempting to depress the brake pedal, the brake pedal failed to operate properly. However, while light pressure was applied to the brake pedal, the brakes responded and…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 200,000 miles
Body, doors and structure
76 complaintsRust, doors and liftgates that will not latch, leaks, and frame or structure concerns.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 56,000 miles. Parts named most: Body (75).
What to check before you buy
- Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
- Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.
Tools that help
What owners said
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!Owner complaint, filed 2026
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…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Steering
69 complaintsLoss of power steering assist, wandering, play in the wheel and noises when turning.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 39,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
- On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
- A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
Driving down the road and my steering wheel light comes on sporadically and then I lose control of the steering wheel like it locks up and is almost impossible to turn or rotate and then other dashboard lights come on and I lose headlights. When that happens traction control light on dashboard, the ABS light, battery light and steering…Owner complaint, filed 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the steering column was previously replaced due to power steering failure. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality inadvertently, and veered to the right lane unintendedly. The anti-skid and the power steering…Owner complaint, filed 2023, at 80,000 miles
Fuel system
56 complaintsHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 104,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
- On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
- Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle or while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle after the vehicle was serviced by the dealer. The contact stated that the vehicle received an undisclosed engine repair. The vehicle was not taken to…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 123,323 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the engine was previously replaced due to abnormal knocking sound. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 60-65 MPH, there was a strong gasoline odor coming through the A/C vents. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was…Owner complaint, filed 2023, at 142,000 miles
Transmission and drivetrain
49 complaintsHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 83,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
- Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
- Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
- If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with a wheel bearing failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The…Owner complaint, filed 2024, at 120,000 miles
Driving one day in Dec 2021, and there was a hybrid system warning and vehicle suddenly stopped on the road. Called tow truck. We were unable to put the car in neutral to tow. Had tow truck deliver to dealership for diagnostic and repair. Dealer replaced transmission and stated it was covered under warranty. Finally got vehicle back and…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Cruise control and acceleration
36 complaintsHesitation, loss of power, sudden acceleration and cruise control problems.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 61,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- On the test drive, press the gas gently and firmly. The response should be smooth with no lag or surge.
- Set the cruise control, then use resume and cancel to make sure each one works.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at a slow speed while at a fuel station, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration while the brake pedal was being pressed. During the failure, the RPM's suddenly increased although the accelerator pedal was not being depressed. The vehicle was…Owner complaint, filed 2021, at 46,900 miles
The contact owns a 2015 kia optima. The contact stated that while turning into a parking lot, the vehicle suddenly [VIN] and crashed into a wall of the parking lot. The contact was injured having whiplash; the right arm, chest area, and right shoulder were all bruised because of the seat belt. The contact mentioned that the steering…Owner complaint, filed 2019, at 57,000 miles
Lights, wipers and visibility
32 complaintsHeadlights that dim or fail, wiper and washer failures, and windshield cracks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 50,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
- Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.
Tools that help
What owners said
Low beam head lights visibility maybe reaches 3-4 feet infront of car at max. Have upgraded bulbs twice to higher lumens but still must run hibeams at night. I drive mountain passes daily and must use hi beams, not safe for oncoming traffic.Owner complaint, filed 2025
My 2015 Kia Optima has always had issues with the passenger side window getting stuck. Apparently there was a technical service bulletin, and recalls for the 2016 model but not 2015. My son was driving the vehicle the window got stuck and then shattered into 3 pieces. This is a HUGE safety issue and KIA does not want to take any…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Air bags
26 complaintsAir bag warning lights, air bags that did not deploy, and inflator recalls.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 66,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
- Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.
Tools that help
What owners said
Driving on [XXX] to Eureka, Ca. Just outside of Laytonville, CA. the vehicle in front of me swerved into oncoming traffic lane (no vehicle in his way) to go around rock, then rock was there, I swerved to the right, but hit the rock, went up on embankment, flipped over and slid to a stop. There is an upcoming California Highway Patrol…Owner complaint, filed 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the driver's side air bag warning light was illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 148,827.Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 148,827 miles
Driver assist systems
12 complaintsPhantom braking, false collision warnings, and lane keeping or backup sensors that act up.What to check before you buy
Parts named most: Automatic emergency braking (7).
What to check before you buy
- Where it is safe, try the adaptive cruise and lane keeping on the test drive and watch for sudden braking or warnings with nothing there.
- Check the windshield in front of the camera and the bumper sensors for cracks, chips or poor repairs.
- Ask whether the windshield has been replaced. The camera has to be recalibrated afterward, and many shops skip it.
Tools that help
What owners said
I received a Safety Recall notice dated 7/5/2021. When I contacted the dealership, the next available appointment was December 6, 2021. Because of the seriousness of this recall, I feel I should be given a service appointment sooner than December 2021.Owner complaint, filed 2021
The car is experiencing the same problem reported on technical service bulletin SA187 (Blind spot detection (BSD) system logic improvement (SA 187)) BUT KIA states my VIN number is not listed under the service bulletin and therefore I have to pay $189 to get a software upgrade done. The "Check BSD system" illuminated in the instrument…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Wheels and tires
8 complaintsTire failures, wheels and lug nuts, and tire pressure sensor faults.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 24,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Read the four-digit DOT date on each tire. Tires older than about six years should be replaced, whatever the tread looks like.
- Check tread depth on all four. On AWD vehicles all four tires should match.
- The tire pressure light should go out after startup.
Tools that help
What owners said
I was driving approx 5-8mph with 2 kids, pulling into library parking lot. Next thing I know I hear a loud thump and feel my tire gone flat. After pulling into the first parking spot I get out and smell rubber. My front passenger tire had popped. I looked in the driveway area where I pulled in and didn't see any nails or road hazards…Owner complaint, filed 2020, at 61,000 miles
The contact leased a 2015 kia optima equipped with hankook optimo h724 tires, size: 225/45r/18 (na). While the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware of a bubble in the sidewall of the front passenger and rear driver side tires. The vehicle was taken to five star tires on meridian road in youngstown, ohio to be diagnosed. The…Owner complaint, filed 2017, at 22,000 miles
Suspension
6 complaintsClunks over bumps, broken springs, worn struts and uneven tire wear.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
- Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
- Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.
Tools that help
What owners said
I have taken my car in to 3 different shops because I have a major bouncing in my front end. Everyone is saying noting is wrong but I can only go so fast. I have my tires and stuff rotated all them time hoping it helps. Sometimes it makes it worse. The dealer in st george says nothing is wrong. I drive the highway but can only do 65 MPH.…Owner complaint, filed 2019
The contact owns a 2015 kia optima. The contact stated that the dealer provided routine maintenance for the vehicle and also indicated that an alignment was required. The contact also mentioned that the vehicle swayed left and right, which caused the suspension to be unstable in the front of the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the…Owner complaint, filed 2015, at 58 miles
Seats and seat belts
4 complaintsBelts that will not latch or retract, seat adjusters and passenger occupancy sensors.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Pull out and latch every seat belt, and let each one retract on its own.
- Try every seat adjuster, and watch for a passenger air bag "off" light when an adult is in the seat.
Tools that help
What owners said
The issue concerns the rear center seatbelt used to secure infants and small children. The seat's "racketing" restraint did not disengage when the belt was unbuckled. My child became trapped and I had to cut the seat belt with scissors to get him out.Owner complaint, filed 2025
I noticed a burning smell and thought that my engine was burning. I looked down toward the floor and noticed smoke coming from under the driver's seat. Although the seat warmer is not on, I also noticed the seat seems to be heating. I noticed while sitting at a light after having driven about a mile or so.Owner complaint, filed 2017, at 43,101 miles
Kia Optima complaints by year
Compare the 2015 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.
Compare with similar 2015 midsize cars
Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.
| Car | Vs. its other years | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 Kia Optima | Worse than most years | 4 |
| 2015 Toyota Camry | About average | 1 |
| 2015 Honda Accord | About average | 5 |
| 2015 Hyundai Sonata | Worse than most years | 9 |
2015 Kia Optima recalls
Brakes Control unit / modulePark outside until fixed
- Risk
- An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete.
Full recall summary
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.
Brakes Control unit / modulePark outside until fixed
- Risk
- An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed.
Full recall summary
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.
Brakes Control unit / modulePark outside until fixed
- Risk
- If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
- Fix
- Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Fuel system
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
2015 Kia Optima questions
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Kia Optima?
The most reported problem areas on the 2015 Kia Optima are the engine and cooling (648 complaints), the electrical system (135 complaints) and the brakes and stability control (99 complaints).
Is the 2015 Kia Optima a good year to buy?
Worse than most Optima years. Owners filed about 1.7 times as many complaints as a typical Optima year. The main thing to watch is the engine and cooling, which half of owners reported by about 88,000 miles. Years with fewer complaints: 2018, 2019 and 2020. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Optima years from 2012 to 2020. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
How many recalls does the 2015 Kia Optima have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2015 Kia Optima. The most recent, from Sep 2023, covers the control unit / module. 3 of them tell owners to park outside or not drive the car until it is fixed. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.
At what mileage do 2015 Kia Optima problems start?
Half of the owners who reported a problem with the engine and cooling gave a mileage of about 88,000 miles or less. Half of the owners who reported a problem with the electrical system gave a mileage of about 81,000 miles or less. Plenty of cars have these problems later or never, so ask for service records.
Which Kia Optima years should I avoid?
The Optima years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2013. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2018, 2019 and 2020. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.
Check the exact car
These problems are for the model year as a whole. Here is how to find out about the one you are looking at.
Looking at a 2015 Kia Optima?
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