CarRecallWatchThe 2015 Kia Optima has 4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 1,010 complaints with NHTSA, including 31 crashes, 74 fires, 23 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Engine (623 reports).
2015 Kia Optima recalls
Brake control module short can cause engine fire
The hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU), which runs the antilock brake and traction control system, may develop an electrical short.
Brake fluid leak can cause electrical short and fire
Brake fluid may leak inside the hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU) that operates the anti-lock and traction control brake system.
Brake Fluid Leak Can Cause Engine Fire
Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), the module that controls the antilock and traction control braking system.
Fuel Pipe Leak Can Cause Engine Fire
Certain Kia Optima, Sorento and Sportage vehicles that previously had an engine replaced under an earlier recall, warranty, or product improvement campaign may have a high pressure fuel pipe near the fuel pump that was damaged, misaligned or improperly tightened during that engine replacement.
Most common 2015 Kia Optima problems
Problem areas named in the 1,010 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine | 623 |
| Unknown Or Other | 139 |
| Electrical System | 136 |
| Structure | 76 |
| Steering | 69 |
| Service Brakes | 49 |
| Power Train | 49 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 46 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 41 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 36 |
What owners report
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 engine warranty up to a lifetime or 15 years/150,000 miles. My problem is that we had to car in on May of 2026 after in went into limp mode. They updated the software. The car again went into limp mode on 10/21/2026, they updated the software again. My focus here is the fact that it is a known issue and they say it still does not meet the parameters for an en
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
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
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.
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.
2015 Kia Optima questions
Does the 2015 Kia Optima have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2015 Kia Optima: Brake control module short can cause engine fire; Brake fluid leak can cause electrical short and fire; Brake Fluid Leak Can Cause Engine Fire; Fuel Pipe Leak Can Cause Engine Fire. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Kia Optima?
Based on 1,010 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (623), Unknown Or Other (139), Electrical System (136).
How do I check if a recall on my 2015 Kia Optima has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.