Kia · Optima · 2015
2015 Kia Optima
4
Recalls
986
Complaints
5/5
NCAP overall
The 2015 Kia Optima has 4 recalls and 986 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. One stored NHTSA configuration has an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars, not a rating for all versions. Most frequent stored component label: engine (413 reports).
Stored NHTSA configuration: 2015 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD NCAP Vehicle ID: 9012
Ratings describe one stored NHTSA configuration, not every trim, body style or drivetrain for this model year. How this configuration is selected
Source: NHTSA Public Records
NHTSA source checks for this vehicle year
- Complaints
- Separate successful check not recorded.
- Recalls
- Separate successful check not recorded.
- Safety ratings
- Separate successful check not recorded.
- Investigations
- Separate successful check not recorded.
- Manufacturer communications
- Separate successful check not recorded.
Checks are recorded separately for each dataset, not for the whole page. Dates use UTC. A missing check date does not mean no records exist.
Vehicle import recorded: Apr 28, 2026. This is the stored import date, not confirmation that every source was successfully refreshed.
Research Context
The 2015 Kia Optima page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most frequent complete stored component label is engine with 413 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to see whether the 2015 Kia Optima reports cluster around one repeated symptom or spread across multiple systems.
- Review the recall section even if the total is smaller, because a limited number of recalls can still point to meaningful safety actions.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2015 Kia Optima currently shows 4 NHTSA recalls listed on this page and 986 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows 5/5 overall NHTSA rating for one stored configuration, not all versions.
- The most frequent complete stored component labels on this page are engine (413), unknown or other (74), structure (47).
- Vehicle
- 2015 Kia Optima
- Recalls
- 4
- Complaints
- 986
- Stored Configuration Overall Rating
- 5/5. Stored NHTSA configuration: 2015 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD. NCAP Vehicle ID: 9012.
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Configuration Test Results
Stored NHTSA configuration: 2015 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD NCAP Vehicle ID: 9012
Ratings describe one stored NHTSA configuration, not every trim, body style or drivetrain for this model year. How this configuration is selected
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
No rollover risk estimate available in this dataset
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: NoLane Departure Warning: No
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 23V652000September 25, 2023
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.
Remedy Status
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 ID: 21V331000May 10, 2021
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.
Remedy Status
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 ID: 20V519000August 27, 2020
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.
Remedy Status
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.
NHTSA ID: 18V907000December 19, 2018
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
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.
Remedy Status
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.
Owner Complaints
986 totalSTEERING
Apr 17, 2026
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 ligh...
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SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Apr 16, 2026
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...
Preview excerpt
ENGINE
Apr 10, 2026
Engine seized while driving.
AIR BAGS
Mar 25, 2026
Airbag light on dash is on.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
FIREMar 17, 2026
The contact owned a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, during a DoorDash delivery, the vehicle vibrated. The contact pulled to the side of the road and noticed smoke emitting underneath the vehicle from the right side. The contact exited the vehicle...
Preview excerpt
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Mar 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle unintendedly decelerated to 5 MPH and started jerking abnormally. The contact referenced NHTSA Ca...
Preview excerpt
ENGINE
Mar 13, 2026
Was driving then suddenly the engine shut off I was able to pull to the side Tried to restart it I saw smoke coming out from the hood I did tow it to my apartment looks like the engine is locked I contacted kia they said I have a branded title they can’t do anything about it Even...
Preview excerpt
ENGINE
Feb 27, 2026
On Friday, February 27, 2026. This vehicle is being driven and vehicle seized and disabled on the road. In the middle of rush hour, traffic in a dangerous spot, local police had to be called out to assist, as no location was identified for a tow truck to be able to pick it up... ...
Preview excerpt
ENGINE
Feb 20, 2026
Engine failure while driving on freeway. Almost hit by semi truck. Towed to Dealership. Engine check light flashing complete loss of power. Kia refusing engine replacement under settlement.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Feb 20, 2026
Nothing
Showing 10 recent complaints from 986 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2015 Kia models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
More Kia Optima Years
2016 Kia OptimaCompare this year against 2015 for complaint and recall shifts.5r733c2014 Kia OptimaCompare this year against 2015 for complaint and recall shifts.7r568c2017 Kia OptimaCompare this year against 2015 for complaint and recall shifts.3r246c2013 Kia OptimaCompare this year against 2015 for complaint and recall shifts.9r1,360c2018 Kia OptimaCompare this year against 2015 for complaint and recall shifts.2r221c2012 Kia OptimaCompare this year against 2015 for complaint and recall shifts.5r908c
More 2015 Kia Models
2015 Kia SoulAnother 2015 Kia option for same-year comparison.4r886c2015 Kia SorentoAnother 2015 Kia option for same-year comparison.3r737c2015 Kia ForteAnother 2015 Kia option for same-year comparison.1r254c2015 Kia SportageAnother 2015 Kia option for same-year comparison.2r144c2015 Kia SedonaAnother 2015 Kia option for same-year comparison.3r133c2015 Kia RioAnother 2015 Kia option for same-year comparison.1r52c
Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2015 Kia Optima have?
The 2015 Kia Optima has 4 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2015 Kia Optima?
NHTSA has received 986 owner-reported complaints for the 2015 Kia Optima.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2015 Kia Optima?
Our stored NHTSA record for the 2015 Kia Optima has an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. Stored NHTSA configuration: 2015 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD. NCAP Vehicle ID: 9012. Ratings describe one stored NHTSA configuration, not every trim, body style or drivetrain for this model year.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Kia Optima?
The most frequent complete stored component labels for the 2015 Kia Optima are engine (413 reports), unknown or other (74 reports), structure (47 reports). These are exact-label counts, not broader component-group totals or confirmed defects.
Does the 2015 Kia Optima have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 4 recalls on record for the 2015 Kia Optima. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.