2015 Kia Optima Complaint Log

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while his wife was driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that his wife steered the vehicle to the side of the road and parked the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced due to a lack of engine oil. The contact stated that he had never noticed a leak and had followed the maintenance schedule for oil changes. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

The paint has started delaminating and is coming off in sheets. This problem started about 2 months ago. I am worried that a large sheet of paint can fly off and affect a vehicle or motorcycle behind me.

The lack of an ignition immobilizer facilitated an easy car theft and unauthorized use of the vehicle. A mechanic has confirmed that due to the lack of an immobilizer, anti-theft features were overridden, leading to a car theft. Insurance, police, and mechanics have all inspected the vehicle and state the cars theft was a result of the known fact that KIA ignitions can be started with a USB. The manufacturer, KIA, failed to keep up with industry standards to protect their customer's cars from theft, and now that the problem has intensified, they have not taken action to help consumers affected.

after completing a routine oil change earlier in the day, the engine seized and the car had to be towed. When contacting Kia I was told their was a recall and if the knock sensor wasn't installed we are responsible. I communicated that we were unaware of a recall and were never notified of one as we are the 2nd owners of the vehicle. I later received in the mail a re-issue of what they claim to have sent out originally and was instructed to take the car to the nearest Kia dealer where they have since denied the repairs.

The vehicle caught fire

Engine seized on the car and I was denied recall repair. I spoke with corporate for Kia and they basically did nothing to help at all. They basically said they sent a letter for an update and because I did not perform the update they will not honor the recall that was approved on my car. The person I spoke with advised the address was never updated so the letter did not come to me for the recall or was lost. He stated I was supposed to contact Kia with update to address. I never was aware this had to be done and I have purchased many cars and never was made aware. He stated why would you purchase a big purchase and not do this. I was under the impression when I purchased this would be done that’s why I am charged tax license and other fees. I believe this is predatory and this is just a way to not honor the recalled engine that I purchased. The check engine light never illuminated on the dash or any indication the engine had an issue so I had no reason to take my car in for a repair. To add to that my fiancé had a 2013 and the recall letter was received and he took his car for update and the car never worked after the update was performed. Kia denied any repairs to that vehicle and basically took a lost because of the update. I would like some type of resolution to this issue. The car has 113000 miles of course the original warranty was 100000. This update was during pandemic as well. I am very disappointed in Kia at this point because there should be something in place for people like me who never received notice. The engine is no good and we as customers should not have to take this lost. Please help

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, a ticking noise was heard coming from the engine. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact also stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and was unable to restart. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired and was towed back to the residence. The contact stated that the failure recurred and that the "Service Engine Soon" warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was then taken back to the dealer for the recall repair and was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting the repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the warranty had expired. The failure mileage was 106,744.

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling at a traffic light, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and move to the side of the road where the vehicle stalled again. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) had not been completed and the warranty coverage for the engine replacement would not be honored. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

My 2015 Kia is burning 1. a lot of oil and 2. The second is the car smells of gas scared it is one that will catch fire

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH and taking the off ramp, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to his fiancé's residence. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 81,000.

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number:  21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) on Facebook. The contact called the local dealer and made an appointment for March 25, 2023. The contact stated on March 23, 2023, while driving 50 mph, depressing the accelerator pedal but the vehicle began to decelerate. The contact stated the battery warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road and when exiting the vehicle she saw smoke but no fire/flames exiting the hood. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to her residence. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

The paint on my 2015 Kia Optima is severely peeling off, especially on the trunk, hood, and driver-side pillar. The passenger side also has some peeling. This is not a minor cosmetic issue — it significantly affects the vehicle’s appearance and long-term durability. Many other owners of this model have reported the same issue, indicating a widespread paint defect. I contacted Kia through several official channels and received no response. I believe this is a manufacturer defect and should be addressed as a broader consumer issue.

The steering wheel sticks at the 12 o'clock position. Typically in cooler weather. It is very noticeable at highway speeds. The same thing was documented in the 2012 - 2014 models under TSB CHA 060. I took it to the dealer in 2016, but they couldn't duplicate the issue. I have recently moved from SC to KY. The problem is more pronounced in cold weather. I have to use both hands to keep the car straight on the highway.

Severe chipping of the paint

I was driving down the highway and veered onto a secondary road when the engine shut off. No prior warning was given and the check engine light was not on. I was forced to stop the vehicle; there was no shoulder to pull onto, so I ended up blocking a lane of traffic. The engine seized and must be replaced, or the car will have to be scrapped.

Driving down the road and suddenly there was loud knocking and smoke coming from under the hood and got it to the side of the road and turned it off and now it won't crank. The dash lights come on when you turn the key and that's all it will do. No noises at all.

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated. Additionally, the check engine, ABS, and TPMS warning lights were illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics). The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 144,771.

I purchased a 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid on [XXX], from Nissan of Grapevine, TX. The vehicle had an open safety recall issued in 2021 (PI2104) related to engine failure, but neither Kia nor Nissan informed me of this recall before my purchase, nor was the recall repair ever performed. On [XXX], my engine suddenly seized while driving, leaving me stranded. I had the vehicle towed to Meineke in Pflugerville, where they confirmed the engine failure but declined to perform an official diagnostic due to liability concerns. In 2024—over a year after my engine had already failed—Kia America finally mailed me a recall notice. By this time, the damage was irreversible. I took the car to Kia of Round Rock on April 2, 2024, where I was charged a diagnostic fee despite the engine failure being caused by the known recall issue. Kia then denied me warranty coverage, claiming I was ineligible because the recall repair had not been performed prior to the failure—even though I was never informed of it in time. Now, my vehicle has been impounded at AusTex Towing since March 6, 2025, because it is inoperable and cannot be registered. If I cannot afford the impound fees, my car will be auctioned off, leaving me responsible for payments on a vehicle I can no longer use. Safety Concerns: -Sudden engine failure while driving poses a serious crash risk. -Failure of recall notification system—I was only informed AFTER my engine had already failed. -Negligence by the manufacturer and dealership—Neither Nissan (the seller) nor Kia (the manufacturer) addressed the recall prior to the failure. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate Kia America and Nissan of Grapevine’s handling of this recall to determine whether their actions constitute negligence in notifying owners about critical safety defects. Kia should be held responsible for either covering the cost of repairs, offering a buyout, or reimbursing me for my financial losses (towing, impound fees, and loan payments). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at low speeds, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was determined that the engine had seized. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the warranty had expired, and there was no recall for the failure on the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 110,928.

The contact leased a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the front passenger's side window, the rearview camera, and the brake lights were intermittently inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at approximately 10 MPH, the check engine warning light and several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle shut off. The contact shifted into neutral(N) and was able to push the vehicle to the side of the road with the assistance of several bystanders. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was leased, and it was diagnosed that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the battery warning light and the steering warning light illuminated, and the vehicle shut off. The contact was able to jumpstart the vehicle and drove to the residence, where the vehicle remained parked. The vehicle was not repaired. The Kia dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

My vehicle is painted in the Snow White Pearl. The paint started out looking almost "bubbled" but definitely showed serious signs of delamination, quickly after noticing the delamination, the paint flaked off in relatively large pieces all over my vehicle. There is paint missing from the hood, the roof, the back passenger side door, the quarter back panel of the passenger side, and one chip on the driver side door. I reached out to KIA regarding the issue and was told that there is nothing that can be done. I have gotten to the point that i cannot stand to look at the car I once loved so much, it is a shame. KIA is a company that I have been loyal to when it comes to vehicles and I have only owned KIA's since 2008 but after this issue I am almost embarrassed to show up anywhere driving this car.. and even more so I am upset that KIA will not do what it takes to remedy this issue for myself and so many others.

On December 14 2022 I had my oil changed at a service center. On December 14 2022 later in the day after the oil change service had been completed my vehicle vehicle began to sputter then stalled while driving down the road almost creating an accident. There were no warning lamps messages or other symptoms prior to stalling on the road. As the vehicle began sputtering and stalling the warning lamps then became illuminated. I coasted my vehicle to safety and parked it. I scheduled the first available appointment with a Kia dealership and had it towed in. They did an inspection completed a recall and said I needed a whole new engine and only the short block was covered. I have service records for regular maintenance. I have contact the dealership and manufacturer with a response that the engine replacement is not currently covered at this time. I believe that if the vehicle was at a higher speed or more traffic was present that the engine failure could have caused serious injury or fatalities. My vehicle is available for inspection if requested. My vehicle is still located at the Kia dealership. I currently do not have an invoice or paper receipt from them. I do have an email from the dealership stating a new engine cost before taxes. I am unable to upload the file on this page for some reason. I can make it available if needed.

Daughter driving her 2015 kia optima she purchased May 2022 and currently has 95,000 miles on it and it started making a weird noise coming from the engine. We got the car home and then took to repair shop due to the car running rough and making a ticking noise. Repair shop calls and says they drove it a short distant down the road and the motor mad a loud noise and then stalled . Car will not start and repair shop said she will need a new motor. Called Kia and they stated it was covered because years before her purchasing it from a reputable dealer ,the previous owner did not do the product improvement update.

My vehicle engine blew while driving on the highway going about 65 no warning or signs other then the amount of oil that it was consuming. I am just now hearing about the class action lawsuits for my specific engine the Theta 2.0 which I have already verified it is part of it. KIA is saying it's the wrong part of the engine that is blown that it want be qualify for the engine replacement. I have kept my oil changed regularly and just recently noticed it started to consume godly amounts of oil no leak, or smell it was literally disappearing it is not normal to add almost 4qts of oil every 2 weeks or so. These engines need to be recalled not placed on a "service bulletin" and they pick and choose which to fix. Point is they are ticking time bombs and something need to be done they will not back their products and us consumers are left to suffer.

The driver side brake light and tail light is out. I have noticed this same problem on a few other Optimas' in my neighborhood about the same year as mine. There is a YouTube video saying it's because of the tail light connector.

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to cruise to the side of the road. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer confirmed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. Additionally, the vehicle made knocking sounds while driving. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the dealer declined the engine replacement due to the vehicle not having the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) product improvement campaign performed. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The contact stated that she had not yet received notification of the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) product improvement campaign. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the KSDS product improvement campaign had expired. The failure mileage was 174,811.

1. While stepping on the brakes my car has revved up as if I was pressing the gas. So I let my foot off the pedal and pressed the brakes again. This happened 2 times that week. And another time while I was coming to a stop light as I pressed the brakes, my car revved up but didn’t actually make my car speed up. I had to press the brakes again for it to stop. 2. My battery was smoking and I replaced it. 3. My car is consuming oil. The dealership did a series of oil consumption testing due to the exhaust leaving extra carbon residue on my car. They said it was fine but I don’t think they solved the issue.

I have my car only for a year and my map sensor has gone out but is not showing a indication or a light inside the vehicle until the vehicle cut off as I’m driving

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact was able to continue driving back to the residence. The dealer was contacted and stated that the rod bearing in the engine might need to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that a Product Improvement Program was not performed which prevented the Extend Warranty on the vehicle to become effective. No further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 135,550.

Car started making a horrible knocking.. Had a rod bearing failure. Engine was completely bad. And Kia refuses to fix and or reimburse me.

Paint is peeling off of vehicle for no apparent reason. Large size pieces on the trench hood.

While driving on freeway car lost speed. And did no ruan more than 20 milles. The motor sign was blinking and start making a sound coming from engine. Almost had a accident because culdnt keep the speed at that moment. Please let me know if there is a re-call for this problem. I have the car parked in may hause

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undetermined speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that an engine replacement was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and informed him that he had failed to complete the knock sensor detection system (KSDS) repair and provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

Engine rod bearings are now making a knocking sound. It is available for inspection when driving down the high my car lost power engine light started to flash and then a loud knocking noise started.I was in the highway with my three children when the car lost power cause me and my family to be out in harms way of being hit from behind. The vehicle has been inspected by a mechanic who stated the engine will need to be repairs due to the rod bearings. No warning lights were on until the car all the sudden lost power and started knocking. I then had to have it towed 150 miles just to get it home

The engine failed exactly like kia expected it to in the class action lawsuit, but they are refusing to repair the engine since they sent documentation that I needed to have a system upgrade done. However they sent it to an address that I no longer lived at and I've unforgettably them that I had proof that I didn't raise at the address anymore, but they don't care because whatever they sent want returned to them. So instead of replacing my engine because they knowingly sold vehicles worth bad engines they have sent me a bill for $8000 in order to get my car repaired. When you look this up there are so many people worth the exact same issue. Kids is finding any and all reasons to not honor their agreement and to continue to profit off of people.

As I was driving on the Interstate, my car lost power and I was unable to push on my gas or use my brakes to slow down to pull off the interstate. Lights begin flashing with a warning that read “ Check Hybrid system. Stop vehicle and turn off engine. This is the second time this has happened but before my car shut off and didn’t turn back on. I was going to be hit by a semi truck had he not swerved around. Also, this the 5th time this week it has happened.

My engine has died while driving on two occasions. The first time the engine died I pulled over to the side of the road and I turned the ignition off and it cranked right up. No more issues for approximately two months. The next time I was driving and the engine died I pulled over to the side of the road, turned the ignition off and tried to crank it but nothing happened. All the lights were on but the engine wouldn't turn over at all, no clicking noise, absolutely nothing. I was so confused because all lights were on but nothing happened when I turned the key. I had it towed to Pep Boys who said I had complete engine failure. What? No warning, no check engine lights, no running hot, I maintained my car religiously. I heard there was a recall on the Theta engines but I can't find anything on 2015 engines. If the engines have a recall up to 2014 and my engine did the same exact thing then my engine repair and/or replacement should be covered under a warranty also. This is dangerous. I was traveling at speeds between 75 -80mph when the engine died. This needs to be addressed but I can't seem to find anyone that cares enough to help me.

Paint on the entire car is delaminating

The vehicles paint started peeling on one of the rear columns. I have noticed very many different Kia optimas with the same issue when it came to the same color paint. The paint is snow white pearl. I’ve had no success working with Kia and it is clearly a defective paint issue. I own several cars older and they never had issues. They are unwilling to help.

My Kia had been using oil at an abnormal rate. Could not identify anything wrong. The car would sometimes unexpectedly stall out and the oil would be a little low, even relatively soon after an oil change. I would top it off and it would operate fine. This month the engine seized up completely. When we had a mechanic disassemble the engine and examine it, he found abnormal damage to the engine, including carbon deposits from burned off oil that had escaped and not returned for lubrication, as well as metal shavings in the oil pan.

2015 Kia Optima began to not accelerate on freeway when trying to reach 2 rpms. Took for diagnostic it was stated solenoid needed replaced. However, the engine was knocking and I was informed that I needed a new engine. Mechanic did not want me to invest money into vehicle. I pulled up vehicle and see this as an issue for 2015 Kia Optimas. That current issues have been reported by numerous people. My car had no lights or warning sensors regarding these issues. Now the engine is inoperable and I have no vehicle w a car payment.

The engine stopped running while driving down the Hwy. this could have caused a major accident. This has not been inspected by the manufacturer yet. There were warnings or indications that anything was wrong.

My car started smoking while I was driving! From under hood and into vents in car bad! Got pulled over and some yelled my car was on fire, get out! There were no lights on for car! I had ran one of those diagnostic checks that morning ( have it set for once a month) Nothing came back on it at all, car seemed to be great! Left house and 15 mins later car caught fire in the engine! I could of died and my dog! Fire looks to have burned through the fire wall!

i was driving my 2015 kia optima lx 2.4L which i recently got i am currently the second owner and did not receive no mail containing any open recalls to my car and the engine seized up and now the Kia dealership does not want to help me out , what can i do?

My vehicle is in the class action lawsuit against KIA for faulty engine blocks that could cause fire and engine failure. My vehicle oil consumption is way below standard and the excess burning oil is coming inside my engine on top . I see smoke and I smell burning oil on my engine while I’m driving and when I stop. I have well kept my cars maintenance and this is now starting to happen after 120k miles. I reported the issue to Kia but they told me that the engine has to lock up before they can either consider replacing it. I’m really afraid to drive this car because of my life and the life of others if I get a fire or engine failure in busy traffic. It just doesn’t seem safe to drive although there’s no check engine lights on yet, but I can sense warnings before destruction. Please help !!

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized with knocking sounds coming from the vehicle. The contact’s wife pulled over, and the contact arrived on the scene to inspect the vehicle and check the engine oil. The contact restarted the vehicle and the failure recurred with knocking sounds coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the main bearing had fractured and the engine needed to be replaced; however, the manufacturer declined the engine replacement due to an unrepaired Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) recall. The contact had not yet received the recall notification. The vehicle was not repaired; however, the dealer offered to buy back the vehicle from the contact. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and declined the engine replacement. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

I was driving down the freeway and my car engine shut off and lost all power. Pulled off to the side of the road and the car started back up and was running fine. About 10 miles later the engine started clicking and continued to get worse as I tried to get off the highway and into a Kia Dealership. When I was about a tenth of a mile away from a Kia Dealer, my engine made a loud bang noise, and started smoking immediately as my car completely shut down. I had cars behind, alongside, and in front of me that were put in obvious danger as my engine blew up and smoke filled the air around the area. Making visibility poor for others as well as my speed dropping without brake lights due to the engine failing. The problem cannot be reproduced as the engine will not start but the Kai Dealership the car is currently at stated that the engine needs to be completely rebuilt. Vehicle was inspected when I lived in North Carolina in 2018 and 2019, nothing was stated as a danger at that time. There were no warning lights when the vehicle first shut down. The check engine light did not come on until about 20 minutes after the engine started clicking.

Have a white pearl paint that is completely chipping off by the pillars, windshield sides, top of the trunk, roof, around the gas tank and some car door edges. Have read an excessive amount of kias with MAJOR white paint job problems. It is also obvious the paint is thin as water which is contributing to this issue.

While driving on the freeway vehicle began to knock. Pulled off the freeway into a dealership. Dealer said there was little oil in the engine despite having an oil change less than 1000 miles prior. Engine burned through 5 quarts in less than 1000 miles. No oil lights or check engine lights on causing engine failure and need for a new engine. Told vin does not fall under the endings oil consumption recall of similar model/year.