NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 1,011 owner complaints for the 2015 Kia Optima. Most complaints involve engine (624) and electrical system (135). The EPA rates it 24–26 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Optima model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 143 |
| 2002 | 110 |
| 2003 | 144 |
| 2004 | 225 |
| 2005 | 144 |
| 2006 | 155 |
| 2007 | 167 |
| 2008 | 144 |
| 2009 | 116 |
| 2010 | 75 |
| 2011 | 594 |
| 2012 | 920 |
| 2013 | 1,387 |
| 2014 | 591 |
| 2015 | 1,011 |
| 2016 | 760 |
| 2017 | 257 |
| 2018 | 233 |
| 2019 | 212 |
| 2020 | 151 |
“I was driving to work when all of the sudden I was pressing my gas, but I wasn't accelerating. I noticed my brakes and steering wheel were hard to push and turn. My car stopped in the middle of the road. I turned off my car and tried to turn the ignition and all I got was a single click. My engine, battery and oil lights were now on. They were not before. After 25 minutes in the middle of the road a sheriff came and pushed me to the side. When I put my car in neutral it was hard to steer and my brakes were hard to push. I was terrified that I was not going to be able to stop. I was scared I was going to be hit and someone would get seriously injured. I then received a call from Cascade Automotive saying that my engine seized from rod bearing failure but my engine was under warranty under the Kia Engine Class Settlement. I called Kia Consumer service and they said my Vin# qualified and was under warranty. I then had it towed to Kia of Puyallup. They confirmed it was a Rod Bearing failure that caused the seizure and told me it did qualify for the warranty. But then told me since I didn't get the HECU fuse update its void. I told them I never got a notice for the…”
“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 months. The contact stated that the repair was completed by the contact. The dealer was not made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.”
“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!”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optima Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 33 | 26 | $2,400 | 334 |
| Optima Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 30 | 24 | $2,600 | 372 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
4 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 1,011 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (624), electrical system (135), structure (76). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2015 Kia Optima at 24–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2015 Kia Optima 5 out of 5 stars overall.