Car Yearsto Avoid

2015 Kia Optima Problems

What owners have reported about the 2015 Kia Optima, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

Is the 2015 Kia Optima a good year?

It's one of the worst years for the Optima. Owners have filed 1,009 complaints with NHTSA, the 2nd most of 13 Optima model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, electrical system and brakes.

1,009 complaints 4 recalls, 2 park outside 2nd worst of 13 Optima years

Top 2015 Kia Optima problems

1

Engine problems

647 complaints (64%) name the engine, most often the manifold / header / muffler / tail pipe and oil / lubrication.

Complaints 647 · Usually at 64,000–115,000 miles · Recall 18V907000

2

Electrical problems

135 complaints (13%) name the electrical system, most often the key / sender and alternator / generator / regulator.

Complaints 135 · Usually at 53,000–101,000 miles

3

Brake problems

90 complaints (9%) name the brakes.

Complaints 90 · Usually at 59,000–129,000 miles · Recall 23V652000, 21V331000, 20V519000

4

Body problems

76 complaints (8%) name the body and structure, most often the body.

Complaints 76 · Usually at 40,000–70,000 miles

Which parts fail most

Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.

Engine 64%
Unknown or Other 14%
Electrical 13%
Brakes 9%
Body 8%
Steering 7%
Fuel System 6%
Transmission 5%
Acceleration 4%
Airbags 3%

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (486 of 1,009). The amber line is the middle value, about 80,000 miles.

When problems were reported

Complaints by the year the problem happened.

2015 Kia Optima recalls

Electrical short can start engine fire

Fire risk

An electrical short in the brake system's control unit (HECU) can cause a fire in the engine compartment, either while the car is parked or while driving. Such a fire can lead to injury.

Fix: Until the repair is done, park outside and away from buildings, and the dealer will replace the HECU fuse free of charge.

Recall 23V652000 · Sep 2023

Control unit / module

Park outside

Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short. 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. Dealers will install a new multi-fuse, and inspect the HECU for leaks, replacing the HECU if necessary, free of charge.

Recall 21V331000 · May 2021

Control unit / module

Park outside

Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short. 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. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed.

Recall 20V519000 · Aug 2020

Fuel pipe may leak, causing fire risk

Fire risk

During an engine replacement, the high pressure fuel pipe at the fuel pump may have been damaged, misaligned, or under-tightened. This can cause a fuel leak, and fuel near an ignition source can start a fire.

Fix: The dealer will inspect the fuel pipe and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.

Recall 18V907000 · Dec 2018
Check your VIN for open recalls

Get an email when your 2015 Kia Optima gets a new recall

We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2015 Kia Optima, you'll hear about it the same week.

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Optima years to avoid

Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.

2013 Optima 1,386
2015 Optima 1,009
2012 Optima 920
2016 Optima 758
2011 Optima 594
2014 Optima 589
2017 Optima 256
2018 Optima 232
2019 Optima 212
2020 Optima 151
2008 Optima 144
2009 Optima 116
2010 Optima 75

2015 Kia Optima problems by system

Engine (647)Electrical (135)

Common questions

Is the 2015 Kia Optima a reliable year?

It's one of the worst years for the Optima. Owners have filed 1,009 complaints with NHTSA, the 2nd most of 13 Optima model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, electrical system and brakes.

What are the most common 2015 Kia Optima problems?

Owners most often report problems with the engine, electrical system, brakes and body and structure. 647 complaints (64%) name the engine, most often the manifold / header / muffler / tail pipe and oil / lubrication.

At what mileage do 2015 Kia Optima engine problems start?

Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 64,000–115,000 miles, with a middle value near 89,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2015 Kia Optima have?

4. Electrical short can start engine fire (23V652000); Control unit / module (21V331000); Control unit / module (20V519000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Should I buy a used 2015 Kia Optima?

Ask for service records covering the engine, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2010, 2009 and 2008 models, which have the fewest complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.