2015 KIA OPTIMA

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    engine internal

    34 stranded, 177 unsafe, 3 annoyance

    214
    incidents
    Typical range: 58,500–120,000 mi

    Median 86,000 mi, based on 146 reports (52% had no usable mileage)

    • "WHILE DRIVING ON A BUSY INTERSTATE HIGHWAY, SUDDENLY A BATTERY WARNING LIGHT FLASHED ACROSS MY DASHBOARD AND MY VEHICLE BEGAN LOSING POWER. I DRIFTED TO THE RIGHT WITHIN SPEEDING TRAFFIC TRYING TO REACH THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. I DIDN'T MAKE AND MY VEHICLE C…"~18,561 mi, complaint #1363422
    • "VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES WITHOUT PROVOCATION. VEHICLE WAS IN PERFECT, PRISTINE CONDITION. WAS IN VEHICLE [REDACTED ADDRESS] TO WORK IN AM. VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN APPROX 5 MILES PER HOUR ON A BUSY MAIN ROAD. SLOWED DOWN TO STOP AT RED LIGHT AND THE CAR DIED,…"~57,000 mi, complaint #1625134
    • "DRIVING CAR ; JUST WENT DEAD , NOT THE BATTERY : NOW WON'T CRANK JUST CLICKS ; CAR HAS RECALL FOR EXCESSIVE CONNECTING ROD BEARING DAMAGE"~79,000 mi, complaint #1636808
    • "IN THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER, I TOOK MY KIA TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE OF A STALL OUT AND TURNED OUT MY VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. I PICKED UP THE VEHICLE A WEEK LATER AFTER THE WORK WAS COMPLETED. WELL A MONTH LATER, ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK, I WAS DRIVING IN A…"~119,000 mi, complaint #1709398
    • "THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND HAD AN OIL CHANGE THE PREVIOUS DAY. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND AN AUDIBLE CLICKING OR TAPPING NOISE CAME ON WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. MY WIFE HAD JUST ENOUGH TIME TO PULL OFF INTO A LOCAL BUSINESS AND PARKED THE CAR. I TOOK IT…"~530,000 mi, complaint #1331148
  2. #2

    engine stall or no start

    94 stranded, 116 unsafe

    210
    incidents
    Typical range: 65,000–111,000 mi

    Median 92,000 mi, based on 250 reports (39% had no usable mileage)

    • "TRYING TO AVOID ANOTHER VEHICLE APPROACHING ME IN A HEAD ON COLLISION, MY ENGINE BEGAN TO STALL, BRAKES LOCKED UP WHICH CAUSED SUSPENSION ISSUES OF THE VEHICLE. DUE TO THIS, THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY TOTALED AND GLOBAL LENDING SERVICES IS CONSISTENTLY REPORTI…"~1,200 mi, complaint #1704610
    • "ON MARCH 7TH 2019, I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MILES AN HOUR I FELT A CLICK, & MY ENGINE LIGHT MY OIL LIGHT AND MY BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATED. MY CAR DID NOT SHUT OFF BUT GAS WAS NOT ABLE TO FLOW INTO THE ENGINE THEREFORE I WAS COASTING D…"~61,000 mi, complaint #1546670
    • "I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH MY VEHICLE SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW. I MAKE SURE TO GET REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND I AM NOT A HARSH DRIVER. I WAS DRIVING ABOUT [REDACTED ADDRESS] ROAD. THE LIGHT AHEAD TURNED YELLOW AND I SLOWED DOWN TO STOP. ONCE MY…"~82,000 mi, complaint #1475446
    • "SHORTLY AFTER CROSSING OVER TRAIN TRACKS I NOTICED THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE ANYMORE. I LOOKED AT THE DASHBOARD AND OBSERVED SEVERAL LIGHTS ON AND THE RPM WAS AT 0. I ROLLED TO A STOP AND TRIED TO RESTART THE ENGINE SEVERAL TIMES WITH NO LUCK. I HAD THE CAR…"~101,000 mi, complaint #1544258
    • "DURING COVID 19 PANDEMIC GRIEVIANCE DEPRESION HOMELESSNESS RACISM CRITICISM HATE CYBERBULLY ATTACK I LIVE IN MY 2015 KIA OPTIMA I HAD [XXX] I HAD TBONE ACCIDENT IAM NOT FAULT FOR I HAVE ALL STATE INSURANCE I NEVER GET HELPED COMPENSATED THEY CLOSED MY CLAIMS…"~201,746 mi, complaint #2046863
  3. #3

    paint and clearcoat

    34 unsafe, 43 annoyance

    77
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "THE PAINT IS SERIOUSLY PEELING "DELAMINATING" IN "SNOW WHITE PEARL" AND THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED!! IT OCCURS DRIVING OR JUST WASHING THE CAR. SEARCHING ONLINE I SEE THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE."~50,000 mi, complaint #1712484
    • "BODY PAINT IS PEELING ON HOOD AND REAR BUMPER ; KIA DEALER SAID KIA ONLY WARRANTS THE PAINT JOB FOR ONLY 3 YEARS. I AM CONTENDING KIA KNOWS THIS AND IS DECEIVING ITS CUSTOMERS FROM DAY 1; UNACCEPTABLE !"~55,388 mi, complaint #1500876
    • "PAINT IS CHIPPING OFF EVERY TIME CAR IS WASHED AND KIA REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT"~56,000 mi, complaint #1566144
    • "PEELING PAINT ON HOOD AND SIDE PILLARS. SEEMS LIKE THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH KIA AND SWP WHITE PEARL PAINT."~57,240 mi, complaint #1713271
  4. #4

    engine oil consumption

    1 stranded, 39 unsafe, 3 annoyance

    43
    incidents
    Typical range: 64,500–111,000 mi

    Median 73,500 mi, based on 26 reports (53% had no usable mileage)

    • "I HAVE A 2015 KIA OPTIMA PURCHASED IN OCTOBER 2017 WITH 34K MILES APPROX. I AM CONSTANTLY PUTTING OIL IN MY CAR AND IT SEEMS TO EVAPORATE IN 2-3 DAYS. THERE IS NO LEAK AND WE HAVE NO IDEA WHY THE CAR IS CONSUMING SO MUCH OIL. LATELY THE CAR HAS BEEN KNOCKING…"~48,000 mi, complaint #1609622
    • "AROUND 55,000 MILES I STARTED HAVING LOW OIL AND HAVING TO ADD OIL, SHORTLY I HEARD SOME RATTLING UNDER THE HOOD. AT THIS TIME I ALSO STARTED TO NOTICE WHITE SMOKE FROM THE TAILPIPE WHEN I WOULD ACCELERATE. I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY REFUSED TO CO…"~65,000 mi, complaint #1523948
    • "MY CAR IS RAPID LOSING OIL IN BETWEEN REGULAR OIL CHANGES. I HAVE TO CONSTANTLY PUT OIL IN WEEKLY AND THERE NOT HAS THERE EVER BEEN ANY LEAKS. THE OILD IS BURNING OFF WAY FASTER THEN IT SHOULD BURN. SO ON TOP OF ROUTINE MAINTENANCE I HAVE TO PURCHASE OIL ON TO…"~75,000 mi, complaint #1744783
    • "MY CAR IS USING OIL BUT ITS NOT LEAKING OIL BUT EVERYTIME I GET A OIL CHANGE ITS OLNY A QUART IN MY CAR MAYBE. I HAVE TO GET MY OIL CHANGED EVERY MONTH TO MAKE SURE I HAVE OIL IN MY CAR CAUSE IT STOPPED ON ME AND I HAD TO GET IT TOWED HOME THEY PUT OIL IN IT A…"~112,000 mi, complaint #1534969
    • "MY ENGINE STARTING BURNING OIL AND SMOKING. I LITERALLY HAD TO GET THE OIL CHANGED EVERY 2-3 DAYS. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR TO KIA, THEY INFORMED ME THAT SOME ENGINES HAD BEEN RECALLED BUT MINE WAS COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. THEY WANTED TO CHARGE ME FOR A NEW ENGINE…"~135,000 mi, complaint #1586542
  5. #5

    steering electric assist

    26 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    27
    incidents
    Typical range: 24,500–84,000 mi

    Median 50,000 mi, based on 25 reports (26% had no usable mileage)

    • "THERE IS A MAJOR ISSUE WITH THE STEERING OF THE CAR WHEN IT GETS TO 45MPH AND HIGHER. THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS AT THE 12:00 POSITION AND TAKES A GOOD AMOUNT OF FORCE TO JERK IT OUT OF POSITION WHICH RESULTS IN THE CAR JERKING AT LEAST 2' TO THE SIDE YOU HAVE T…"~8,570 mi, complaint #1261187
    • "The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds with the steering wheel in the straight position, the steering wheel experienced resistance when attempting to turn from the 12 o'clock position in either direction. Th…"~34,000 mi, complaint #1788043
    • "STICKY FEELING IN THE STEERING AT ANY SPEED. TAKES A LITTLE MORE THAN NORMAL FORCE TO MOVE STEERING WHEEL IN ANY DIRECTION."~50,000 mi, complaint #1596773
    • "WHENEVER TRAVELING OVER SPEEDS OF 45 MILES PER HOUR THE STEERING SYSTEM STARTS STICKING AT THE 12 O'CLOCK POSITION, AND CAUSES YOU TO MAKE OVER ADJUSTMENTS WHICH MAKES YOU WEAVE ACROSS THE ROAD."~81,270 mi, complaint #1634000
    • "WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE DASH LIGHTS FOR THE STEERING WHEEL AND TRACTION CONTROL COME ON AND THE STEERING GETS HARD AS IF NO POWER STEERING. I PULL OVER TURN CAR OFF, CHECK POWER STEERING FLUID AND BELT, NO ISSUES. TURN CAR BACK ON NO AFOREMENTIONED DASH LIGH…"~120,000 mi, complaint #1635756
  6. #6

    other

    14 unsafe, 11 annoyance

    25
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=15, median 63,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "WAS AT LIGHT THEN PROCEEDED ONCE LIGHT TURNED GREEN TRAVELING ON LEFT LANE ON A [REDACTED ADDRESS]. USED TURNING SIGNAL TO MOVE TO RIGHT LANE WHEN ANOTHER CAR THAT HAD TURNED AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT ON TO THE ROAD I WAS TRAVELING ON. I DID NOT SEE THE CAR AFTER…"~25,240 mi, complaint #1434845
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER BROTHER WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND HE SMELLED SMOKE. THERE WAS FIRE IN THE TRUNK ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE BROTHER WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND RETRIEVE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1711578
    • "THE SHARK FIN ANTENNA COVER COMES OFF DURING HIGH SPEED AND MY IMPACT ANOTHER VEHICLE WHICH MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT."~65,000 mi, complaint #1733683
    • "ANTENNA FIN BLEW OFF WHILE DRIVING.. AND BROKE MY BACK WINDOW TOO. I TOOK TO DEALER WONT COVER UNDER WARRANTY YET I SEE ALL COMPLAINTS THAT THIS NEEDS TO BE A RECALL . DEALER WANTS 450.00 TO REPLACE HAS TO BE FULL UNIT ALTHOUGH RADIO WORKS FINE I NEED THI…"~80,000 mi, complaint #1664288
    • "THE ANTENNA SHARK COVER BLEW OFF WHILE DRIVING. THESE SCREWS LOOK CHEAP AND UNSAFE IT FLEW OFF ON HIGHWAY.."~120,000 mi, complaint #1607464
  7. #7

    brake hydraulics

    21 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    22
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=14, median 86,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND BEGAN DRIVING ON THE SIDEWALK. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRES EXPLODED AND DESTROYED THE RIM. THE VEHICLE…"~6,200 mi, complaint #1192061
    • "WHEN I REVERSE MY CAR OUT OF MY PARKING SPOT IT STOPS LIKE MY BRAKES LOCKS. I HAVE TO PRESS THE GAS A LITTLE FOR IT TO GO. ALSO MY BRAKES OR WHEEL IS MAKING A GRINDING NOISE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE BUT MY BRAKES LOOKS GOOD"~85,000 mi, complaint #1703987
    • "The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while the vehicle was started, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact…"~108,000 mi, complaint #1946103
    • "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:…"~144,771 mi, complaint #1871420
    • "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, whil…"~200,000 mi, complaint #2197184
  8. #8

    lighting exterior

    13 unsafe, 7 annoyance

    20
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA OPTIMA. AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE TO RICART KIA ([REDACTED ADDRESS] #210, GROVEPORT, OH 43125, [REDACTED PHONE]), THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT WATER HAD ACCUMULATED IN THE PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHT, WHICH LED TO THE TAIL LIGHT N…"~37,000 mi, complaint #1609996
    • "FRONT HEAD LAMPS KEEPS GOING OUT, PER AUTO SHOP SHORTAGE IN WIRING FOR RIGHT AND LEFT FRONT HEAD LAMPS(LIGHTS) HAS TO REPLACE EVRY THREE WEEKS"~55,000 mi, complaint #1493532
    • "THE MIRROR INSIDE THE LOW BEAMS IS NOT WORKING. IT DOES NOT ALLOW MY HEADLIGHTS TO PROJECT OUT. I BARELY SEE AT NIGHT. ONLY LIGHTS I HAVE ARE MY FOG LIGHTS AND HIGH BEAMS "~56,000 mi, complaint #1643465
    • "BOTH OF MY HEADLIGHTS ON MY 2015 KIA OPTIMA HAVE STOPPED WORKING ON LOW BEAM I HAVE FOG LIGHTS BUT I CAN'T SEE MAYBE 20 FEET IN FRONT OF ME IT'S ALREADY CAUSED ME TO ALMOST HAVE ONE WRECK I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSTATE WHEN MY LIGHTS WENT OUT "~93,223 mi, complaint #1631667
    • "IT SEEMS THAT MY LIGHTS ALWAYS GO OUT! I'VE REPLACED THE FRONT LIGHT 3 TIMES IN ONE YEAR. AND THE BACK BRAKE LIGHTS AS WELL. I AM ALWAYS GETTING PULLED OVER BECAUSE OF MY LIGHT GOING OUT! THE TRIM SEEMS TO FALL OFF AS WELL ON BACK DOORS ABOVE WINDOW."~150,000 mi, complaint #1577905
  9. #9

    airbag system

    19 unsafe

    19
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=10, median 40,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the air bag sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was…"~19,600 mi, complaint #1826049
    • "THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN FATAL ACCIDENT VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH A STANDING TREE THEN OVERTURN ONTO IT ROOF THE FRONTAL AIRBAGS DRIVER AND PASSENGER NEVER DEPLOYED VERY CONCERNING "~28,000 mi, complaint #1290260
    • "I WAS TRAVELING EAST ON A [REDACTED ADDRESS] AT 45 MPH. AS I WAS PASSING THRU A GREEN LIGHT, A WESTBOUND VEHICLE MADE AN ILLEGAL LEFT TURN IN FRONT OF ME, CAUSING ME TO "T-BONE" HIS VEHICLE. ALL OF HIS AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.....NONE OF MINE DID. THE CAR WAS REPAIR…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1570394
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT AIR BAG AND DRIVER SIDE FRONT AND REAR CURTAIN AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INDEPENDENTLY ALTHOUGH NO COLLISION HAD OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO…"~65,000 mi, complaint #1641629
    • "THIS CAR HAS BEEN IN 2 FRONT END COLLISIONS BOTH AT DIFFERENT RATES OF SPEED. THE AIR BAGS HAVE NEVER DEPLOYED. IT WAS FIXED BOTH TIMES BY PROFESSIONAL SHOPS AND INSPECTED BY A KIA CARLOTTA WHERE THEY CLEARED CODES ON FAULTY AIR BAGS AND TOLD ME IT WAS NO BIG…"~68,000 mi, complaint #1543896
  10. #10

    hv system fault reduced power

    1 stranded, 12 unsafe

    13
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND MY CAR TOLD ME TO PULL OVER AND CHECK THE ENGINE. I PULL OVER, WAIT A LITTLE WHILE, AND TRY TO START IT AGAIN. IT DOESN'T START. THEY HAVE SOMEONE COME OUT TO JUMP IT, AND IT LOOKS LIKE WE'RE GOOD. I START TO DRIVE AWAY AND MER…"~55,000 mi, complaint #1678742
  11. #11

    acceleration loss or hesitation

    10 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    11
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=18, median 108,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "RECURRING, INTERMITTENT LACK OF ENGINE RESPONSE TO PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR; PARTICULARLY NOTICEABLE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO TURN LEFT AT A BREAK IN ONCOMING TRAFFIC. ENGINE ACTS AS IF STALLING, THEN RECOVERS AFTER A SECOND OR TWO DELAY. KIA DEALER SERVICE ADVIS…"~14,000 mi, complaint #1278098
    • "ABOUT A WEEK AGO I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN AND WHEN I WENT TO ACCELERATE THE CAR STALLED FOR AROUND 5-6 SECONDS THEN DROVE FINE. EVER SINCE THEN IT WILL RANDOMLY FEEL LIKE IT HESITATES WHILE IN MOTION DRIVING BETWEEN 45-65 MPH."~74,600 mi, complaint #1650771
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO HESITATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SIDE-VIEW MIRRORS INDEPENDENTLY MOVE INWARDS TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE…"~82,000 mi, complaint #1706338
    • "While driving doesn't matter the speed, my car doesn't accelerate and jerks, it had does these many times and I take it into the shop, at least 3 times now, and they can't find anything. Since it doesn't do it when they test drive it, they don't know what is…"~125,935 mi, complaint #1969071
    • "HI MY 2015 KIA OPTIMA ON 08/07/2020 I PUT THE RECOMMENDED GAS IN MY TANK AND THEN GOT ONTO THE INTERSTATE AFTER ABOUT 5-15 MINS IT STARTED LOOSING POWER AND I COULD NO LONGER ACCELERATE PAST 60. ALSO NOW WHEN I START DRIVING IT JERKS REALLY BAD AND WON'T GO PA…"~171,361 mi, complaint #1690355
  12. #12

    wiring harness

    11 unsafe

    11
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=10, median 22,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL ELECTRICAL INDICATION IN SIDE THE VEHICLE FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MIKE SHAW KIA ([REDACTED ADDRESS], CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78412[REDACTED PHONE]) WHERE IT WAS INSPECTED A…"~13,000 mi, complaint #1706757
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE STATIONARY, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE CONTACT SMELLED SMOKE COMING FROM THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE STARTED UNDER THE STEERING COLUMN OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE…"~22,000 mi, complaint #1324013
    • "TAKATA RECALL: DRIVING THE CAR DOWN A CITY STREET WHEN IT SUDDENLY CEASED TO ACCELERATE. THE POWER STEERING STOPPED AS IT COASTED INTO A SIDE STREET TO GET OFF THE BUSY ROAD. I COULD SMELL WIRES BURNING AS A ELECTRICAL FIRE.I IMMEDIATELY GOT MYSELF AND FAMILY…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1370835
    • "TAKATA RECALL JUST PULLED INTO MY JOB CAR WAS IN PARKED. CAR WAS STILL RUNNING HAD ABOUT 45MINS TO SPARE BEFORE CLOCKING IN. NOTICE THE CAR BEGIN TO SMOKE AS I'M SITTING PREPARING MY SELF FOR WORK. NO WARNING SIGNS APPEARED TO NOTIFY ME THAT THE CAR WAS OVE…"~52,000 mi, complaint #1561264
  13. #13

    alignment and pull

    9 unsafe

    9
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "WHEN DRIVING OUR 2015 KIA OPTIMA WITH 900 MILES VEHICLE WAS IN GARAGE EXCEPT FOR SMALL TRIPS AROUND TOWN BUT ON A SMALL VACATION TRIP, I NOTICED THE STEERING WAS NOT STABLE AND IT WAS HARD TO CONTROL THE STEERING AND KEEPING MY VEHICLE STRAIGHT AT 60 MPH OR MO…"~900 mi, complaint #1218859
    • "CANNOT CONTROL THE CAR STEERING. UNSAFE AT HIGH SPEEDS. WIND IS ALSO A FACTOR, MOVING THE CAR FROM LEFT TO RIGHT AND NO CONTROL OVER THE STEERING. CANNOT CHANGE LANES WITHOUT LOOSING CONTROL. VERY UNSAFE AND STRESSFUL TO DRIVE. *TR"~6,000 mi, complaint #1171750
    • "VEHICLE VEERS BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT. YOU HAVE TO CONSTANTLY KEEP CORRECTING THE WHEEL. MADE APPOINTMENT WITH DEALER AND THEY MADE SOME ADJUSTMENTS BUT WAS NO BETTER. I TOOK IT BACK AND THEY SAID THAT'S ALL THEY CAN DO."~7,000 mi, complaint #1344319
    • "AT HIGHWAY SPEED THE CAR SEEMS TO WANDER BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT AND WHEN ATTEMPTING TO CORRECT THE STEERING WHEEL WILL "STICK" AND REQUIRES ABNORMAL AMOUNT OF EFFORT TO GET IT TO RESPOND TO DRIVER INPUT. ONCE IT RESPONDS IT OVER CORRECTS SLIGHTLY WHICH CAUSES TO…"~8,000 mi, complaint #1471501
    • "I NOTICED WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THAT YOU HAVE TO FIGHT TO KEEP IT ON THE ROAD. IT VEERS TO THE LEFT AND WHEN CORRECTED, THEN VEERS TO THE RIGHT, THIS CONTINUES AS LONG AS YOU ARE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS BETWEEN 50 AND 75 MILES AN HOUR. WHEN YOU S…"~39,125 mi, complaint #1284809
  14. #14

    steering column

    8 unsafe, 1 broken

    9
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SWUNG FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER EIGHT TIMES AND THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED EACH TIME. THE REMEDY FAILED TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTUR…"~11,000 mi, complaint #1161921
  15. #15

    battery and charging

    5 stranded, 3 unsafe

    8
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "ENGINE ( AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS ) SHUT DOWN (3 TIMES) COMPLETELY AND UNEXPECTEDLY , WHILE CAR WAS IN MOTION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS( TWICE) AND ONCE WHILE AT TOLLS. ALSO NOTICED THAT WHEN YOU TURN KEY OCCASIONALLY , ITS LIKE BATTERY IS DEAD. I BELIEVE THAT FIRST AND…"~31,500 mi, complaint #1498801
    • "The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact had initially taken his vehicle to a local dealer to be serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). Upon return of the vehicle, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1769887
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CONTACT ACTIVATED THE HAZARD LIGHTS. THE CONTACT CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO LOU FUSZ KIA ([REDACTED ADDRESS], ST LOUIS, MO, 631…"~85,000 mi, complaint #1524741
    • "WAS DRIVING DOWN MAIN ROAD APPROACHING REDLIGHY AND BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO STIFF AND CAR SHUT OFF WHILE ROLLING. COULD NOT GET TO START AGAIN AND SMELT ELECTRICAL BURNING SOMEWHERE. HAD TO BEG CAR TOWED HOME. TRIED JUMPING WITH A JUMP BOX TO ELIMINATE BATTERY AND…"~97,600 mi, complaint #1724426
  16. #16

    control module

    1 stranded, 6 unsafe

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "Something is so wrong with my car, I can not see through the UVO screen no sound at all, can not detect my car key unless I put my key on dashboard. UVO works and dies instantly. Something in computer part of my KIA is BAD not operating normal. I take my car t…"~141,727 mi, complaint #1942838
    • "The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking. The contact stated that while depressing the brak…"~200,000 mi, complaint #1860508
  17. #17

    fuel tank and lines

    5 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    7
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=11, median 98,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "FUEL LEVEL INDICATOR ON DASHBOARD SHOWS WRONG A GAS LEVEL CONSTANTLY , FUEL PUMP ISSUE WHICH SENDS WRONG INFO TO THE DASHBOARD"~60,000 mi, complaint #1611192
    • "ON JANUARY 15, 2019 MY 2015 KIA OPTIMA CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE MY 16 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. SHE SMELLED A STRONG FUEL SMELL FIRST THEN TIRED TO STOP THE CAR. THE BRAKES WOULDN'T WORK SO SHE HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKES. PULLED TO THE S…"~98,000 mi, complaint #1532771
    • "The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle or while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle after the vehicle was serviced by the dealer. The contact stated that t…"~123,323 mi, complaint #2175783
  18. #18

    power windows and locks

    3 unsafe, 4 broken

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WINDOW WAS UNABLE TO CLOSE COMPLETELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALER ALM KIA SOUTH ([REDACTED ADDRESS], UNION CITY, GA 30291, [REDACTED PHONE]) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE…"~46,000 mi, complaint #1746595
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDOW WAS JAMMED IN THE DOWN POSITION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. PRESTIGE AUTO SALES (N8890 WI-57, BRILLION, WI) DIAGNOSED THAT THE WINDOW REGULATOR FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RE…"~74,620 mi, complaint #1498835
    • "I BOUGHT A 2015 KIA OPTIMA EX BRAND NEW OFF THE LOT IN OCTOBER 2014. SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE BOTH DRIVERS SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW REGULATOR MODULES. THE FIRST ONE THAT BROKE (PASSENGER) IN MARCH 2016 AND WAS TOLD BECAUSE THE WINDOW SHATTERED IT…"~98,000 mi, complaint #1515938
  19. #19

    steering rack mechanical

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "THIS IS A KNOW PROBLEM , BUT STEERING CONTROL IS REALLY BAD. AS I AM GOING DOWN THE ROAD,(WORSE AS SPEED INCREASES) THE CAR WANDERS LEFT TO RIGHT WITH NO MIDDLE GROUND. SO IT IS NOT AN ALIGNMENT ISSUE AS I AM ALL OVER AND NOT JUST PULLING TO ONE SIDE. I HAVE T…"~750 mi, complaint #1156541
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN, THE STEERING WOBBLED AND LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO REDDING KIA ([REDACTED PHONE], LOCATED AT [REDACTED ADDRESS], REDDING, CA 96002) AND…"~30,000 mi, complaint #1535019
    • "WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS HIGHER THAN 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS FOR A BRIEF MOMENT. THIS DOES NOT ALLOW FOR A SMOOTH WAY TO KEEP THE VEHICLE STRAIGHT ON THE HIGHWAY. VERY SCARY. ANTENNA COVER ON TOP OF CAR FLEW OFF ON THE HIGHWAY. READ THAT IT HAS HAPPEN…"~44,000 mi, complaint #1653707
    • "COMING OFF AN OFF RAMP ON GREENBRIAR SOUTH IN CHESAPEAK VIRGINIA, I HEARD A CRACKING NOISE FROM UNDER THE CAR. THERE WAS NOTHING IN THE ROAD NOR WAS THERE ANY POT HOLES. THE VEHICLE THEN STARTED PULLING TO THE RIGHT AND WHEN I STARTED PULLING THE STEERING WHEE…"~56,100 mi, complaint #1337106
    • "The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while parked the vehicle would make a clicking noise coming from the steering column. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed wit…"~64,000 mi, complaint #1780935
  20. #20

    sunroof

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "SUNROOF EXPLODED FOR NO APPARENT REASON WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY."~30,000 mi, complaint #1427161
    • "ON 11/29/17 AT AROUND 1:30PM WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY ON INTERSTATE 80 WEST BOUND I HEARD A LOUD BANG THAT SOUNDED LIKE IT CAME FROM ABOVE. THE BANG WAS SO LOUD THAT IT STARTLED ME. I THEN FELT AIR RUSHING IN FROM ABOVE MY HEAD. IT WAS THEN THAT I KNEW THE…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1431288
    • "I WAS DRIVING DOWN I25 AROUND 530PM AFTER WORK WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY SLIDING SUNROOF GLASS EXPLODED. THERE WAS NO ONE AROUND ME AT ALL THANK GOD BECAUSE THE GLASS WENT EVERYWHERE AND I DIDN'T HAVE MY 10YR OLD SON IN THE CAR AS I USUALLY DO. KIA IN MOTOR CITY…"~41,000 mi, complaint #1624158
    • "DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD TODAY, GOING NO FASTER THAN 70 MPH. SUDDENLY I HEARD SOMETHING THAT SOUNDED LIKE GUN SHOTS. IT WAS MY SUNROOF, IT HAD EXPLODED!"~70,000 mi, complaint #1444493
    • "I WAS DRIVING ON MY DRIVEWAY GOING LESS THAN 10MPH AND ALL THE SUDDEN I HEARD A NOISE LIKE I WAS BEING SHOT AT. I IMMEDIATELY STOPPED AND GOT OUT TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS AND NOTICED MY SUN ROOF HAD EXPLODED OUTWARDS"~103,000 mi, complaint #1535771
  21. #21

    glass and windshield

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "WHILE DRIVING DURING THE DAY, ON THE HIGHWAY, I HEARD A LOUD BOOM, SOUNDED LIKE A GUNSHOT. LOOKED IN THE REARVIEW MIRROR AND SAW BLACK STUFF FLYING OFF THE BACK END OF THE CAR INTO THE STREET. THEN HEARD WIND AND FELT WET, SO OPENED THE INTERIOR SHADE TO MY SU…"~25,283 mi, complaint #1363127
    • "FRONT GLASS PANEL OF SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED WHILE DRIVING."~35,000 mi, complaint #1437976
    • "I OWN A 2015 KIA OPTIMA. I HAVE A PANORAMIC SUNROOF THAT STRETCHES HE ENTIRE LENGTH OF THE CAR. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY DURING A VERY BRUTAL WINTER WHERE WE HAD TEMPERATURES IN THE MINUS CATEGORY A FEW TIMES. WHILE DRIVING ON THE BELTWAY DOING APPROX…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1558087
  22. #22

    stability and traction control

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "BOTH ESC AND AUTO HOLD LIGHTS OCCASIONALLY GO YELLOW AT THE SAME TIME. USUALLY GOES BACK TO NORMAL AFTER SOME PERIOD OF TIME. THIS STARTED MAYBE COUPLE MONTHS AGO. BROUGHT TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY COULDN'T DETECT ANY ERROR CODES."~13,900 mi, complaint #1296817
    • "WHILE DRIVING, BELOW SPEED LIMIT, THE BACK TIRE SLID ON SOME SLUSH. WHEN I TAPPED THE BREAK THE ELECTRONIC SLIP CONTROL KICKED ON, LOCKING THE STEERING WHEEL, CAUSING THE THROTTLE TO CUT OFF WITHOUT SLOWING DOWN OR CHANGING GEARS, AND THE BREAKS INSTANTLY STAR…"~46,600 mi, complaint #1646663
    • "THE FOLLOWING HAPPENS ANYTIME WHILE DRIVING THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT AND SOFTWARE, SENSORS, ACTUATORS, WARNING LIGHTS, FAULT CODES, AND PERFORMANCE RELATED CONCERNS OF THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM. MY PASSENGER WINDOW WON'T GO UP ONCE YOU PUT IT…"~85,000 mi, complaint #1584789
  23. #23

    transmission automatic

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN PARK WITH THE VEHICLE TURNED OFF, THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY INTO A LAKE. AFTER RETRIEVING THE VEHICLE FROM THE LAKE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS NO LONGER SHIFTED COMPLET…"~1,680 mi, complaint #1225620
    • "RECENTLY MY TRANSMISSION CASE CRACKED AS IT PASSED OVER A MANHOLE COVER ON A STREET BEING RESURFACED. MY DEALERS SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID THIS HAS HAPPENED A LOT. I WAITED NINE WEEKS FOR THE PART TO COME IN. I LOST $1,100.00ON CAR RENTALS. CAR'S TRANSMISSION C…"~12,000 mi, complaint #1358659
    • "WHEN I AM DRIVING MY 2010 KIA OPTIMA AND GO TO SLOW DOWN AT 20 MPH (ONLY AT 20 MPH AND ONLY WHEN SLOWING DOWN) MY CAR DOES A JERK OR LURCHING MOTION, WITH A HARD DOWN SHIFT TO 1ST GEAR.THIS HAPPENS NO MATTER WHERE IM DRIVING. FROM WHAT IVE BEEN TOLD THERES A T…"~87,000 mi, complaint #1281664
    • "I STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH MY VEHICLE IN OCTOBER 2019, I TRIED TO REACH OUT TO KIA DEALERSHIPS, WITH NO HELP. I KEPT BEING TOLD THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON MY CAR AND THAT I DID NOT NEED TO BE CONCERNED. MY CAR FINALLY STOPPED WORKING, IT JUST WOULD NOT DRIVE.…"~89,000 mi, complaint #1627887
  24. #24

    brake pads and rotors

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "AT ABOUT 1500 MILES ON THE CAR, I HAVE 2200 NOW, I STARTED TO NOTICE A GRINDING AND A ROUGH CONTACT IN THE BRAKE PEDAL. WHEN RESEARCHING THIS IT APPEARS KIA HAS HAD AOT OF ISSUES WITH THE BRAKES ON THE STINGER SINCE INTRODUCTION. WILL BE TAKING TO DEALERSHIP…"~1,500 mi, complaint #1692102
    • "I HAVE A 2015 KIA OPTIMA WITH 55K MILES ON IT. WITHOUT WARNING DRIVING TO WORK I SLOWED DOWN TO ENTER THE GATE AND HEARD MY BRAKES GRIND METAL ON METAL. I THOUGHT I WOULD HEAR A SQUEAL WHEN MY BRAKE PADS STARTED WEARING OUT WAY BEFORE I HEARD METAL ON METAL. I…"~55,000 mi, complaint #1586251
    • "THIS CAR HAS GIVEN ME PROBLEMS FIRST THE ENGINE WENT UP JUST LOCKED UP. THE BRAKES PULSATE WON'T STOP AND I HAVE CHANGED THE ROTORS AND BRAKES 3 TIMES. THE DEALER SAID NOTHING IS WRONG. SUSPENSIONS CAR ROCKS AND BOUNCES . NOW THE RADIO IS OUT. AND MY WINDOW W…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1584740
  25. #25

    engine head gasket

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "I HAVE A 2015 KIA OPTIMA WITH 74,000 MILES. AS I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE ON A CITY STREET WHEN SUDDENLY IT STARTED SHAKING AND RELEASED BLACK SMOKE PRIOR TO ENGINE FAILURE. A VEHICLE BEHIND ME HAD TO BRAKE AND SWERVE TO MISS HITTING ME. THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED O…"~74,000 mi, complaint #1640354
  26. #26

    key fob and immobilizer

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "My 2015 Kia was one of many Kias stolen from the Milwaukee, WI area. It was stolen from a secure residential parking garage by thieves who know they simply have to break a window to gain entrance to the car, break open the ignition lock, start the car with a U…"complaint #1801971
    • "not really sure my car just started making a clicking noise out of no where & powered off & now it wont detect key or wont start up "complaint #1823902
    • "Anti Theft Security system is non-existent. There is a current known issue on the internet on the ease of theft of any Kia or Hyundai to certain years of manufacture. I am currently a single disabled person that could be a victim of vehicle theft because of a…"complaint #1869522
    • "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 mechanic…"complaint #1870511
  27. #27

    noise or vibration unspecified

    1 unsafe, 3 annoyance

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "KEEP HEARING A LOUD RATTLING NOISE FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ENGINE. HE IS MORE SO WHEN THE CAR IS IN PARK AND EARLY MORNING. HAS GONE TO THE SHOP TWICE FOR THIS ISSUES AND EACH TIME HAVE BEEN TOLD THEY CAN NOT FIND THE PROBLEM EVEN PROVIDED A RECORDING OF THE…"~24,000 mi, complaint #1399429
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE, A KNOCKING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KIA ATLANTA SOUTH ([REDACTED PHONE], LOCATED AT [REDACTED ADDRESS], MORROW, GA 30260), BUT THE FAIL…"~73,000 mi, complaint #1580349
    • "THEIR IS A CONTINUOUS SOUND COMING OUT FROM THE TOP OF THE DASH BOARD, WHEN YOU START THE ENGINE. THIS SHARP SOUND SOMETIMES OCCURS TIME TO TIME TO COURSE DISCOMFORT TO ANYONE INSIDE THE CAR. THIS SHARP SOUND OCCUR SOME TIMES AND NOT ALWAYS. BUT WHEN OCCUR IT…"~87,046 mi, complaint #1639023
  28. #28

    abs module

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V519000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) in October of 2020. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who tested the vehicle to determine that th…"~87,600 mi, complaint #2081224
  29. #29

    catalytic converter

    2 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated before the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the cata…"~63,000 mi, complaint #1822980
    • "INTERMITENT EBGINE LIGHT AND GOES ON AND OFF. HAD IN A LOCAL SHOP AND THEY STATE ITS A CALAYTIC CONVERTER. THE VEHICLE DOES HAVE SLIGHT TICK ONLY WITH EXCILARATION ON AN UPHILL CLIMB BUT NOT HARDLY NOTICEABLE. NO LOSS OF POWER OR OTHER ISSUE. CAR HAS APPROXIMA…"~76,600 mi, complaint #1606867
  30. #30

    door latch and hinge

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the driver's side and passenger's side doors' exterior trims separated from the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manu…"~120,000 mi, complaint #2172610
  31. #31

    engine turbo supercharger

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TAKATA RECALL IN 03/2019 I WENT TO MERGE ON INTERSTATE IN TRAFFIC AND I COULD NOT GET ENOUGH SPEED TO KEEP UP WITH TRAFFIC, THE CAR WAS MAKE A LOUD NOISE AND WOULD NOT GO OVER 30MPH. WE TOOK STRAIGHT TO DEALERSHIP WHO TOLD ME MY TURBO HAD FAILED AND THERE WAS…"~76,000 mi, complaint #1586000
  32. #32

    software or update

    1 stranded, 1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE ENGINE SEIZED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER, BUT IT WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ARAPAHOE KIA ([REDACTED ADDRESS], CENTENNIAL,…"~11,000 mi, complaint #1560803
    • "The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the failure was related to an unknown recall not being per…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1901436
  33. #33

    starter

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact’s dad stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled ove…"~53,000 mi, complaint #1775642
    • "DRIVING NORTH BOUND ON THE 405 AT FREEWAY SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SHOWED SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASH. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, OIL LIGHT AND 2 OTHERS, THE VEHICLE LOST ENGINE POWER AND ONLY HAD BRAKES. I WAS ABLE TO SHUFFLE OFF THE MAIN FREEWAY TO AN OFF RAM…"~55,000 mi, complaint #1713255
  34. #34

    timing belt or chain

    2 stranded, 1 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND MY CAR JUST SHUT OFF AN WOULDNT START BACK.. A SHOP TOLD ME THE MOTOR WAS LOCKED UP AS WELL AS THE TIMING CHAIN WAS BROKEN. IT ONLY HAS 80,000 MILES AN SHOULD NOT HAVE A PROBLEM LIKE THIS WHAT SO EVER ALREADY!!! ONE KIA DEALERSH…"~80,000 mi, complaint #1705514
  35. #35

    tire failure

    1 stranded, 2 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA OPTIMA EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK TIRES, TIRE LINE: OPTIMO H431, AND TIRE SIZE: 225/45/R18V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE EXHIBITED BUBBLES ON THE SIDE WALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FRON…"~11,000 mi, complaint #1260548
    • "ON OCTOBER 15, 2018, I PURCHASED FROM PEP BOYS FOUR GOODYEAR ALL SEASON 205/65R16 TIRES. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD A TIRE PUNCTURE AND FLATTEN IMMEDIATELY AS A RESULT OF VERY LITTLE MEASURABLE SIDE IMPACT WITH A CURB. AFTER RESEARCHING…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1552540
    • "I WAS DRIVING APPROX 5-8MPH WITH 2 KIDS, PULLING INTO LIBRARY PARKING LOT. NEXT THING I KNOW I HEAR A LOUD THUMP AND FEEL MY TIRE GONE FLAT. AFTER PULLING INTO THE FIRST PARKING SPOT I GET OUT AND SMELL RUBBER. MY FRONT PASSENGER TIRE HAD POPPED. I LOOKED IN T…"~61,000 mi, complaint #1638893
  36. #36

    unintended acceleration

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 3 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY ON ITS OWN AND CRASHED INTO A BRICK PORCH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. T…"~20,000 mi, complaint #1316031
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, IT ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A GUIDE WIRE AND A TREE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISES TO THE LEFT ARM AND LOWER BACK THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL AT…"~38,000 mi, complaint #1339516
    • "The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at a slow speed while at a fuel station, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration while the brake pedal was being pressed. During the failure, the RPM's suddenly increase…"~46,900 mi, complaint #1785232
  37. #37

    engine cooling

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood, and the engine overheated. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of th…"~124,000 mi, complaint #2182334
  38. #38

    evap system

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the check engine and battery warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the engine had been replaced two weeks prior to the failure. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer for routine m…"~160,000 mi, complaint #1997364
  39. #39

    fluid leak unspecified

    2 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "LEAKING CLEAR LIQUID THAT,STAINS DRIVEWAY. SEE WHEN CAR IS MOVED.FIRST NOTICED 8/18.HAD CHECKED BY DEALER.NO LEAK WAS FOUND."~5,900 mi, complaint #1514369
  40. #40

    heater core and blower

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while attempting to activate the defroster, the defroster failed to active to defrost the windshield. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the heated steering wheel failed to operate as nee…"~127,000 mi, complaint #2055766
  41. #41

    seatbelt and pretensioner

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "The contact owned a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while at a complete stop at the red traffic light, another vehicle, driving off a highway ramp at an undisclosed speed, crashed into the rear-end of the vehicle. An unknown red warning light was flas…"~62,000 mi, complaint #2148611
  42. #42

    tpms

    2 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "TAKATA RECALL: THE TIRE LOW LIGHT ON HE DASH IS ALWAYS ON NO MATTER WHAT I DO. I HAVE ALWAYS HAD MY TIRES CHANGED FROM THE DEALER NEVER FROM A THIRD PARTY. THIS IS INCONVENIENT FOR ME BECAUSE THIS IS THE IDENTIFICATION FOR A LOW TIRE. SO ANYTIME I SUSPECT A…"~45,000 mi, complaint #1413144
  43. #43

    wiper and washer

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "WINDSHIELD WIPERS SMOKING AFTER FUSE CHANGED NOT WORKING CAUSING BURNING SMELL FROM WHEEL REPORTED AT 75000 MILES AT 115000 DAY OUT OF WARRANTY..IF MY AIRBAG OR CAR CATCH ON FIRE DUE TO THIS ISSUE I AM COMING FOR KIA"~75,000 mi, complaint #1625548
  44. #44

    adas blind spot

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The car is experiencing the same problem reported on technical service bulletin SA187 (Blind spot detection (BSD) system logic improvement (SA 187)) BUT KIA states my VIN number is not listed under the service bulletin and therefore I have to pay $189 to get a…"complaint #2161109
  45. #45

    backup camera

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "BACK UP CAMERA FAILED IN VEHICLE AND KIA DEALER WANTED TO CHARGE $1000.00 TO FIX IT THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 55,000 MILES ."~52,000 mi, complaint #1504083
  46. #46

    brake booster

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT GO OFF WHEN I TURNED MY CAR OFF. THIS ENDED UP KILLING MY BATTERY. WHEN I GOT THE BATTERY RECHARGED IT ALLOWED THE CAR TO START WITHOUT THE BRAKES BEING PUSHED IN. ALSO I NOTICED THAT THE STOPPER HAD BROKEN. THIS ALLOWED THE COMPUTER…"~58,556 mi, complaint #1677284
  47. #47

    climate control module

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "My air and heat stopped blowing air on 4 (high speed) I took to mechanic who couldn’t find a issue with the resistor, motor, or any components related to it so he took the dash off to check the climate control. The connector going into the back of the switch c…"complaint #1900690
  48. #48

    ev charging system

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "8/27/2020 CAR HAD BEEN AT THE KIA DEALERSHIP 2 WEEKS BEFORE FOR THE SAME ISSUE...CAR SHUT DOWN ON THE FREEWAY AFTER 'CHECK HYBRID CHARGING SYSTEM' LIGHTS FLASHING 'SHUT DOWN ENGINE' LIGHTS FLASHING. KIA HAD DETERMINED CAR JUST NEEDED A 'HYBRID BATTERY UPDATE'…"~75,500 mi, complaint #1688344
  49. #49

    exhaust system

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=12, median 107,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE CONTACT DETECTED A LOUD, ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. WHEN THE HOOD WAS LIFTED UP, THE FIRE EXTINGUIS…"~80,000 mi, complaint #1528423
  50. #50

    fuel pump

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE, SHE BECAME AWARE OF A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE RECENTLY, HE NOTICED THAT THE HIGH FUEL PUMP LEAKE…"~67,000 mi, complaint #1693220
  51. #51

    infotainment head unit

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The Bluetooth Ring volume is ear piercing loud. When a call comes in on a paired phone it startles the driver and may be loud enough to damage hearing. If adjusted to a lower setting the call volume can’t be heard. When adjusting call volume to a usable level…"complaint #1781039
  52. #52

    interior trim

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "I HAVE LOST 2 OF THE TRIM PANELS ABOVE THE DOORS ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE CAR. THE BRACKETS ARE NOT SECURE ENOUGH AND THE GLUE HOLDING THE BRACKETS ARE NO LONGER STICKING. I CANT DRIVE LONG DISTANCES WITHOUT THE TRIM COMING LOOSE."~35,000 mi, complaint #1590096
  53. #53

    parking brake

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "EVER SINCE I PURCHASED MY KIA OPTIMA WITH ONLY 14K MILES ON IT PRE-OWN FROM THE DEALER... THE EMERGENCY BRAKE (PARKING BRAKE) HAS BEEN LOOSE AND IT HAS NOT BEEN WORKING CORRECTLY. WHEN I PARK MY VEHICLE ON A DOWNHILL AND APPLY PARKING BRAKE WITH THE NEUTRAL MO…"~14,400 mi, complaint #1486773
  54. #54

    phone connectivity

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THE BLUE TOOTH FOR THE PHONE IF ALLOWED TO RING CAN CAUSE ONE TO LOOSE CONTROL. THE RING CAN GO WELL PAST 100 DB. IF WE FORGET TO TURN OUR BLUE TOOTH OFF IT ACTUALLY HURTS."~500 mi, complaint #1225525
  55. #55

    power steering hydraulic

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "ABOUT A MONTH AND A HALF AGO MY TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON AND I LOST POWER STEERING. FOR A BRIEF PERIOD OF TIME THAT DAY THE LIGHT WENT OFF AND I REGAINED POWER STEERING. LATER THAT SAME DAY THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT REAPPEARED AND HAS BEEN ON SINCE CAUS…"~86,000 mi, complaint #1704869
  56. #56

    seat mechanism

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "I NOTICED A BURNING SMELL AND THOUGHT THAT MY ENGINE WAS BURNING. I LOOKED DOWN TOWARD THE FLOOR AND NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE DRIVER'S SEAT. ALTHOUGH THE SEAT WARMER IS NOT ON, I ALSO NOTICED THE SEAT SEEMS TO BE HEATING. I NOTICED WHILE SITTING…"~43,101 mi, complaint #1362281
  57. #57

    suspension struts shocks

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR IN TO 3 DIFFERENT SHOPS BECAUSE I HAVE A MAJOR BOUNCING IN MY FRONT END. EVERYONE IS SAYING NOTING IS WRONG BUT I CAN ONLY GO SO FAST. I HAVE MY TIRES AND STUFF ROTATED ALL THEM TIME HOPING IT HELPS. SOMETIMES IT MAKES IT WORSE. THE DEALER…"complaint #1574927
  58. #58

    throttle and pedal

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "They were speeding with their phone in a phone stand watching a show while on the freeway"complaint #2207164

NHTSA investigations

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for KIA OPTIMA directly.