2015 Kia Optima: owner complaints and recalls
Analysis of 1,001 owner complaints filed with NHTSA and 4 recall campaigns. Updated 2026-07-25.
1,001
Complaints
4
Recalls
31
Crash reports
72
Fire reports
23
Injuries
77.9
Severity index
Severity index 77.9 - Medium. This weights crashes, fires, injuries and fatalities per 100 complaints; see methodology.
Among the 143 2015 vehicles we track with at least 40 complaints on file, the 2015 Kia Optima ranks 58 of 143 by severity, where 1 is the worst. Its severity is higher than 59% of its model-year peers. See the full 2015 ranking.
What actually fails
| Component | Complaints | Share of complaints citing it |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 618 | 61.7% |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 138 | 13.8% |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 134 | 13.4% |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 89 | 8.9% |
| STRUCTURE | 76 | 7.6% |
| STEERING | 68 | 6.8% |
| POWER TRAIN | 49 | 4.9% |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 44 | 4.4% |
The single most-reported system is ENGINE, cited in 618 of 1,001 complaints (61.7%). One complaint can name several systems, so these shares overlap and do not total 100%.
Complaints filed per year
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2015 | 16 |
| 2016 | 22 |
| 2017 | 41 |
| 2018 | 64 |
| 2019 | 108 |
| 2020 | 99 |
| 2021 | 83 |
| 2022 | 136 |
| 2023 | 159 |
| 2024 | 118 |
| 2025 | 111 |
| 2026 (year to date) | 42 |
Complaint volume is broadly steady year over year.
Recall campaigns
| Campaign | Reported | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18V907000 | 19/12/2018 | 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 h |
| 20V519000 | 27/08/2020 | 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. |
| 21V331000 | 10/05/2021 | 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. |
| 23V652000 | 25/09/2023 | 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 Con |
Source. US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration public complaint and recall APIs (api.nhtsa.gov), retrieved 2026-07-25. Complaints are unverified consumer reports; volume is influenced by how many units were sold and how long the vehicle has been on the road. Not affiliated with NHTSA or any manufacturer.