2015 Kia Optima recalls and problems
The 2015 Kia Optima has 4 safety recalls and 1,011 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2015 Kia Optima vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2015 Kia Optima recalls
Recall 23V-652: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Problem: 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.
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
Recall 21V-331: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 2, 2021. This recall supersedes previous NHTSA recall number 20V-519. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC212.
Recall 20V-519: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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. The recall began October 20, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC197.
Recall 18V-907: Engine, Fuel System, Gasoline
Problem: 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 high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
2015 Kia Optima problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 624 | |
| Unknown or Other | 139 | |
| Electrical System | 136 | |
| Structure | 76 | |
| Steering | 69 | |
| Service Brakes | 49 | |
| Power Train | 49 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 46 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 41 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 36 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 31 | |
| Air Bags | 26 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 75
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 7
- Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Immobilizer/Proximity › Key/Sender — 4
- Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 3
- Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 2
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 2
- Tires › Sidewall — 1
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 80,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2015 Kia Optima complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Kia Optima years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2015 Kia Optima have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2015 Kia Optima: 23V-652 (service brakes, hydraulic), 21V-331 (service brakes, hydraulic), 20V-519 (service brakes, hydraulic), 18V-907 (engine, fuel system, gasoline). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2015 Kia Optima?
Owners report engine problems most often (624 reports), followed by unknown or other (139). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 80,000 miles.
Are Kia recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.