2015 Kia Optima owner discussion

What NHTSA's records show for the 2015 Kia Optima: 1,011 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns. Owners report problems most often with the Engine (624), Electrical System (135), Service Brakes (90). 31 complaints mention a crash and 74 a fire. Own one or shopping for one? Share what broke, what it cost to fix, and what you'd check before buying.

2015 Kia Optima owner discussion: problems, repairs and buying advice

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What NHTSA's records show for the 2015 Kia Optima: 1,011 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns. Owners report problems most often with the Engine (624), Electrical System (135), Service Brakes (90). 31 complaints mention a crash and 74 a fire. Own one or shopping for one? Share what broke, what it cost to fix, and what you'd check before buying.

2015 Kia Optima recalls and complaints at a glance

NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns and 1,011 owner complaints for the 2015 Kia Optima. The most-reported problem areas are Engine (624), Electrical System (135), Service Brakes (90). The most recent recall (NHTSA #23V652000, September 2023) covers the Service Brakes, Hydraulic. 3 campaigns carry a do-not-drive or park-outside warning. Recall repairs are free at a franchised Kia dealer. Recalls and complaints describe the model year, not a specific car — check the VIN for open recalls free, and for title, salvage and odometer history with a $9.99 report (Carfax charges $49.99).

Recall campaigns4
Owner complaints1,011
Complaints mentioning a crash31
Complaints mentioning a fire74

Most-reported problem areas

ComponentComplaints
Engine624
Electrical System135
Service Brakes90
Structure76
Steering69
Power Train49

Recall campaigns

  • NHTSA #23V652000 — Service Brakes, Hydraulic (September 2023): 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…
  • NHTSA #21V331000 — Service Brakes, Hydraulic (May 2021): 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.
  • NHTSA #20V519000 — Service Brakes, Hydraulic (August 2020): 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.
  • NHTSA #18V907000 — Fuel System, Gasoline (December 2018): 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…

Source: NHTSA recalls and complaints databases, retrieved 2026-11-07.

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Pricing

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Data sources

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