Kia Optima Complaints (2015)

1,022 consumer complaints on file.

#11661082May 14, 2025
ENGINE
My car has less than 50,000 miles on it. I was driving at around 40 miles per hour and my engine suddenly stalled. My car was towed to the nearest repair facility and a diagnostics was completed on it revealing a seized engine. My car has been well maintained and has never been in a repair shop for any type of major repairs. This engine failure came as a complete surprise as the car gave no indication that there was a problem. Kia Motor Company has recalls on other cars with the same make, model, year and engine size as mine that have had the same exact issue as what mine has presently. However, when I look up my VIN on their website my car only shows 1 recall which is unrelated to the issue I am currently experiencing. I would like to understand why my car is not included in this recall, when my car has had, at this point, the same exact thing happen as these other cars of the same make, model, year and engine size?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659612May 7, 2025
ENGINE
Having issues with my engine, it’s throwing the code saying that my glow relay is stuck on and has something to do with the knock sensor, which is on a recall on 2015 Kia Optima, but my VIN number doesn’t seem to be one that’s on the recall list, but my engine is doing the same thing that the other ones are being recalled for.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657407April 29, 2025
ENGINE, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
I am contacting you regarding my 2015 Kia Optima EX (VIN: [XXX] , while driving, I experienced a sudden strong burning smell followed by heavy white smoke from the engine area. Shortly after, the engine stalled, and the vehicle had to be towed. I have verified that there are no open recalls or settlements listed for my vehicle. However, based on the known engine issues affecting similar models, I am respectfully requesting goodwill assistance from Kia to repair or replace the engine. I have always taken good care of my vehicle, and I believe this issue may be related to broader known concerns with the engine models from those years. I would appreciate your help in reviewing my case and offering any available support to resolve this issue. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your positive response. Sincerely, [XXX] Pho [XXX] ail: [X [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] SUANT TO [XXX] FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11656353April 23, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I bought the car odometer and title both said 98xxx on the car. 3 days after I purchased the car the motor started knocking. Come to find out the actual miles are over 240,xxx. The mileage has been rolled back on the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655927April 21, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
Paint is peeling
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655502April 18, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. However, several days later the failure reoccurred, and the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a nondescript failure with the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 96,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655521April 18, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
Bubbling and painting chipping on the driver door, passenger driver's side door, at the top roof at all doors, around the front mirror, and passenger and back passenger door. Pearl white paint. I believe the ENTIRE kia needs to repainted and fixing one spot is not the solution!! This includes the top of the car and racks on top if your car has them.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653852April 10, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
My 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid poses a serious safety risk. While driving at highway speeds, the car has randomly shut off multiple times. A "Check Hybrid System" or hybrid battery warning appears on the dashboard, and the vehicle either loses power entirely or switches to electric-only mode and coasts to a stop. This happens without warning, putting my life and the lives of others at risk. I already had the relevant hybrid system recall work completed by a Kia dealer, but the issue persists and the car remains unreliable and unsafe. This appears to be a known issue affecting many 2011–2016 Optima Hybrid vehicles. Kia needs to be held accountable for continuing hybrid system failures that occur post-recall and outside of warranty. This is a dangerous, recurring defect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653940April 10, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653575April 9, 2025
ENGINE
The engine shut off while on the highway, car was still moving but not power from engine when accelerating the gas, not leaks or lack of maintenance
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653671April 9, 2025
ENGINE
We are submitting this claim because the engine on the vehicle is completely locked up at only 50,000 miles, despite the maintenance being fully up to date. This issue appears to be directly related to the well-documented rod bearing failure that Kia has previously issued recalls for across various models and years. We have contacted several Kia dealerships in our area—including those in Anniston, Trussville, Huntsville, and even across state lines—seeking assistance. Unfortunately, all of them have refused to proceed with an engine replacement due to the vehicle having an older KSDS (Knock Sensor Detection System) software update. While we have documentation that the original update was completed within the required timeframe, they are now stating that a newer version of the software is required in order to move forward. However, when we reach out to Kia dealerships requesting this updated version, we are told that they cannot perform the update because the engine is already locked—placing us in a frustrating and seemingly impossible situation. We are essentially being told we need the update to fix the issue, but the update cannot be done because of the issue itself. We’ve also contacted Kia Corporate, and unfortunately, the response has not been helpful. We’ve been told that the recall campaign tied to this issue has closed, and that there is nothing more they are willing to do. Meanwhile, we are left with a vehicle that cannot be driven, despite only having 50k miles, and which we are still making payments on. This feels incredibly unfair and potentially unlawful, considering Kia has acknowledged bearing-related failures in similar vehicles. We are simply asking for accountability and support for a problem Kia is well aware of. We are at a complete standstill, with no cooperation from dealerships or corporate.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653673April 9, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
See attached document for complaint.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653405April 8, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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 the vehicle was not leaking brake fluid. Approximately 5 years later the ABS, traction control, and brake light illuminated, causing the vehicle to hesitate and jerk while driving. The contact stated that there was a burning oil odor coming from the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed the modulator valve was leaking oil, causing it to leak out of the vehicle when the cap was removed. The contact noticed oil on the skid plate underneath the oil pan. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,600.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11652671April 3, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Was driving down the highway and all of a sudden the car shut down in the highway lucky cars was not close by. Tried to crank it it would not crank would not take a boost it won’t say anything I had the battery checked at auto zone the battery is really good. The mileage on the Kia optima is 1,900 actual miles it will not crank or move it was very scary I called Kia customer service there wanted to charge me over $400.00 dollars to come get it and take it to the shop so it took me 2 days to find a tow to get it home and it still needs to go to the Kia shop
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11651080March 27, 2025
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. After a visual inspection, the contact observed an excessive amount of oil leaking from underneath the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with engine failure, observing a hole on the side of the engine block. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer however, the diagnosis was not yet confirmed. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 112,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11651112March 27, 2025
STEERING
Steering sticks in the center position. Makes it difficult to maintain a straight line.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11650920March 26, 2025
ENGINE
I purchased a 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid on [XXX], from Nissan of Grapevine, TX. The vehicle had an open safety recall issued in 2021 (PI2104) related to engine failure, but neither Kia nor Nissan informed me of this recall before my purchase, nor was the recall repair ever performed. On [XXX], my engine suddenly seized while driving, leaving me stranded. I had the vehicle towed to Meineke in Pflugerville, where they confirmed the engine failure but declined to perform an official diagnostic due to liability concerns. In 2024—over a year after my engine had already failed—Kia America finally mailed me a recall notice. By this time, the damage was irreversible. I took the car to Kia of Round Rock on April 2, 2024, where I was charged a diagnostic fee despite the engine failure being caused by the known recall issue. Kia then denied me warranty coverage, claiming I was ineligible because the recall repair had not been performed prior to the failure—even though I was never informed of it in time. Now, my vehicle has been impounded at AusTex Towing since March 6, 2025, because it is inoperable and cannot be registered. If I cannot afford the impound fees, my car will be auctioned off, leaving me responsible for payments on a vehicle I can no longer use. Safety Concerns: -Sudden engine failure while driving poses a serious crash risk. -Failure of recall notification system—I was only informed AFTER my engine had already failed. -Negligence by the manufacturer and dealership—Neither Nissan (the seller) nor Kia (the manufacturer) addressed the recall prior to the failure. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate Kia America and Nissan of Grapevine’s handling of this recall to determine whether their actions constitute negligence in notifying owners about critical safety defects. Kia should be held responsible for either covering the cost of repairs, offering a buyout, or reimbursing me for my financial losses (towing, impound fees, and loan payments). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FO
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11650447March 25, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. While the contact's sister was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact's sister parked the vehicle and performed an inspection of the vehicle. The contact's sister opened the hood and confirmed the smoke was coming from the engine. The vehicle was restarted; however, the vehicle failed to operate as intended. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer; however, the dealer provided an unofficial diagnostic result of possible engine failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11650475March 25, 2025
ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
When driving on the highway my car suddenly started to stall with me on the highway. It went from 80 miles per hour to 20 miles per hour and then completely shut off in the lane of the highway. Thankfully I was able to pull over to safety. I attempted to start again, and the engine started with a weird noise coming from it. I had it towed to my local Mechanic who told me that my engine is part of a safety recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11649874March 22, 2025
ENGINE
I was driving home from work when my car started to herk. So I pulled over turned my car off. When I started it again it started to knock and not accelerate. I scanned the computer telling me that it was a knock sensor. I took it to a mechanic and he told me there were brass shaving in my oil. Also said I need to replace the engine because of the problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Kia Optima