2015 Kia Optima recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2015 Kia Optima and 1,022 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (628), unknown or other (140), electrical system (140). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 24–37 mpg combined, depending on configuration. 3 recalls carry a Park It or Park Outside warning.
The 2015 ranks #7 of 9 Optima model years for fewest complaints (2012–2020), with more complaints than the average year (644). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 4.4 per model year.
Recalls 4
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2015 Kia Optima. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Service brakes, hydraulic · antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · control unit/module
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic · antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · control unit/module
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic · antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · control unit/module
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.
Fuel system, gasoline · delivery · hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
There is a known issue with this vehicle and the fix by KIA is not safe nor fair to the consumer. Kia's knock sensor recall centers on the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software update for Theta II GDI engines. The update listens for rod bearing wear, triggers a check engine light and limp mode via Code P1326, and extends the engine warranty up to a lifetime or 15 years/…
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while pulling into the driveway, the ABS warning light remained illuminated after the vehicle was powered off. The contact stated that the parking brake warning light unexpectedly illuminated while the vehicle was being operated. The contact stated that the brake lights illuminated while the vehicle was turned on or of…
My energy in my car started messing up with only 150,000 miles it had a long knocking sound and it would not got over 20 miles while driving
Safety ratings
2015 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2015 Kia Optima.
Optima
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L · Turbo
Regular
Optima
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.4 L
Regular
Optima Hybrid
Auto (AM6) · 4 cyl · 2.4 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2015 Kia Optima have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2015 Kia Optima, most recently for service brakes, hydraulic · antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · control unit/module (09/25/2023). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Kia Optima?
Based on 1,022 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (628), unknown or other (140), electrical system (140).
Is the 2015 Kia Optima safe?
The 2015 Kia Optima earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings. It has 3 recalls with a Park It or Park Outside warning, so check your VIN.
Is the 2015 a good year for the Kia Optima?
The 2015 ranks #7 of 9 Optima model years for fewest complaints (2012–2020), with more complaints than the average year (644). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 4.4 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2015 Kia Optima get?
EPA ratings for the 2015 Kia Optima range from 24 to 37 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
Own a 2015 Kia Optima in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved November 2, 2026. NHTSA model names used: OPTIMA, OPTIMA HYBRID, Optima.