2015 Kia Optima: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2015 Kia Optima: 4 recalls, 1009 owner complaints and up to 26 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Engine, Fuel system Vehicle recall #18V907000 · 2018 · 71,653 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The 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.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #20V519000 · 2020 · 440,370 vehicles
What's wrong: Brake fluid May leak inside the hydraulic electronic control unit (hecu), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Why it matters: If the hecu short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
The 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.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #21V331000 · 2021 · 440,370 vehicles
What's wrong: Brake fluid May leak inside the hydraulic electronic control unit (hecu), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Why it matters: An electrical short in the hecu increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
The 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…
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #23V652000 · 2023 · 1,730,192 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The 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,…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 74 mention a fire, 23 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (622): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (223), warning light on (185), noise or vibration (180).
- Other / unknown (139): the most common themes are noise or vibration (22), fire / smoke (15), warning light on (15).
- Electrical (135): the most common themes are electrical failure (49), fire / smoke (41), stalls / loses power (37).
- Body & structure (76): the most common themes are door / lock issues (13), rust / corrosion (12).
The 2015 Kia Optima has 1009 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 20 Optima model years for complaints (2.7× the average Optima year). Complaints peaked in 2023 (159 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 80,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2014 (589 complaints, 7 recalls), 2016 (757 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 33 | 26 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 30 | 24 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2015 Kia Optima.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2015 Kia Optima have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2015 Kia Optima. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2015 Kia Optima problems?
Owners have filed 1009 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (622), other / unknown (139), electrical (135).
What gas mileage does the 2015 Kia Optima get?
EPA ratings run up to 26 mpg combined (2.4 L, Automatic (S6)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2015 Kia Optima repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.