2015 Kia Optima
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine leads by volume: 651 of 1,019 complaints (64%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more deaths (1) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 614 in 2014 to 1,019 in 2015.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | vs. 2015 Midsize Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 1,700–2,400 | 1,700–2,600 | 1,700–2,600 | 1,700–2,500 | 1,500–2,500 | |
| Combined MPG | 26–37 | 24–37 | 24–37 | 25–37 | 25–42 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 22–35 / 33–38 | 20–35 / 30–38 | 20–35 / 30–38 | 22–35 / 31–38 | 22–39 / 31–46 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 242–340 | 242–372 | 242–372 | 242–360 | 212–360 | |
| Complaints filed | 1,435 | 614 | 1,019 | 758 | 304 | |
| Recalls issued | 10 | 7 | 4 | 5 | 4 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 49 | 25 | 31 | 27 | 6 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 116 | 43 | 76 | 20 | 12 | |
| Injuries reported | 37 | 24 | 23 | 21 | 8 | |
| Deaths reported | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2015 Kia Optima have?
4 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2015 Kia Optima?
Engine: 651 of 1,019 NHTSA complaints (64%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2015 Kia Optima get?
EPA rates it 24–37 MPG combined across 4 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2015 Kia Optima?
EPA estimates $1,700–$2,600 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (4)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 20 mpg (low) | 30 mpg (low) | 24 mpg (low) | $2,600 (high) | 372 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (S6) | 4 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 23 mpg | 33 mpg | 26 mpg | $2,400 | 334 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic (AM6) | 4 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 35 mpg (high) | 38 mpg (high) | 37 mpg (high) | $1,700 (low) | 242 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic (AM6) | 4 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 35 mpg (high) | 38 mpg (high) | 36 mpg | $1,750 | 247 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 651 | 11 | 54 | 9 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 50 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 56 | 4 | 8 | 5 | 0 |
| Electrical | 140 | 4 | 25 | 5 | 0 |
| Brakes | 99 | 6 | 13 | 5 | 0 |
| Steering | 71 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 14 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 27 | 12 | 0 | 8 | 1 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 46 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 79 | 4 | 7 | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 33 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Other | 142 | 2 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (4)
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE · Campaign 23V652000 · Sep 26, 2023
Defect: 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.
Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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 · Campaign 21V331000 · May 11, 2021
Defect: 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.
Consequence: An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
Remedy: 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 · Campaign 20V519000 · Aug 28, 2020
Defect: 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.
Consequence: If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
Remedy: 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; ENGINE · Campaign 18V907000 · Jan 30, 2019
Defect: 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.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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.