What 1,000 owners told NHTSA about the 2015 Kia Optima Phev

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure, and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the dealer refused to repair the vehicle. The contact was informed that the HECU recall repair needed to be completed first. The contact was unaware that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

NHTSA ODI 11702771

12-01-2025 driving to work in the morning approx 7:00A.M. and turned on the heater and had a very strong smell like fuel so immediately turned it off. Cracked my windows to air it out and then was super cold again and had turned on the heater to try again. Immediately had to turn it off and rolled windows down to air it out because the smell was intense and had started to feel nauseas. Later in the day, about to head to lunch and had started the vehicle and smelt a lot like gas and turned it off and had someone come out to double check the smell. Co worker had strong smell from the hood area and looked underneath the car and can see a little drop puddle. Opened the hood and lifted the cover to engine where you can see the leakage coming from the center hose and spill puddle. Service tech came to take a look and advised its the fuel feed to the high pressure pump. This is a safety concern because fuel is extremely flammable and can put myself in dangerous situation of firing igniting in the car or hurt others around. No check engine light and prior the vehicle incident car has been consuming oil putting in about 1- quart a week or so with commute miles about 270 weekly.

NHTSA ODI 11702454

While driving my 2015 Kia Optima (VIN: [XXX] ) at highway speed, the engine suddenly shut off without any warning lights, alerts, noises, or check-engine indicators. This created a dangerous situation for me and surrounding drivers. The vehicle had passed state inspection only 3 months earlier with no issues. The sudden shutdown is consistent with the known Theta II engine defect investigated by NHTSA. The car is now completely undrivable. Two Kia dealerships refused to assist, claiming that they cannot perform KSDS because the engine is already dead. These reasons directly contradict the Kia Theta II engine settlement terms. This sudden stall is a safety hazard and could have caused a severe crash. I am requesting that NHTSA review this incident as a potential recurrence of the engine-stall defect already documented in Hyundai/Kia vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11701029

My engine failed in my 2015 Kia Optima. I took it to the Kia dealership in my city, and was advised to provide documentation of oil changes. In which I did, and was told that coverage for the engine recall was denied due to one gap where I went roughly 15,000 miles without an oil change. When asked when this gap was, they stated in 2021, and I asked how can I get documentation of that if I don’t have the receipt from that long ago. They stated that they need documentation to be able to approve the engine to be covered under the recall. it has been advised that Kia would have to prove exceptional neglect, in which one gap from 2021 is not exceptional neglect. I called the Kia. Customer service complaint line and filed a complaint with a case number, and was told that there’s nothing they can do without that documentation from that one gap. In which I asked to escalate this to a manager or supervisor and was told I could not do that. when I called the Kia dealership to see options, all they kept doing was trying to persuade me to just buy a new car asking don’t you just want a new car. I am without a vehicle and I have two kids that I need to help get to and from school doctors appointments as well as after school activities. I do not believe that a one gap should disqualify you from coverage of an engine under the recall.

NHTSA ODI 11694742

All recalls were not done false input information they never fixed engine bearing recall I’m getting a consultant to handle all the false information being provided by Kia Federico in woodriver

NHTSA ODI 11693463

I experienced a sudden engine failure on the highway due to the known Theta II engine defect. The engine completely shut down in the middle of traffic, nearly causing a serious accident. I never received any notice from Kia regarding the KSDS (Knock Sensor Detection System) update or any engine recall programs. When I contacted Kia Consumer Affairs, they told me they would not cover the engine replacement because the KSDS update was not installed prior to the failure. Kia admitted that the notice was sent to the previous owner, not to me, even though I am the current registered owner of the vehicle. I was never given the opportunity to install the software update or address the defect before this dangerous failure occurred. Kia representatives also stated that KSDS “was not a recall, only part of a class action lawsuit,” and therefore they are not obligated to cover the engine. This is misleading. The underlying Theta II engine defect was subject to NHTSA investigations and multiple recall campaigns. The sudden engine shutdown on a public highway created an immediate safety risk for me and other drivers. I am filing this complaint because Kia is denying coverage for a federally recognized engine defect due to their own failure to notify the current owner. I am requesting that NHTSA review Kia’s handling of this defect and their use of KSDS as a barrier to coverage. Their failure to notify current owners has resulted in dangerous, potentially life-threatening vehicle failures.

NHTSA ODI 11692583

9/25/2025 - our vehicle suddenly stopped in the middle of a busy roadway creating a hazard. We had it towed to [XXX] Kia of Greenville. 9/26/2025 we were advised that the engine had seized with no symptoms and no warning lights. The technician said that it would be covered under the vehicles extended warranty due to the known defect/class action on the Theta II GDI engine documented here: [XXX] 10/2/2025 we were advised the car would NOT be covered under the warranty due to some conflict on a CarFax report. according to CarFax, the vehicle has 82k with 15 maintenance records. This was not a case of neglect by the owner, it is a known defect that Kia is not willing to fix. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11692042

While driving my 2015 Kia optima I was getting ready to turn in to my residence.My car completely shut off but my lights had got dimmed.So I had it towed to the Kia dealership then proceeded to tell me it has three recalls on it.Then a customer service representative said that I would have to pay $200,and something dollars to have my car diagnostic done.Whoever I replied even with these recalls I have to pay for diagnostic test to be done she replies yes,but I’m thinking they are just trying to make money off customers.

NHTSA ODI 11691385

My engine recently sustained damage. Although my vehicle’s VIN is listed in the affected recall range, I never received any safety recall notification. I purchased the car in January 2024 while the KSDS recall was still active, yet no one informed me of the recall at the time of sale and I have received no updates since.

NHTSA ODI 11690341

The engine in my 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid failed due to a known defect with the 2.4L engine used in Kia and Hyundai vehicles. The vehicle suddenly quit running and has been inoperable since. Prior to failure, the car had exhibited knocking noises and loss of power. This placed my safety at risk as the vehicle stalled unexpectedly and could have caused an accident if it occurred in traffic. The failure has been confirmed by an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the engine as needing complete replacement. Kia has refused to cover the repair, stating that the vehicle is past the extended warranty mileage, even though the issue is consistent with widely reported manufacturing defects on this engine family. The engine is still available for inspection, and there were no warning lights before the sudden failure. This problem has been widely reported by other Kia owners but my vehicle’s VIN is not included in the current recall campaign, leaving me with a non-functional vehicle despite the same defect.

NHTSA ODI 11689876

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle entered LIMP Mode, lost motive power, and was unable to accelerate above 30 MPH. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway to turn off the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to restart. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced, and the repair could not be covered by the manufacturer because the vehicle had not received the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) ECU upgrade (PI2002D) prior to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 58,000.

NHTSA ODI 11689570

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not able to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 127,000.

NHTSA ODI 11689168

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to tow the vehicle to a local dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not repaired. The failure mileage was 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11688053

Ive had a recall once before got it fix . Few months later it started smoking from exhaust pipes smoke was white . Took it to kia shop they had told me it was a gasket . Ever since then it has been sitting and ive been paying payments for something i can not drive and for a car i keep having recalls and problems with and I need fix . Kia should have a recall on all motors for 2015 as well . But something needs to be done . Been nothing but issue after issue .

NHTSA ODI 11687516

The car just shut off

NHTSA ODI 11687022

The component that failed was the engine of my Kia vehicle. The vehicle was purchased in 2020. In Q4 2022, I received a recall notice by mail regarding the engine. I immediately took the vehicle to Kia of McKinney, TX, and requested that the recall repair be performed. I was informed at that time that the engine could not be replaced until it actually failed. This forced me to continue driving a defective vehicle for several years. The engine ultimately failed in the second week of June 2025, when the car would not start. It was towed to Southwest Kia in Texas, where it remains available for inspection. My safety and the safety of others were put at risk because I was instructed to continue driving a vehicle with a known defective engine. Kia’s refusal to remedy the recall in advance increased the risk of sudden stalling, engine seizure, or loss of power while driving — all of which pose serious hazards on the roadway. The problem has been confirmed by Kia’s own service centers. Southwest Kia acknowledged the engine failure but denied coverage, citing a supposed “gap” in maintenance records. However, Kia never informed me that there were specific maintenance requirements tied to recall eligibility, and I was never given a clear diagnosis of if the failure aligned with that of the recall. Kia corporate has denied responsibility for replacing the engine despite the active recall. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the engine failure. The car simply failed to start in June 2025. At no earlier point was I warned that the vehicle was unsafe to drive, nor was I given any proactive remedy other than waiting for failure. I am requesting that Kia be compelled to honor the recall and replace the engine, as their refusal has left me with a significant financial loss and ongoing safety concerns.

NHTSA ODI 11684870

I have repeatedly been denied service by KIA Customer Service and KIA Dealerships regarding my safety recall. This ongoing issue has caused significant stress and inconvenience. I am simply requesting that my recall be completed so I can safely operate my vehicle. Despite my efforts, I continue to receive invoices for repairs while being denied the necessary service. I am frustrated by the lack of support and resolution.

NHTSA ODI 11684009

The vehicle unexpectedly stalled while idling at a complete stop, posing a serious safety concern. Shortly afterward, the check engine light illuminated. These events occurred around 78,000 miles. Prior to the stall, the engine had been making occasional knocking or tapping noises, particularly at idle. The vehicle was immediately taken to a certified Kia dealership, where a technician diagnosed the issue as engine failure consistent with a known manufacturer recall affecting this vehicle model and year. A recall claim was submitted to the manufacturer, but the repair has been delayed for over a month with no authorization to proceed. No loaner vehicle has been provided. The engine failure puts the driver and others at risk, especially if the vehicle were to stall during active traffic conditions. The problem has been confirmed by the dealership but has not yet been resolved by the manufacturer. Inspection by the manufacturer is still pending. Warning symptoms included the engine light and knocking sounds, which began shortly before the stall occurred.

NHTSA ODI 11682620

My 2015 Kia Optima (VIN [XXX] ) case # [XXX] is covered under Kia’s engine recall for potential engine failure/fire. However, Kia and Ray Skillman Northeast Kia, Indianapolis refused to perform the recall repair because I do not have the last two years of oil change records. This is a safety recall, not a warranty claim, and denial of repair violates recall obligations. I am requesting NHTSA’s assistance to ensure Kia complies with the law and replaces the defective engine. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11682214

My motor bearing is knocking very loud I was refused service upon arrival dealer was making my service very complicated asking me to go dig up old receipts and various other things that was not actually caused for and I was at risk by driving the car there until it shut off due to engine failures when the car has fire risk and could possibly explode and they have confirmed it’s the engine but have not done any maintenance to my engine the check engine light flashes heavy non stop as well was even denied a loaner car still until today

NHTSA ODI 11680605

Purchased 2015 Kia optima LX 4 cylinder. Had the car for 7 months. Driving home car stalled driving into our driveway. When restarted the engine there was a loud noise tapping. Oil light came on. Checked oil it was on empty. No oil light has come on ever before the car stalled. Regular oil changes . Researched the over 900 complaints. Same thing that has happened to everyone else. Thankfully this didn't happen on the drive home in traffic.

NHTSA ODI 11678118

Driving towards town on freeway car suddenly die at high rate of speed and lost power at the wheel had to sway to side of road opened up hood of the car and smoke came out had recker pick me up and drove it to the house and started to find the issue and the starter module burn up . the gas line was near started . replace starter and now the car doesn’t crank so is used wrench to trunk motor and now more seized up remove spark plugs and tried manually turn motor nothing lookup recalls on the matter and it said it was recall on the main bearing of the car are premature and Kia won’t honor the recall due to no oil change records I have all items bought and tow truck expense

NHTSA ODI 11677547

While driving my 2015 Kia Optima, the engine suddenly failed without warning. I noticed a loss of power, and shortly after, the oil pressure warning light illuminated. Upon pulling over safely, I discovered that the engine had drained all of its oil, despite recent maintenance. There were no prior warning signs or leaks visible. This posed a serious safety risk as the failure occurred in the midst of traffic. The vehicle had approximately 75,885 miles at the time. A mechanic later confirmed catastrophic engine failure due to oil starvation. This issue appears to be consistent with known engine defects in similar Kia models.

NHTSA ODI 11677168

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal ticking sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the failure could be related to the engine. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in an unknown related engine recall; however, the engine repair or replacement was not covered under warranty due to missing service documents. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

NHTSA ODI 11677194

While driving, the engine suddenly shut off without warning. The car coasted to a stop and would not restart. When attempting to start it again, the starter smoked, and the engine would not crank or turn over. This is a serious safety hazard as the engine failure occurred with no warning and matches the symptoms of the known Kia Theta II engine recall for bearing and seizure issues. My VIN is not currently listed as part of the recall, but it experienced the exact same failure. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate and pressure Kia to include my VIN in the recall campaign, as this is a sudden engine seizure defect that could cause a crash if it happens at speed.

NHTSA ODI 11677339