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

Driving down the road and my steering wheel light comes on sporadically and then I lose control of the steering wheel like it locks up and is almost impossible to turn or rotate and then other dashboard lights come on and I lose headlights. When that happens traction control light on dashboard, the ABS light, battery light and steering wheel light that has an exclamation mark to right of it comes on. The car keeps driving and doesn’t die but all the abs and driving wheel lock up so you cannot be in control of the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11731994

Yesterday, [XXX], My 2015 kia optima engines reved up wothout me pushing the gas & within seconds later a loud noise and metal fell from under the hood. After pulling over, popping the hood on the passenger side and under the engine a fire had started. My daughter was seated in the back passenger side her door had locked, thankfully the passenger door was left opened bc within minutes the entire car was filled with smoke and engulfed in flames. Prior to this the steering wheel would jerk even while at a red light. This car just did have 100,000 miles & no knowledge this prior. Thank god i was able to get my daughter out of this vehicle & this didnt end in a tragedy due to negligence if this was a prior known fact. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11713230

Engine seized

NHTSA ODI 11709557

My 2015 Kia Optima has a failing ABS/HECU module consistent with the Kia ABS fire recall. The brake lights stay on constantly even when the brake pedal switch is unplugged. If I unplug the ABS/HECU module, the brake lights immediately turn off, which confirms the ABS module is back-feeding power into the brake light circuit. I also previously experienced the ABS pump running with the vehicle turned off. Currently the ABS, ESC, EPS, and Brake warning lights are illuminated and all stability/ABS functions are disabled. This is a clear safety hazard affecting braking, electrical safety, and vehicle fire risk. I have already been to the Kia dealer twice and they dismissed the issue after only checking the recall fuse. They refused to address the ABS module itself even though the vehicle is unsafe. The recall appears insufficient because the module has now failed. I need Kia to replace the ABS/HECU module under recall safety remedy.

NHTSA ODI 11708255

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The defects involve multiple electronic control systems, including steering, braking, and airbag modules, which continue to generate active and stored Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) even after the May 2, 2023 recall repair. The vehicle remains in our possession and is available for inspection upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Because the vehicle fails to illuminate dashboard warnings, we were unaware of critical malfunctions occurring in real time while driving. This creates the risk of sudden failure in steering, braking, or airbag deployment, directly endangering both occupants and the public. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Independent diagnostic scans repeatedly confirmed active and stored DTCs following the recall repair. These findings show the defects are reproducible and ongoing. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle was inspected by Kia’s authorized dealer, Spradley Motors in Pueblo, CO, for the recall repair. Since then, diagnostic evaluations have been performed by independent service providers. Documentation of these inspections is attached. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No dashboard warning lamps illuminated, even though faults were recorded internally by the vehicle’s control modules. The absence of warnings despite active codes is itself the central safety issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11689769

Lost power while in the middle of a turn while driving happened intermittently power steering and traction control lights come up on dashboard.

NHTSA ODI 11687783

I was driving on the Northbound side of the Interstate when my brakes failed when I pressed them to avoid a collision on the highway. The steering wheel malfunctioned when I tried to avoid a head-on collision with another vehicle. I couldn't control or stop the car, causing me to swerve left to right, and I then completely lost control of the vehicle. I crashed into the middle of the highway, but because my brakes had failed, the car continued at full speed into the Southbound side of the highway, causing me to wreck into a semi. The Colorado State Patrol investigated the accident. Right before I wrecked into the semi-trailer, I noticed all of the lights on the dashboard were off. My Steering wheel had fallen off completely, but the airbag never deployed even though every other airbag had deployed.

NHTSA ODI 11661667

Steering sticks in the center position. Makes it difficult to maintain a straight line.

NHTSA ODI 11651112

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Additionally, the steering seized. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 174,000.

NHTSA ODI 11615440

My car was stolen using a usb cord and they tore my steering column, key ignition and brok my driver side passenger window.

NHTSA ODI 11600818

The contact leased a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the front passenger's side window, the rearview camera, and the brake lights were intermittently inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at approximately 10 MPH, the check engine warning light and several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle shut off. The contact shifted into neutral(N) and was able to push the vehicle to the side of the road with the assistance of several bystanders. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was leased, and it was diagnosed that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the battery warning light and the steering warning light illuminated, and the vehicle shut off. The contact was able to jumpstart the vehicle and drove to the residence, where the vehicle remained parked. The vehicle was not repaired. The Kia dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11554433

Windows were broken and steering column was broken in to. Car was stolen and spray painted the seats and front end was smashed.Car was totaled

NHTSA ODI 11548548

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the steering column was previously replaced due to power steering failure. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality inadvertently, and veered to the right lane unintendedly. The anti-skid and the power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled to the side of the roadway. The contact stated that he turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that he was able to continue driving using physical strength to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the earliest availability for diagnostic testing was September 8, 2023. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist because the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11540401

Knocking noise coming from engine. Pulley is wobbly. Oil leak coming from timing cover. Knocking noise come from Connecting rod knocking. Engine will have to be replaced or rebuilt.

NHTSA ODI 11508652

The steering wheel sticks at the 12 o'clock position. Typically in cooler weather. It is very noticeable at highway speeds. The same thing was documented in the 2012 - 2014 models under TSB CHA 060. I took it to the dealer in 2016, but they couldn't duplicate the issue. I have recently moved from SC to KY. The problem is more pronounced in cold weather. I have to use both hands to keep the car straight on the highway.

NHTSA ODI 11500242

Vehicle lost power steering completely. Has been inspected. Steering wheel sensor needs to be replaced. ABS light active as well as steering wheel light. No reason as to why this happen but it seems to be and ongoing issue for Kia Optima owners after reading other reports online.

NHTSA ODI 11486212

Sticking Steering. Steering Wheel seems to 'stick' at a 12 o'clock position causing an 'over steering' problem. You drift from left to right as the Electronic Steering tries to correct the drivers reactions to the Sticking. This is an obvious 'DEFECTIVE' part and can cause a loss of steering. Kia Consumer Assistance Center does not recognize this as a serious problem, maybe you will. This will be my 3rd Steering Column replacement. (1) Original, (2) Replaced at 7,500 miles, (3) replacing at 99,600 miles. Please look into this. Kia needs to 'Recall' their cars before people get killed.

NHTSA ODI 11466203

2015 Kia Optima EX Steering column replaced under warranty at approx. 7,000 miles. Now at 99,500 I need a new Steering Column because of the same symptoms; STICKING STEERING. Steering wheel sticks when trying to maneuver towards the right. Then you over steer and need to pull back to the left. This goes on over and over at all speeds. The worst is at high speeds because the slight tug on the wheel makes you drift more because of your speed. Kia needs to recall all Optima's and re-engineer and replace their Steering Columns.

NHTSA ODI 11462803

Kia said they fixed recall on my car and lights are still on and I hydroplane and totaled my car

NHTSA ODI 11455460

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds with the steering wheel in the straight position, the steering wheel experienced resistance when attempting to turn from the 12 o'clock position in either direction. The contact indicated that the resistance would suddenly cease causing the driver to over steer and potentially lose control of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 34,000.

NHTSA ODI 11447323

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, IT WAS DIFFICULT TO KEEP THE VEHICLE CENTERED IN THE LANE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FEATURE WAS NOT OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND WAITED FOR SEVERAL MINUTES BEFORE RESTARTING THE VEHICLE TO DRIVE TO THE RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT TH STEERING ANGLE PRESSURE HAD STARTED TO FAIL IN THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING UNIT. THE MECHANIC RECOMMENDED THAT THE VEHICLE BE TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NAPLETON'S MID RIVERS KIA (4955 VETERANS MEMORIAL PKWY, ST PETERS, MO 63376) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.

NHTSA ODI 11413002

I WAS HEADED TO KY DECEMBER 2020 TO VISIT MY FATHER. THE CAR STARTED MAKING RATTLING NOISE. AS I HIT THE GAS PETAL, THE CAR WAS STOPPING IN ON COMING 1-65 TRAFFIC HEADING NORTH. I PULLED OVER AND HAD TO CALL MY INSURANCE COMPANY TO TOW TO THE NEAREST AUTO REPAIR SHOP. I WAS NEARLY 50 MILES FROM BOWLING GREEN KENTUCKY (12-23-20). I CALLED MY INSURANCE AND WE SET UP ARRANGEMENTS FOR TOWING TO PICK UP THE NEXT MORNING (LESS THAN 24 HOURS- CHRISTMAS EVE). WITHIN LESS THAN 24 HOURS, THE CAR WAS IMPOUNDED BY KENTUCKY POLICE NEAR GLASGOW, KY. AFTER PAYING TOWING FEES AND TICKETS, I FINALLY GOT MY CAR TO AUTO COMPANY TO RUN DIAGNOSTICS REPORT. AFTER COMPLETION, I FOUND OUT THE ENGINE FAILED ALONG WITH MORE STUFF. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE DEALER WHO SOLD ME THE CAR (KIA-HUNTSVILLE, AL) TO ASK FOR ADVICE ON NEXT STEPS. HE TOLD ME TO CONTACT THE NEAREST KIA SERVICE DEPARTMENT NEAR WHERE THE CAR WAS IMMEDIATELY TO GET IT FIXED BECAUSE OF THE RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE CAR WAS FINALLY TOWED TO MARTIN KIA (BOWLING GREEN KENTUCKY). THEY PUT ME IN LINE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE PROPERLY AND COMPLETELY FIXED. ON JANUARY 4, 2021 THE VEHICLE WAS IN KIA POSSESSION TO FIX RECALL REPAIRS. MARCH 6, 2021 I WAS SCHEDULED TO PICK UP THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT WAS PROMISED THAT THE VEHICLE IS COMPLETED. AFTER PICKING UP THE CAR, I HAD TO WAIT 45MINUTES BECAUSE MY CAR WAS LOCKED AND TIRE LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS PULLED TO SIDE AND TOLD THE VEHICLE WAS FIXED BY BRAND NEW EMPLOYEE AND TO CHECK TO MAKE SURE A ENGINE LIGHT DOES NOT COME ON BECAUSE IF SO, IT'S PROBABLY THE NEW HIRE FAULT FOR IT MESSING UP. AFTER ALL OF THAT, I WAS HEADED HOME AND THE CAR STOPPED A SECOND TIME! AFTER CONTACTING LOCAL POLICE, I WAS TOLD TO GO BACK TO KIA TO RETURN THE KEYS AND MAKE THEM TOW THE VEHICLE TO GET IT OFF OF THE INTERSTATE.

NHTSA ODI 11399534

ABOUT A MONTH AGO MY TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON AND I WOULD LOSE POWER STEERING. FOR A BRIEF PERIOD OF TIME MAYBE A DAY OR TWO THE LIGHT WENT OUT AND I REGAINED STEERING. SINCE THEN IT HAS COME BACK ON AGAIN AND I HAVE HAD NO POWER STEERING SINCE THIS PERIOD I KNOW THERE IS AN ACTIVE RECALL ON CERTAIN ASPECTS OF THIS AND BELIEVE THIS IS PART OF IT, HOWEVER I AM TOLD THAT MY PROBLEM IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL AND THAT I NEED TO PAY TO HAVE THE SAFETY ISSUE FIXED ON MY OWN.

NHTSA ODI 11373547

ABOUT A MONTH AND A HALF AGO MY TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON AND I LOST POWER STEERING. FOR A BRIEF PERIOD OF TIME THAT DAY THE LIGHT WENT OFF AND I REGAINED POWER STEERING. LATER THAT SAME DAY THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT REAPPEARED AND HAS BEEN ON SINCE CAUSING ME TO LOSE POWER STEERING. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY CLAIM THAT THIS PROBLEM DOES NOT FALL UNDER ANY RECALL THEREFORE THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANYTHING.

NHTSA ODI 11373549

8/27/2020 CAR HAD BEEN AT THE KIA DEALERSHIP 2 WEEKS BEFORE FOR THE SAME ISSUE...CAR SHUT DOWN ON THE FREEWAY AFTER 'CHECK HYBRID CHARGING SYSTEM' LIGHTS FLASHING 'SHUT DOWN ENGINE' LIGHTS FLASHING. KIA HAD DETERMINED CAR JUST NEEDED A 'HYBRID BATTERY UPDATE' FAST FORWARD...I WAS DRIVING TO VISIT MY MOTHER IN IDAHO, DRIVING ABOUT 75 MPH ON THE FREEWAY, WHEN THE SAME THING HAPPENED: 'CHECK HYBRID CHARGING SYSTEM, SHUT OFF ENGINE.' ALL THE LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING, AND 'POSSIBLE BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ISSUE' DIAGNOSTIC FLASHED ON THE RADIO SCREEN. THE CAR STARTED LOSING POWER BEFORE LOCKING UP COMPLETELY, WHEEL LOCKING, SHUTTING OFF AND SPINNING OUT ON THE HIGHWAY. LUCKILY ANOTHER OTHER CARS WERE CLOSE BY OR ELSE THIS WOULD HAVE EASILY TURNED INTO A FATAL CRASH. 3 HOURS ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND A $450 TOW INTO THE NEAREST KIA DEALERSHIP WHICH WAS 2 HOURS AWAY.. AND I FIND OUT IT'S A BLOWN HEV FUSE AND THE HYBRID SYSTEM/BATTERY HAS FAILED COMPLETELY. NOW I'M STUCK WITH A DEAD CAR. FAILED AT AROUND 79,500 MILES. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST KIA OPTIMA HYBRID TO DO THIS!!! RECALL THESE CARS BEFORE THEY KILL SOMEBODY!! I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT A 5 YEAR OLD CAR SHUTTING DOWN AND LOCKING UP ON THE FREEWAY WHILE DRIVING. ESPECIALLY WITH KIDS IN THE CAR. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER KIA AGAIN. IT HAS THE 10 YEAR 100,000 MILE WARRANTY WHICH KIA IS SAYING COVERS NO PART OF ANY REPAIRS. ODD SINCE THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THESE HYBRIDS!! RECALL THESE DEATH TRAPS!!!

NHTSA ODI 11352021