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

I would say that the time this incident happened I was driving and me and me nephew were in car at time taking to shop to see why it was making a sound like air and all of sudden the car started swerving and slowing down and then it made a pop sound and smoke started coming from the car and I was thankful that I didn’t get hit but affraid and also hit my head in car due to the sudden jerk car mad and then it popped sound a d smoke came from good. The next day I have to pay to get back on the other side and also tow it home which it been parked since but I see a recall on my vin and want to find out how to get it to the nearest Kia to fix the recall

NHTSA ODI 11750184

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was take to O'Reilly's to be diagnosed. The DTC: P1326; was retrieved. The contact attempted to start the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to start. The contact researched online and found NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V543000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V543000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the dealer refused to repair the vehicle because the vehicle was not currently registered and additional repairs were needed before a recall repair could be performed. The vehicle was being towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.

NHTSA ODI 11742315

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal became inoperable. The contact stated that while attempting to depress the brake pedal, the brake pedal failed to operate properly. However, while light pressure was applied to the brake pedal, the brakes responded and engaged properly. The contact stated that the failure had started after the vehicle was repaired under a recall related to the HECU fuse replacement. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA ODI 11731516

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle unintendedly decelerated to 5 MPH and started jerking abnormally. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 21V331000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) and 20V519000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the VIN was not included in recalls. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 158,872.

NHTSA ODI 11726654

The contact is calling on behalf of her grandson for a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while he was driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle was making an abnormal sound and stalled. The contact stated he restarted the vehicle and was able to shift to drive (D), but the vehicle again stalled. The contact stated that he observed that white smoke was coming from under the hood. The contact stated that he pulled over and stopped the vehicle, opened the hood, and saw that smoke and flames had formed under the engine. The contact stated that he called the fire department. The fire was extinguished using foam. The vehicle was towed back to the contact's residence. The contact had not called a dealer or the manufacturer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that her grandson had not received a recall letter from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 158,006.

NHTSA ODI 11712145

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

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

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

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

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

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ODI 11653673

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V519000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) in October of 2020. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who tested the vehicle to determine that the vehicle was not leaking brake fluid. Approximately 5 years later the ABS, traction control, and brake light illuminated, causing the vehicle to hesitate and jerk while driving. The contact stated that there was a burning oil odor coming from the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed the modulator valve was leaking oil, causing it to leak out of the vehicle when the cap was removed. The contact noticed oil on the skid plate underneath the oil pan. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,600.

NHTSA ODI 11653405

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was started, and the vehicle was driven to the residence. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall or special programs. 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 95,743.

NHTSA ODI 11644203

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle shut off with several unknown warning lights illuminated. An independent mechanic spotted the contact on the side of the road and helped. The mechanic was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle immediately shut off with a loud clanking sound and a burning odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was later towed to the residence. Despite the failure, the contact was able to drive the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was driven to the residence and a mobile mechanic inspected the vehicle. The contact was informed that the VIN was under recall and was advised to take the vehicle to a dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure, which voided the recall due to the diagnostic test. The contact was offered a buyback which was refused. The contact was then referred to the manufacturer and was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty and that any repairs would be an out-of-pocket expense. The contact drove the vehicle back to the residence despite the failure and the vehicle repeatedly shutting off. The contact called another mobile mechanic and was informed about a recall and related the failure to the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ODI 11639820

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he smelled a burning odor permeating throughout the interior of the vehicle, prompting him to discontinue driving the vehicle. After a visual inspection of the exterior of the vehicle, the contact observed what appeared to be a hydraulic fluid leak underneath the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics); the VIN was included, but the vehicle had not yet been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.

NHTSA ODI 11635288

Engine fire

NHTSA ODI 11618263

On May 11, 2024, we took our 2015 Kia Optima to Hutchinson Kia Service Center 3931 River Pl, Macon, Ga. due to brakes not working. When you apply brakes the vehicle would not stopped you would have to apply the emergency brakes for a complete stop. On that day, I was told no one was there to check my brakes due it was a Saturday and would need to schedule another appointment when they could do a brake diagnostic. The next appointment was June 4,2024, on that day we had the vehicle towed due to brakes. Today is September 2, 2024 and our vehicle is still there. On July 12, 2024, we were contacted staying vehicle was repaired and the problem wa a pin hole in the right brake line. We picked up the vehicle proceeded home at the first traffic stop same problem happen with the brakes.We returned immediately back to Kia Service center, explaining the same problem still exists. After vehicle being there for 2 more weeks, Nick with Kia Hutchinson Kia called stated there was a problem with ABS system and vehicle would be ready on August 21,2024. Well the still have my vehicle and no updates. When you call they put on hold and never comeback. If you go over the Service Manager is always out and no one can give you and update

NHTSA ODI 11612100

While driving on freeway lights, flicker and car just dies. Steering goes out and lose control of vehicle. Then will randomly start up again

NHTSA ODI 11603950

Driving down highway car engine shut off. Brakes are vacuum assist so brake pedal was hard and not very responsive while trying to stop car. Engine would not restart having to be towed. No warning lights, no strange noises. Just shut off. Engine possibly siezed. Looking in a kia forum this seems to be a recurring problem. I know there were Engine recalls in previous model years may need to be included for this year as well. Engine oil good, coolant level good.

NHTSA ODI 11602299

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while her granddaughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and there was smoke coming from the front end of the vehicle. The driver was able to pull to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact met her granddaughter on the side of the road. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the smoke was coming from underneath the vehicle, under the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that an unknown wiring harness had burned, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the dealer informed the contact that the repair could not be covered under the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

NHTSA ODI 11600193

The check oil and my fans stopped working and also my fuel pump and also my battery light went on

NHTSA ODI 11599564

has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall It smells like burning

NHTSA ODI 11594977

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the ABS, check engine warning light remained illuminated with a burning odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 150,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11590643

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated the vehicle failed to start-up. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the oil level was extremely low. The contact was unaware of any oil leaks. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost of towing the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) after the failure had occurred. The failure mileage was approximately 184,000.

NHTSA ODI 11589979

The contact owned a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage and plugged up, the contact's son heard an abnormally loud pop and discovered that the vehicle caught on fire which extended to the home. The contact and her son were able to safely exit the home and no injuries were sustained. The origin of the fire was unknown. The Fire Department was able to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was totaled. The contact received NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

NHTSA ODI 11589650