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

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The primary failure involved the engine. The vehicle experienced a major engine failure that resulted in an engine replacement under a manufacturer recall. After the replacement engine was installed, the vehicle later developed additional engine-related problems. An independent mechanic advised that the vehicle would require another engine replacement or extensive engine repairs. Additional defects included a malfunctioning moonroof that would no longer close properly and other mechanical issues affecting the vehicle's operation. The vehicle may be available for inspection depending on its current status and location. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The repeated engine problems created concerns about the reliability and safe operation of the vehicle. Sudden engine failure while driving resulted in loss of power, inability to maintain speed in traffic, and being stranded in unsafe conditions. The ongoing mechanical failures caused significant concern regarding the vehicle's dependability and safety. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The original engine issue was confirmed by authorized service personnel and resulted in an engine replacement under a manufacturer recall. The subsequent engine-related problem was evaluated by an independent mechanic, who advised that the vehicle required another engine replacement or significant repairs. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle was inspected in connection with the original engine recall and replacement. It was also inspected by an independent mechanic regarding the subsequent engine issues. At this time, I am not aware of any inspection by police or insurance representatives related to these mechanical failures. 5. yes, right away

NHTSA ODI 11745534

The contact owned a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, during a DoorDash delivery, the vehicle vibrated. The contact pulled to the side of the road and noticed smoke emitting underneath the vehicle from the right side. The contact exited the vehicle and noticed smoke emitting from underneath the hood. The state troopers were called. By the time the fire department arrived, the vehicle was engulfed in flames, and the engine had exploded. The fire department extinguished the fire. The contact was not injured. No police report was filed. The state troopers believed that the fire was caused by an electrical short. The contact stated that prior to the fire, the vehicle vibrated when idled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a towing yard. The insurance company was not notified about the fire. The contact was unaware that NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) was associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was not notified of the fire. The failure mileage was approximately 174,000.

NHTSA ODI 11725022

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

I’ve gotten my vehicle fixed four times now thinking it was an electrical issue, not aware of the recall. Did my research this fifth time when my brake lights completely went out and smoke at some point in times come through my air-conditioning. I’ve spent more money trying to fix the vehicle with no idea that there were issues already about it.

NHTSA ODI 11711673

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

In September of 2025, my radio and back up camera stopped working. I contacted Hayward Kia and was informed by staff member, Eraca Craig, that my 2015 Kia Optima needed a software update that was covered by a recall. I waited several weeks for the dealership to contact me once the update was available. During the waiting period my car's battery started to drain intermittently. I had to have the battery recharged multiple times by AAA. The battery would stay charged for a few days, maybe a week, then I'd experience the same issue. AAA towed my car to Kia Hayward on October 3, 2025. They charged my battery and kept my car over night to see if the battery would stay charged, it did not. Eraca told me that the AC Delco battery I purchased on January 16, 2025 was not "compatible" with my car. She recommended a factory Kia battery which I purchased on October 7, 2025. By November 1, my Kia battery had drained. AAA recharged the battery and it held a charge until November 25, 2025. When I took my car to Kia on November 11, 2025 for the software update, I was told that the update did not apply to my malfunctioning radio and camera therefore I needed to replace the entire unit for $4,080.49. On December 6, 2025 I had a diagnosis performed on my car, it reported codes C1102, B1102, B1112, and P000. C1102 indicates an issue with the HECU. My 2015 Kia Optima has had three recalls related to the HECU (#SC284,#SC212, &#SC197). On December 8, 2025 I made a request, via e-mail, to Eraca Craig that my HECU be inspected for leaks and to have the HECU fuse replaced. I understand that these services were recorded as performed in the past, but I need them performed again because I'm not satisfied that Kia has remedied the situation. I've also filed complaints with the Kia Customer Care Center. My case numbers are #25697367 and #25723089.

NHTSA ODI 11703872

The incident took place on Sunday, December 30th. I was driving to pick up my children from their father and on our way home my car stopped accelerating entirely. This had only happen one other time a few days prior. I was in a gas station parking lot and initially when I turned my car on and went to put it into drive it wouldn’t accelerate. I thought that was odd so I did the only thing I knew how to, I checked my oil levels. Levels were full and no other issues were there. The check engine light had popped up when I turned my car back on but my car did accelerate so I thought nothing of it. I took my car to auto zone for a diagnostic and they told me my “B cam shaft” sensor needed to be moved and that could be causing the engine light to come on and ticking in my motor. I called a few shops getting quotes and eventually was forced to tow to the closest shop to me after my car refused to start overall. They replaced the battery and the b cam shaft censors and still were unable to get the car started. They told me 3 recalls were open on my car, including the motor and to have it towed to Kia for a full replacement. After calling Kia to have the repairs done, they refused me service based on a previous owner not handling prior recalls.

NHTSA ODI 11702641

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

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

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 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

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

My car started having electrical issues, started smoking and stopped completely while driving, now it won’t turn on / start

NHTSA ODI 11672156

My car caught on fire just sitting under the carport. The investigator said that it was electrical. Our neighbor seen it and told us to get out the house and started popping. I tried to get in for the brake line but no one would call me back to see about it. When I go thru water and get on the brake it jerk like.

NHTSA ODI 11669992

I was driving on the freeway when I noticed smoke coming out of my hood. I immediately exited the freeway, pulled over, popped the hood open, and my engine was on fire. There were no warning lamps on my dash. I don’t know which components were involved and inspection of the components after was not possible, because everything under the hood burned by the time firefighters responded.

NHTSA ODI 11664430

My 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid poses a serious safety risk. While driving at highway speeds, the car has randomly shut off multiple times. A "Check Hybrid System" or hybrid battery warning appears on the dashboard, and the vehicle either loses power entirely or switches to electric-only mode and coasts to a stop. This happens without warning, putting my life and the lives of others at risk. I already had the relevant hybrid system recall work completed by a Kia dealer, but the issue persists and the car remains unreliable and unsafe. This appears to be a known issue affecting many 2011–2016 Optima Hybrid vehicles. Kia needs to be held accountable for continuing hybrid system failures that occur post-recall and outside of warranty. This is a dangerous, recurring defect.

NHTSA ODI 11653852

Was driving down the highway and all of a sudden the car shut down in the highway lucky cars was not close by. Tried to crank it it would not crank would not take a boost it won’t say anything I had the battery checked at auto zone the battery is really good. The mileage on the Kia optima is 1,900 actual miles it will not crank or move it was very scary I called Kia customer service there wanted to charge me over $400.00 dollars to come get it and take it to the shop so it took me 2 days to find a tow to get it home and it still needs to go to the Kia shop

NHTSA ODI 11652671

On October 10th 2024, my 2015 Kia Optima caught fire while I was driving. The fire originated from the engine compartment, completely engulfing the vehicle in flames within minutes. Component/System Failure: The exact cause of the fire is unknown, but Kia had previously issued a recall for this model due to an engine defect that posed a fire risk. The vehicle is no longer available for inspection as it was completely destroyed in the fire. However, I have multiple videos documenting the incident, including footage of the fire and the aftermath. Safety Risk: My safety and the safety of others were severely compromised. The fire started suddenly while I was driving, forcing me to evacuate the vehicle immediately. If I hadn’t reacted quickly, I could have suffered serious injuries or worse. Additionally, the fire posed a danger to other drivers and pedestrians nearby. Reproduction/Confirmation: The issue has not been reproduced, but it aligns with the recall Kia issued for this model. Prior to the fire, I attempted to schedule an appointment with Kia to address the recall, but I never received confirmation, and no inspection was performed. Inspections: After the incident, I contacted Kia, and they sent an investigator to inspect the remains of the vehicle. No police or insurance representatives conducted an independent inspection. Warning Signs: There were no warning lights, messages, or obvious signs of a problem immediately before the fire. However, I had previously noticed a recall related to fire risk for my specific model and attempted to schedule an appointment with Kia, but they never responded. Given Kia’s history of engine fire recalls, I strongly believe this incident is related to the known defects in this vehicle model.

NHTSA ODI 11644544

When I was driving my car had stopped driving, the engine light had popped up. I put a new battery, and starter on to see if that was the problem, but it wasn’t. I then took the car to battleground Kia in Greensboro, NC. They confirm that the engine had stopped working due to being locked up and it had a recall on it. First they said they can’t fix the engine without my registration and license, I turned that in then They said they will not fix the recall if I don’t have enough evidence of oil changes which I’ve handed over to them multiple times. I thought a recall was suppose to be fixed without hassle. My Kia advisor is Matt Cates. Email:Mcates@battlegroundkia.com

NHTSA ODI 11630719

DURING COVID 19 PANDEMIC GRIEVIANCE DEPRESION HOMELESSNESS RACISM CRITICISM HATE CYBERBULLY ATTACK I LIVE IN MY 2015 KIA OPTIMA I HAD [XXX] I HAD TBONE ACCIDENT IAM NOT FAULT FOR I HAVE ALL STATE INSURANCE I NEVER GET HELPED COMPENSATED THEY CLOSED MY CLAIMS I HAD MULTPLE CITATIONS 13 IN EL CAJON 4 IN SAN DIEGO 4 3 HOLLYWOOD 1 RIVERSIDE THAT I WASNT AWARE OF AS I WENT TO DMV TO RENEW MY CAR REGISTRATION I WAS BILLED FOR $1522 PAID $2200 FOR RENEWAL THERES PEOPLE WHO CROSSED MY LIFE WHO DAMAGED MY VEHICLE IT WASNT DRIVEABLE FOR ONE YEAR PARKED AT [XXX] THEN APRIL 2022 THIEVES INTENDED TO STEAL MY PERSONAL BELONGINGS THEY BROKE MY WINDOW ALL MY PERSONAL ITEMS WAS GONE IT WAS TOWED BY AGENCY HAD TO PAY $1000 WITH BUSTED WINDOWS MISSING PERSONAL ITEMS DENT TBONE ACCIDENT I SUFFERED BURDEN PAIN DEPRESSION EMOTIONAL DISTRESS WHILE I WAS BEING MOCKED CRITICIZED UNLAWFULLY I HAD TRAUMA THERE IS NO RELIEF RECOVERY IT DIDNT STOP THERE AFTER I PICKED UP FROM ROAD ONE TOWING AGENCY I HAVE IT TOWED MOVED PARKED IN [XXX] THEN MY ENGINE SEIZED UP WONT START IGNITION THEN BROUGHT KIA KEARNY MESA SERVICE DEALERSHIP JAN 1, 2023 THEN IT GOTTEN WORST MORE REPAIRS REPLACEMENT PARTS WHEN I HAVE LIFETIME WARRANTY ON MY ENGINE THEY INSTALLED BAD ENGINE REPLACED DEFECTS ON IT I WAS [XXX] MULTPLE TIMES NO PEACE OF MIND UNTIL PRESENT DEC 09, 2024 ALL THE REPAIR ORDERS WASNT BEING DONE PROPERLY. THEY PUT DAMAGES ON ME I GOT STRANDED MULTIPLE TIMES IN HIGHWAY FREEWAY INTERSTATE SIDE STREETS FOR ALL ISSUES ENGINE PROBLEMS THAT HAPPENED TO ME I COULDNT GET RECOVERY JUSTICE THEN [XXX] I HAD TRAFFIC COLLISION ACCIDENT IAM NOTAT FAULT I WAS BEING INTEROGATED BY KEMPER INSURANCE INVESTIGATORS TRYING TO ACCESS MY VEHICLE IMFORMATION DATA WHEN THEIR CLIENT HIT MY CAR FROM BEHIND I WAS WITH MOTHER WE BOUGHT HAD WHIPLASHED BACKPAIN WENT STRAIGHT TO E.R UNTIL NOW THEY WONT GIVE ME PEACE OF MIND I SUFFERED THE WORST PAIN INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11629788

ENGINE KEEPS SHUTTING OFF

NHTSA ODI 11627763

The contact owned a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, he noticed an abnormal burning odor; however, the temperature gauge did not indicate that the vehicle was overheating. The contact stated that upon noticing that the burning odor was becoming stronger, the contact pulled to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that while exiting the vehicle, he noticed flames coming out through the upper part of the hood, near the windshield. The contact opened the hood and noticed that there was fire under the hood. The contact stated that the fire expanded, and the vehicle significantly burned from the front end to the rear seats. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. The contact was unsure whether a fire department report was filed. The fire department advised the contact that the fire was caused by an electrical or mechanical failure. There was no injury sustained. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and totaled. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.

NHTSA ODI 11618426

On or about 13 May 2024 my family and I traveling. During the travel the vehicle displayed “Hybrid System Stop and Do Not Drive”. We took it in to Kia during the time that they had the vehicle, they informed us that it needed an ECU update (recall). When services were finished, we picked up the vehicle and was made to pay for services that were part of the recall. When we left the dealership, the lights on the dashboard appeared 1. Engine, 2. HEV. We called the dealership back and informed them what happened. They told us to take the vehicle back to them. After checking it, they informed us that due to the update that was done to the vehicle it triggered faults in the battery. They informed us we would have to replace the Hybrid Battery that would cost us about $13,000. We stated to them our vehicle wasn’t having battery issues when we initially turned the vehicle in for service. They refused to assist and stated it wasn’t there responsibility even though it was given to us with these faults. We left the dealership and after driving for a few minutes, the warning sign came on and the car began to smell like smoke. I contacted KIA Corporate and informed them that the vehicle displayed a message on the dashboard and smoke. The gentleman I spoke to informed me not to drive the vehicle and park it away from other vehicles and to get the vehicle to KIA to check services. We took it to a different KIA for services. They informed us that the hybrid battery needed to be replaced and the cost. I explained to them the recall issue and that the vehicle was given to us with the issues that started to occur after the update. They said it wasn’t their responsibility and that they weren’t going to fix the damages or issues that were caused by another dealership. I called KIA Corporate and informed them of the situation and how the dealership refused to make repairs although they knew the hybrid battery issues were triggered from the recall updates/repairs.

NHTSA ODI 11613568

For the past month or two my vehicle hesitates to start on the first try. I can smell an odor at times when this occurs. Most recently it seems to occur more frequently when the outside temperature is warmer.

NHTSA ODI 11611272