2015 KIA Optima problems
Owners have filed 1,399 complaints about the 2015 KIA Optima with NHTSA. Engine accounts for 44.3% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of electrical system at 9.7%.
Complaints1,399
Crashes56
Fires115
Injuries42
Deaths1
What owners report breaking
Engine 44.3% · 620
Unknown or other 9.9% · 138
Electrical system 9.7% · 136
Structure 5.4% · 76
Steering 4.9% · 69
Power train 3.5% · 49
Service brakes 3.5% · 49
Fuel/propulsion system 3.2% · 45
Severity
Of those complaints, 56 describe a crash, 115 describe a fire, 42 report an injury and 1 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 19 model years of the KIA Optima in this data, 2015 ranks 2nd by complaint volume — 2013 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 394 in the last three years against 532 in the three before. The issues here may already have been addressed.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 79,500 miles.
In owners' own words
I have experienced several issues with my Kia. I have replaced catalytic converter (direct fit), and the valve covering gasket. However, the engine reports issues every other month. The dealership dismissed everything stating that the engine is fine. But wherever I take the car to get an oil change, they say I need to contact the dealership. I have been consistently managing my car maintenance but it does not help. Engine · reported at 189,436 miles
When taking off at a stop light or getting onto the interstate (basically when accelerating) the car feels like it has no power. You can hear a weird noise and sometimes you will smell burnt oil or something burnt. Also, I had a recent oil change and within the month I had to add oil again. There is no sign on my driveway that there is a leak. Please look into this as there are multiple people with the same issues. Engine · reported at 65,000 miles
When I drive my car it smells just like it is burning or melting in the motor, it comes thru the vents and smells awful. It has only smoked a couple of times when I have turned it off. I have had it looked at but at first they couldn't find the problem. The second time I had it checked out they said that the changed the HECU on my car but it still smells like it is burning. It has been doing it for about 3 months. Engine
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…