2015 Kia Optima airbags problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

20 owners have reported airbags problems with the 2015 Kia Optima, 3% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 68,500 mi.

Airbags complaints
20
Crashes
9
Fires
0
Injuries
6
Related recalls
0
Median mileage
68,500 mi

Specific components reported

Airbags covers: Frontal, side and curtain airbags, sensors and warning lights.

ComponentComplaints
Air bags19
Air bags:frontal:driver clockspring/spiral cassette1

Airbags complaints across Kia Optima years

52007720082200912010920111920122320136201420201513201632017620188201972020
Airbags complaints by model year. The 2015 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k110k–30k130k–60k460k–100k1100k–150k1150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

  1. Filed Nov 14, 202562,000 miGACrash1 injuredTowedAirbagsSeats & Seat Belts
    The contact owned a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while at a complete stop at the red traffic light, another vehicle, driving off a highway ramp at an undisclosed speed, crashed into the rear-end of the vehicle. An unknown red warning light was flashing. The air bags did not deploy. The seat belts failed to restrain the contact as needed, causing the contact to hit her forehead against the steering wheel, which propelled the contact's head back to the headrest,…
    NHTSA complaint #11699361 · source
  2. Filed Sep 25, 2025COCrashTowedAirbagsBrakesSteering
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11689769 · source
  3. Filed Sep 10, 2025CACrash1 injuredTowedAirbags
    Driving on [XXX] to Eureka, Ca. Just outside of Laytonville, CA. the vehicle in front of me swerved into oncoming traffic lane (no vehicle in his way) to go around rock, then rock was there, I swerved to the right, but hit the rock, went up on embankment, flipped over and slid to a stop. There is an upcoming California Highway Patrol report from Mendocino County, with support witness (PG&E employee) statement given to California Highway Patrol. No airbags deployed throughout…
    NHTSA complaint #11686340 · source
  4. Filed May 18, 2025COCrashTowedAirbagsBrakesSteering
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11661667 · source
  5. Filed Jan 2, 2025148,827 miFLAirbags
    The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the driver's side air bag warning light was illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 148,827.
    NHTSA complaint #11633704 · source
  6. Filed Oct 22, 202472,000 miGAAirbags
    The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that two independent mechanics were sent to the residence to diagnose the vehicle. The contact was informed that the clock spring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 72,000.
    NHTSA complaint #11621334 · source
  7. Filed Sep 6, 2024AZAirbags
    Possible clock spring failure. Symptoms - Air bag light remains on and lost functionality on left side of steering wheel. Not covered under recall, but 2016 year is covered. My vehicle appears to have a mix of 2015 & 2016 parts (specifically front brakes). No aftermarket changes to brakes or steering clock spring.
    NHTSA complaint #11613078 · source
  8. Filed Jan 24, 2024IDCrashTowedAirbagsBody & StructureElectrical System
    I owned my 2015 optima slx since they have it replaced my engine in kearny mesa dealership i paid out of pocket from repairs labors there is a defects on door panels airbags electricl wiring harness never received any claim compensation settlement from those claim accidents that iam not at fault for it is unlawful unconstitutional unfair i deserve a restoration of my personal vehicle i owned it i lived in it.
    NHTSA complaint #11567675 · source
  9. Filed Oct 19, 202390,000 miCACrash1 injuredTowedAirbags
    The contact owned a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 58 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the rear center passenger side of the vehicle. As a result, the vehicle rolled. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained injury to the lower back, head, and neck that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot and deemed a total loss by the…
    NHTSA complaint #11550856 · source
  10. Filed Jan 13, 2023ORCrash2 injuredTowedAirbagsEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    I purchased a kia turbo optima from bob's lamphere's beaverton oregon kia dealership 9 days later I felt the acceleration awkwardly bi wanted to return it or exchange but was told no contract was only within 5 days. I took it to kia dealership for diagnostic 3 times I had it for 9 months the last 6 weeks was the 3rd time until Feb 28th It was totaled by a uninsured motorist memes william benton penny lll Or. Driver lic# 1289466 Of 1633 n.e. 76th portland oregon 97213 he was…
    NHTSA complaint #11501694 · source
  11. Filed Dec 20, 2022200,000 miTXAirbagsEngine
    The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The traction control, air bag, power steering assist, ABS, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic twice, and the front…
    NHTSA complaint #11498242 · source
  12. Filed Aug 18, 2022ALAirbagsElectrical SystemEngine
    I been reported the recall about my car engine and other problems thats going on with it but the manufacturer won’t fix it so what else can i do to have all these recalls fixed
    NHTSA complaint #11479941 · source

Other 2015 Kia Optima problem areas

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology