2015 Kia Optima electrical system problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jul 29, 202688,000 miGAElectrical System

   The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the rear taillight socket wiring harness failed to function as intended. The contact was informed that the brake lights were inoperable. The contact stated that the failure had occurred every 6–7 months. The contact stated that the repair was completed by the contact. The dealer was not made aware of the failure but provided no…

   NHTSA complaint #11753610 · source
2. Filed Jul 14, 2026GABrakesElectrical System

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11750184 · source
3. Filed Jun 22, 2026CAElectrical SystemEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11745534 · source
4. Filed Mar 17, 2026174,000 miTNFireTowedElectrical SystemEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11725022 · source
5. Filed Jan 25, 2026ALFireElectrical SystemSteering

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11713230 · source
6. Filed Jan 17, 2026FLElectrical SystemLightingOther / Unknown

   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 complaint #11711673 · source
7. Filed Jan 2, 2026TXBrakesElectrical SystemSteering

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11708255 · source
8. Filed Dec 9, 2025CAElectrical System

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11703872 · source
9. Filed Dec 3, 2025FLElectrical SystemEngine

   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.…

   NHTSA complaint #11702641 · source
10. Filed Oct 14, 2025ILElectrical SystemEngine

    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 complaint #11693463 · source
11. Filed Oct 4, 2025ARElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11691385 · source
12. Filed Sep 17, 2025NJElectrical SystemSteering

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

    NHTSA complaint #11687783 · source

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