2015 Kia Optima fuel, hybrid & EV propulsion problems

Related recalls

• Recall 18V907000Dec 19, 201871,653 vehicles
  ENGINE · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

  Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.

  Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

  Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.

What owners say

1. Filed Aug 24, 2026AZFireEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

   My 2015 KIA optima experienced a catastrophic engine fire while I was driving. There was no warning, I just heard a boom in the engine bay the breaks stopped working and all electrical cut out. As I'm coasting, because I'm unable to stop, flames started to come in through under the dash. I couldn't turn the car off, nor put it in park so the doors stayed locked. The driver window was opened just enough for me to grab the top and break it, allowing me to crawl out. The car…

   NHTSA complaint #11759158 · source
2. Filed Aug 13, 2026MAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionSteering

   This is a formal vehicle safety complaint regarding a manufacturer's active refusal to remedy a known safety defect under an active recall campaign guidelines.My 2015 Kia Optima Turbo experienced an active internal mechanical engine knock, violent sputtering, and a complete engine seizure. The vehicle is currently sitting un-driveable at an authorized Kia dealership.The required Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software update was successfully completed on this vehicle…

   NHTSA complaint #11756632 · source
3. Filed Feb 11, 2026123,323 miWAFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle or while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle after the vehicle was serviced by the dealer. The contact stated that the vehicle received an undisclosed engine repair. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or the dealer to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 123,323.

   NHTSA complaint #11717265 · source
4. Filed Dec 2, 2025NVEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   12-01-2025 driving to work in the morning approx 7:00A.M. and turned on the heater and had a very strong smell like fuel so immediately turned it off. Cracked my windows to air it out and then was super cold again and had turned on the heater to try again. Immediately had to turn it off and rolled windows down to air it out because the smell was intense and had started to feel nauseas. Later in the day, about to head to lunch and had started the vehicle and smelt a lot like…

   NHTSA complaint #11702454 · source
5. Filed Nov 23, 2025TXEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   While driving my 2015 Kia Optima (VIN: [XXX] ) at highway speed, the engine suddenly shut off without any warning lights, alerts, noises, or check-engine indicators. This created a dangerous situation for me and surrounding drivers. The vehicle had passed state inspection only 3 months earlier with no issues. The sudden shutdown is consistent with the known Theta II engine defect investigated by NHTSA. The car is now completely undrivable. Two Kia dealerships refused to…

   NHTSA complaint #11701029 · source
6. 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
7. Filed Apr 18, 202596,000 miNVTowedEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. However, several days later the failure reoccurred, and the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11655502 · source
8. Filed Apr 10, 2025TXElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11653852 · source
9. Filed Mar 27, 2025112,000 miAZTowedEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. After a visual inspection, the contact observed an excessive amount of oil leaking from underneath the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with engine…

   NHTSA complaint #11651080 · source
10. Filed Dec 9, 2024201,746 miCACrash2 injuredElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11629788 · source
11. Filed Aug 27, 2024WIElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    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 complaint #11611272 · source
12. Filed Aug 6, 2024178,000 miOHTowedEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle shut off without warning. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure and the vehicle was repaired by the dealer under Warranty. The contact stated that several months after the repair was performed, the contact noticed a fuel odor coming from the vehicle after a visit to the gas station. The…

    NHTSA complaint #11606753 · 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