2015 Kia Optima steering problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. 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
2. Filed Apr 17, 2026IASteering

   Driving down the road and my steering wheel light comes on sporadically and then I lose control of the steering wheel like it locks up and is almost impossible to turn or rotate and then other dashboard lights come on and I lose headlights. When that happens traction control light on dashboard, the ABS light, battery light and steering wheel light that has an exclamation mark to right of it comes on. The car keeps driving and doesn’t die but all the abs and driving wheel…

   NHTSA complaint #11731994 · source
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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
6. 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
7. 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
8. Filed Sep 19, 2024174,000 miCATowedAcceleration & Cruise ControlSteering

   The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Additionally, the steering seized. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an…

   NHTSA complaint #11615440 · source
9. Filed Jul 10, 2024OHOther / UnknownSteering

   My car was stolen using a usb cord and they tore my steering column, key ignition and brok my driver side passenger window.

   NHTSA complaint #11600818 · source
10. Filed Nov 9, 2023149,878 miCATowedElectrical SystemEngineSteering

    The contact leased a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the front passenger's side window, the rearview camera, and the brake lights were intermittently inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at approximately 10 MPH, the check engine warning light and several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle shut off. The contact shifted into neutral(N) and was able to push the vehicle to the side of the road with the assistance of several…

    NHTSA complaint #11554433 · source
11. Filed Oct 6, 2023MNBody & StructureOther / UnknownSteering

    Windows were broken and steering column was broken in to. Car was stolen and spray painted the seats and front end was smashed.Car was totaled

    NHTSA complaint #11548548 · source
12. Filed Aug 23, 202380,000 miILSteering

    The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the steering column was previously replaced due to power steering failure. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality inadvertently, and veered to the right lane unintendedly. The anti-skid and the power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled to the side of the roadway. The contact stated that he turned off and restarted the vehicle;…

    NHTSA complaint #11540401 · 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