10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
9 / 39
Injuries / Deaths:
9 / 0
Average Mileage:
48,380 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2015 Kia Optima engine problems

engine problem

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2015 Kia Optima Owner Comments (Page 6 of 27)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #433

Aug 242023

Optima

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I had oil changed by Jiffy Lube for a very long time dedicated to getting it changed. Anyways, I was driving down the road and all of a sudden the motor started knocking I pulled over and had to have it towed because the knocking was getting louder and louder.

- Huntingtown , MD, USA

problem #432

Sep 072023

Optima

  • miles
My 2015 Kia Optima EX with 56,462 miles which I am the original owner. On 09/07/2024, my vehicle oil light came on and the vehicle was taken to Weston Kia in Gresham, OR. This vehicle has had regular oil changes every 3,000 miles since purchased performed at Weston Kia. The service department found a leaking oil pressure switch and preformed the repairs totaling $248.60 on 09/08/2023. Per Kia 10yr/100,000 Powertrain warranty for original owner "In the Engine: Cylinder block, cylinder head and all INTERNAL PARTS, timing gear, seals and gaskets, valve cover, flywheel, OIL PUMP, water pump and turbo charger, pg. 6." I believe this part is covered per Kia warranty and the definition of drivetrain "A powertrain is a system inside a vehicle, in a car, a powertrain consists of the engine or motor and its internal components, such as the energy storage system, transmission and driveshaft." After reviewing all Kia warranty information and speaking to customer service at 800-333-4542 (Who stated the repairs are not covered), there is no information to the contrary that a oil leaking pressure switch that is located within the engine block is not covered. Kia would not provide any detailed information that shows this part falls outside of the terms of my 10yr/100,000 mile warranty.

- Portland, OR, USA

problem #431

Sep 022023

Optima

  • 94,700 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes and the steering column were inoperable. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to safely pull off to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact stated that the engine started smoking. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that in December 2020 and March 2023, recall repairs were completed on the ABS and TCU modules. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The approximate failure mileage was 94,700.

- Ocean Isle Beach, NC, USA

problem #430

Dec 262021

Optima

  • 115,696 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have 2015 Kia Optima grey or platinum graphite exterior color since Aug 2019 I had an tbone accident last Dec 26 2021 which iam not at fault for never received any type of comfort care claim it was during covid pandemic I was in the process of grieviance being hate left in despair also job loss with no income unstable living situation which I was living on my personal vehicle been going through financial hardship until present I havent been driven until I brought to Kia dealership Jan 1st of 2023 due to my personal injury and car accident it was left parked got towed with busted windows had my personal belongings being gone missing.... I have rough years... it was difficult for me to get back up in my feet my car has recalls arent being repaired fairly. This will be my first time to adhere my concerns I would like to get some assistance if possible...I thank you in advance

- San Diego, CA, USA

problem #429

Apr 182023

Optima

  • 110,000 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing an abnormal oil consumption. The contact stated that she had been adding engine oil to the vehicle every 400 miles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact was informed that the vehicle had to experience catastrophic engine failure to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

- Greensboro, NC, USA

problem #428

Aug 052023

Optima

  • miles
I was driving North on the 57 freeway and my car stop running and I pulled on the side of the freeway and my car catch on fire. Everything started in the engine. I called Kia and made a complaint and they told me it was not under warranty and they could not help me.

- Pomona, CA, USA

problem #427

Aug 282023

Optima

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I-??ve had my 2015 Kia optima since 7/11/23. My dipstick showed oil full. I drove it 977 miles from 7/11/23 until August 23 2023. My oil went from full mark on dip stick to low. My vehicle I purchased had 66,892. I should think it shouldn-??t be losing a quart oil in a little over a month. I had to add a quart of oil. This is unacceptable.

- Kansas City , MO, USA

problem #426

Aug 112023

Optima

  • 116,000 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving into a parking lot at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact restarted and parked the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle to the residence the following day. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.

- Discovery Bay, CA, USA

problem #425

Aug 182023

Optima

  • miles
I recently got a 2015 Kia Optima LX, I loved the vehicle and decided to buy it. I had no issues until I decided to drive it, and after 30 minutes of driving, I faintly hear a sound coming from the engine, as if it's hitting some metal. Shortly after, a warning light on the dashboard turns on. I reach home and decide to scan it with a small OBD scanner I have, and to my surprise, it's showing error code P1326. The vehicle is running very poorly, making a sound like metal rubbing against metal, and it has no power at all. I'm stuck on the road with the vehicle like this. It has 104,600 miles on it.

- West Palm Beach, FL, USA

problem #424

Aug 062023

Optima

  • 35,000 miles
Car was driven to work and died on side of road a few weeks ago. Would not take a jump. Had funny smell when hood was up. Had to tow it home. 2015 (bought in 2016 from Kia Dealershop with 130 miles. We were the only owner. I think it was used for test drives? Dealership said engine seized ( only 35,000 miles). Haven't heard from them yet. No rental car! What can we do. Under Powertrain warranty. Thanks [XXX] and [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Findlay, OH, USA

problem #423

Dec 152022

Optima

  • 110,928 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at low speeds, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was determined that the engine had seized. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the warranty had expired, and there was no recall for the failure on the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 110,928.

- Elyria, OH, USA

problem #422

Jun 252023

Optima

  • 75,000 miles
2015 Kia Optima engine seized on the highway at 70mph without any warning. Engine light illuminated and lost all power. This was a replacement engine with approximately 75,000 miles. Original engine was replaced at 125k due to excessive oil consumption (burned 1 quart in 800 miles). Vehicle has been at the dealership since the end of June awaiting engine replacement (again).

- Adamstown, MD, USA

problem #421

Jul 132022

Optima

  • miles
engine oil leaks that may cause the vehicle to stall.

- Doral, FL, USA

problem #420

Jul 022023

Optima

  • miles
Engine pinging Hesitates when pulling out at times

- Scranton , PA, USA

problem #419

Jul 122023

Optima

  • miles
The contact-??s husband owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at undisclosed speeds, he heard a knocking sound coming from the hood of the vehicle before the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact's husband was able to coast the vehicle to a stop. The contact then stated that after her husband allowed the engine to cool, he was able to restart the vehicle. The contact then stated that the following day, her husband attempted to start the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to start. The contact-??s husband then notified AAA to tow the vehicle. The vehicle was inspected, and the contact was informed that the starter might have caused the failure. The contact stated that her husband replaced the starter however, the failure recurred. The contact then notified a friend who is an independent mechanic, and it was determined that the failure was engine related; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.

- Cumming, GA, USA

problem #418

May 202023

Optima

  • miles
I driving my vehicle is just started powering down and didn-??t want to turn on again. We jumped started it thinking it was the battery but it checked out fine. The vehicle doesn-??t want to start anymore and the mobile mechanic said the engine had ti be replaced since it was off the timing loop. No engine or vehicle lights were in and no prior issues were appearing.

- Lewisville , TX, USA

problem #417

Jul 142023

Optima

  • miles
Driving down Interstate and car stopped with no warning. It was confirmed engine seized at 113,576 miles.

- Gaffney, SC, USA

problem #416

Mar 032023

Optima

  • miles
I noticed the car was stalling and then a engine knock, took it to the kia dealer they stated the engine needed to be replaced but kia was not going to cover it because I didnt do a recall?? I never recieved a recall and after researching this issue I saw thousand of articles about people having the same issue!!! also there was a class action suit against kia for this issue!!!

- Burbank, IL, USA

problem #415

May 272023

Optima

  • miles
My engine failed on a busy road on my home after a long day of work. I was at a red light when my car failed and was terrified a car was going to hit me. I was the first car in line and had barely made it past the light. Thankfully, I was able to have my car pushed into a nearby lot by complete strangers. I had just gotten off of the freeway, I easily could have been killed or hurt. My car was towed to the dealership where I purchased it from where it was confirmed that my engine seized and I needed an engine replacement. My car started knocking the day before it failed (Friday, May 26, 2023). This is the only symptom my vehicle had. I took it to Kia the same day and they told me to return on Tuesday morning after the holiday weekend for a diagnosis. It failed Saturday afternoon (May 27, 2023). I have not had it inspected by KIA because they insist that they will not honor the lifetime warranty on my car because of a pre-requisite system update that was not completed. However, once again, the dealership I purchased it from has done a diagnosis and concluded that my engine seized due to faulty manufacturing. I am the second owner of the vehicle. The previous owner received both of the recall notifications in the mail regarding the system update that was required to be covered under the lifetime warranty. I knew nothing of it and Kia refuses to hold themselves liable for an engine that would have inevitably failed -?" and could-??ve cost me my life.

- Little Rock, AR, USA

problem #414

Apr 012023

Optima

  • miles
Driving 2015 Kia Optima on expressway at night when car lost power and died. We almost got hit by cars and trucks trying to get over to side of road. Dash lights went crazy as did headlights and nothing worked. Had car towed to Kia dealership and they confirmed that engine locked up. Kia refused to cover because ksds updated (that we did not know about)was not done even though this engine is known to be manufactured faulty and are failing at astronomical rates. Kia knows they should be recalled. They refuse responsibility even after they settle lawsuit after lawsuit.

- Mcdonough, GA, USA

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