10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
8 / 38
Injuries / Deaths:
7 / 0
Average Mileage:
48,684 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 8 of 26)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #368

Aug 012021

Optima

  • 129,000 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 that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and stalled upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle remained in dealer possession for months as the contact awaited the repair. The manufacturer was notified and informed her that since a prior service was not performed on the vehicle, she no longer qualified for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 129,000.

- Wilson, NC, USA

problem #367

Jan 172023

Optima

  • miles
While driving the vehicle on Tuesday 1/17/23 giving it gas, the engine stopped running. I was going about 45 mph when the engine stopped, multiple lights on the dash turned on including the engine light, oil light, and battery light. I had to coast the car to the side of a 3 lane road. I turned off the car, waited a few moments and tried to turn the car on. The lights went on but the engine did not start. I had the car towed to an auto shop who then advised I should have it taken to a Kia dealer as there is a recall on the vehicle. The dealer has had the car for a week and has only said that the engine is seized and that they can not provide more information without me paying to have the engine taken apart.

- Clermont , FL, USA

problem #366

Dec 232022

Optima

  • miles
Driving down the road and suddenly there was loud knocking and smoke coming from under the hood and got it to the side of the road and turned it off and now it won't crank. The dash lights come on when you turn the key and that's all it will do. No noises at all.

- Kellyton , AL, USA

problem #365

Dec 012022

Optima

  • 130,000 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 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to cruise to the side of the road. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer confirmed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

- Morristown, NJ, USA

problem #364

Jan 062023

Optima

  • miles
Engine seized on the car and I was denied recall repair. I spoke with corporate for Kia and they basically did nothing to help at all. They basically said they sent a letter for an update and because I did not perform the update they will not honor the recall that was approved on my car. The person I spoke with advised the address was never updated so the letter did not come to me for the recall or was lost. He stated I was supposed to contact Kia with update to address. I never was aware this had to be done and I have purchased many cars and never was made aware. He stated why would you purchase a big purchase and not do this. I was under the impression when I purchased this would be done that-??s why I am charged tax license and other fees. I believe this is predatory and this is just a way to not honor the recalled engine that I purchased. The check engine light never illuminated on the dash or any indication the engine had an issue so I had no reason to take my car in for a repair. To add to that my fiancé had a 2013 and the recall letter was received and he took his car for update and the car never worked after the update was performed. Kia denied any repairs to that vehicle and basically took a lost because of the update. I would like some type of resolution to this issue. The car has 113000 miles of course the original warranty was 100000. This update was during pandemic as well. I am very disappointed in Kia at this point because there should be something in place for people like me who never received notice. The engine is no good and we as customers should not have to take this lost. Please help

- Perris , CA, USA

problem #363

Feb 282021

Optima

  • miles
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 speeding illegally bypassing on a bridge into on coming traffic which was me he ending totally the back end of my kia. No air bags deployed I had no airbag warning light on I suffer injuries whiplash in my neck shoulder and back to this day Wild willy seemed to have injured his leg to the point of amputation... Portland police report# 21-54465 which is the report that wild willy gave a false identity. Later the officer text giving his real identity. To this day I haven't been compensated for bodily or auto damageby wild willy or Geico my insurance. And lost my kia in a junk yard with a remaining of a bill of 12,000 of 25,500.

- Portland, OR, USA

problem #362

Oct 012022

Optima

  • miles

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

My vehicle is in the class action lawsuit against KIA for faulty engine blocks that could cause fire and engine failure. My vehicle oil consumption is way below standard and the excess burning oil is coming inside my engine on top. I see smoke and I smell burning oil on my engine while I-??m driving and when I stop. I have well kept my cars maintenance and this is now starting to happen after 120k miles. I reported the issue to Kia but they told me that the engine has to lock up before they can either consider replacing it. I-??m really afraid to drive this car because of my life and the life of others if I get a fire or engine failure in busy traffic. It just doesn-??t seem safe to drive although there-??s no check engine lights on yet, but I can sense warnings before destruction. Please help !!

- Haines City, FL, USA

problem #361

Dec 232022

Optima

  • miles
I was driving down the highway and veered onto a secondary road when the engine shut off. No prior warning was given and the check engine light was not on. I was forced to stop the vehicle; there was no shoulder to pull onto, so I ended up blocking a lane of traffic. The engine seized and must be replaced, or the car will have to be scrapped.

- Caledonia, MS, USA

problem #360

Aug 102022

Optima 4-cyl

  • miles
On the behalf of my daughter I am filing this formal complaint: * On August 10, 2022 my daughter was driving home from Des Moines to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She was on the highway and all of the sudden her car engine shut down, no warning lights came on prior to this happening. She did not have power steering, it took all she had to pull the car over safely, she was able to use the brakes but barely. She then tried to restart the vehicle, it was able to restart with no other problems along the way. This incident happened at 2am, had this occured earlier in the day, with heavy traffic the safety of my daughter and others would have been at a high risk, this could have caused a major accident. * On October 9, 2022 My daughter was just exiting the interstate, warning light appeared. She was approaching her home, not far from the highway, when the car engine shut down once again but this time it would not restart. The vehicle remains undrivable but is available for inspection upon request. * On October 10, 2022 I sent my step-father over to her house to take a look at her car. From his findings he stated that the oil plug was loose and that the oil had drained out. * On August 2, 2022 She had an oil change done at Jiffy Lube (Cedar Rapids, Ia.) I filed a complaint assuming that they did not properly tighten the oil plug. The manager from Jiffy Lube informed me that an investigation is in motion at this time for Kia (2005-2020) and Hyundai's due to oil plugs loosening and engines ramdomly shutting down at highway speeds. At this time I am strongly advising a thorough investigation into this matter. Thank you for your time.

- Cedar Rapids, IA, USA

problem #359

Dec 062022

Optima 4-cyl

  • miles
My vehicle engine blew while driving on the highway going about 65 no warning or signs other then the amount of oil that it was consuming. I am just now hearing about the class action lawsuits for my specific engine the Theta 2.0 which I have already verified it is part of it. KIA is saying it's the wrong part of the engine that is blown that it want be qualify for the engine replacement. I have kept my oil changed regularly and just recently noticed it started to consume godly amounts of oil no leak, or smell it was literally disappearing it is not normal to add almost 4qts of oil every 2 weeks or so. These engines need to be recalled not placed on a "service bulletin" and they pick and choose which to fix. Point is they are ticking time bombs and something need to be done they will not back their products and us consumers are left to suffer.

- Winston Salem, NC, USA

problem #358

Dec 072022

Optima

  • miles

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

Daughter driving her 2015 kia optima she purchased May 2022 and currently has 95,000 miles on it and it started making a weird noise coming from the engine. We got the car home and then took to repair shop due to the car running rough and making a ticking noise. Repair shop calls and says they drove it a short distant down the road and the motor mad a loud noise and then stalled. Car will not start and repair shop said she will need a new motor. Called Kia and they stated it was covered because years before her purchasing it from a reputable dealer, the previous owner did not do the product improvement update.

- Bucyrus, OH, USA

problem #357

Mar 012016

Optima

  • 100 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact received a recall repair regarding a system upgrade for the knock sensor detection system and experienced the failure since the repair was performed. The vehicle was emitting a fuel odor and had a burning odor as if the vehicle was overheating. The driver-??s and passenger-??s side side-view mirrors would close while driving at various speeds. The Push to Start button had to be pressed several times to start the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer who stated that the fuel odor was due to a hole in the fuel line hose. The passenger-??s side side-view mirror had been replaced. The failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 100.

- Fort Washington, MD, USA

problem #356

Nov 262022

Optima

  • 135,550 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact was able to continue driving back to the residence. The dealer was contacted and stated that the rod bearing in the engine might need to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that a Product Improvement Program was not performed which prevented the Extend Warranty on the vehicle to become effective. No further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 135,550.

- Fort Mohave, AZ, USA

problem #355

Aug 062022

Optima 4-cyl

  • miles
August 6, 2022 on Kansas Turnpike near El dorado. 2015 Kia Optima LX 74,000 miles. With absolutely NO warning whatsoever revved high then began a knocking sound, then a horrible banging and died. No lights, no alarms. Steering became a problem. We were able to drift to the side of the road as we were already in the right lane. Once completely stopped dash lights came on. We had no idea of any recalls or issues. Engine never recovered and we procured roadside assistance. Waited 4 hours on the side of the turnpike. We have since learned of a class action lawsuit against Kia with this very issue. We are still waiting for an engine replacement/rebuild 15 weeks later!

- Wichita, KS, USA

problem #354

Oct 262022

Optima

  • miles
The engine failed exactly like kia expected it to in the class action lawsuit, but they are refusing to repair the engine since they sent documentation that I needed to have a system upgrade done. However they sent it to an address that I no longer lived at and I've unforgettably them that I had proof that I didn't raise at the address anymore, but they don't care because whatever they sent want returned to them. So instead of replacing my engine because they knowingly sold vehicles worth bad engines they have sent me a bill for $8000 in order to get my car repaired. When you look this up there are so many people worth the exact same issue. Kids is finding any and all reasons to not honor their agreement and to continue to profit off of people.

- Aurora, CO, USA

problem #353

Aug 012022

Optima

  • miles
UNKNOWN but I got my car in February, it-??s always been sounding rough from the start but was told it-??s normal, lately the past few months I noticed a little vibration and a change of sound in the motor but had no lights come up on dashboard so assumed it wasn-??t a problem. Well to this day my engine is shaking very rough that my car vibrates extremely and making a clicking sound best way to describe it and my engine light as well as oil topper light came on just a few days ago which I-??ve gotta an oil change roughly about 2 months ago and added oil as well recently. So not sure if I have a leak of some sort or what. My breaks are also bad but when I purchased the car one tire was missing two bolts cause they broke off. Lately a lot of problems have all come at once. But I don-??t feel safe driving my car cause I feel it doesn-??t accelerate as it should and it-??s not running normally. It-??s a 2015 kia optima. Says no safety recall but all the problems I-??ve been having seem very relatable to what-??s showing on the recall list for kias of my year.

- Modesto, CA, USA

problem #352

Oct 142022

Optima

  • 137,513 miles
My engine has died while driving on two occasions. The first time the engine died I pulled over to the side of the road and I turned the ignition off and it cranked right up. No more issues for approximately two months. The next time I was driving and the engine died I pulled over to the side of the road, turned the ignition off and tried to crank it but nothing happened. All the lights were on but the engine wouldn't turn over at all, no clicking noise, absolutely nothing. I was so confused because all lights were on but nothing happened when I turned the key. I had it towed to Pep Boys who said I had complete engine failure. What? No warning, no check engine lights, no running hot, I maintained my car religiously. I heard there was a recall on the Theta engines but I can't find anything on 2015 engines. If the engines have a recall up to 2014 and my engine did the same exact thing then my engine repair and/or replacement should be covered under a warranty also. This is dangerous. I was traveling at speeds between 75 -80mph when the engine died. This needs to be addressed but I can't seem to find anyone that cares enough to help me.

- Griffin, GA, USA

problem #351

Nov 052022

Optima

  • miles
Engine rod bearings are now making a knocking sound. It is available for inspection when driving down the high my car lost power engine light started to flash and then a loud knocking noise started.I was in the highway with my three children when the car lost power cause me and my family to be out in harms way of being hit from behind. The vehicle has been inspected by a mechanic who stated the engine will need to be repairs due to the rod bearings. No warning lights were on until the car all the sudden lost power and started knocking. I then had to have it towed 150 miles just to get it home

- Fairfield, OH, USA

problem #350

Sep 062021

Optima

  • miles
While driving vehicle it started making noise and then loss of power

- Wetumpka , AL, USA

problem #349

Oct 032022

Optima

  • miles
The engine stopped running while driving down the Hwy. this could have caused a major accident. This has not been inspected by the manufacturer yet. There were warnings or indications that anything was wrong.

- Jennings , LA, USA

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