2015
Kia
Optima
Starting at N/A USD | 0
192 hp @ 6300 rpm
Horsepower
Front-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
Explore
Discover every detail that makes this vehicle extraordinary
Performance
Engineered for the perfect balance of power and efficiency
192 hp
Horsepower
181 ft-lb
Torque
Front-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
6-Speed
Transmission
Efficient
Advanced engineering for optimal fuel economy
Fuel TypeGasoline
Combined Efficiency6.9 - 10.2 L/100 km
Fuel Capacity70.0 L
Interior
Thoughtfully designed for comfort and functionality
5
Seating
436 L
Cargo
1,156 mm
Front Legroom
879 mm
Rear Legroom
Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Convenience
Keyless Entry
Power Windows
Power Door Locks
Seating
Power Driver Seat
Lumbar Support
Technology
Advanced connectivity and intelligent features
Bluetooth
Satellite Radio
AM/FM Stereo
Steering Controls
Safety
Comprehensive protection for you and your passengers
Airbags
Driver Airbag
Passenger Airbag
Front Side Airbags
Stability
Traction Control
ABS Brakes
Brake Assist
Monitoring
Security
Security System
Child Safety Locks
Dimensions
Carefully crafted proportions for optimal space and style
Length
15 ft10.7"
4.84m
Width
6 ft0"
1.83m
Height
4 ft9.1"
1.45m
Wheelbase
9 ft2"
2.79m
Gallery
See the 2015 Kia Optima from every angle
Colors
Express yourself.
Snow White Pearl
#F3EFEC
Bright Silver
#CBCBCD
Smokey Blue
#5D6D87
Metal Bronze
#4C443D
Remington Red
#ED2B2B
Sparkling Silver
#CBCBCD
Aurora Black
#141414
Dark Cherry
#401111
Titanium Metallic
#505050
Platinum Graphite
#505050
Ebony Black
#141414
Satin Metal
#9196B4
Titanium Silver
#505050
Corsa Blue
#204196
Trim Levels
View all trim levels for the 2015 Kia Optima
Safety Reports
949 complaints reported to NHTSA
949
Total Reports
31
Crashes
23
Injuries
64
Fires
Most Common Issues
ENGINE
590
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
131
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
126
SERVICE BRAKES
82
STRUCTURE
72
STEERING
64
Recent Reports
ODI #11701029
Nov 23, 2025
POWER TRAINENGINEFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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 assist, claiming that they cannot perform KSDS because the engine is already dead. These reasons directly contradict the Kia Theta II engine settlement terms. This sudden stall is a safety hazard and could have caused a severe crash. I am requesting that NHTSA review this incident as a potential recurrence of the engine-stall defect already documented in Hyundai/Kia vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident: Nov 4, 2025VIN: 5XXGM4A70FG***
ODI #11699630
Nov 16, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The paint is cracking and peeling off by the back window on the roof creating rust areas.
Incident: Nov 15, 2025VIN: 5XXGM4A70FG***
ODI #11699361
Nov 14, 2025
Crash1 injured
AIR BAGSSEAT BELTS
The contact owned a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while at a complete stop at the red traffic light, another vehicle, driving off a highway ramp at an undisclosed speed, crashed into the rear-end of the vehicle. An unknown red warning light was flashing. The air bags did not deploy. The seat belts failed to restrain the contact as needed, causing the contact to hit her forehead against the steering wheel, which propelled the contact's head back to the headrest, and then the contact hit her forehead against the steering wheel for a second time. The contact was able to exit the vehicle but felt dizzy and off balance. A police officer filed a report and informed the contact that the vehicle was safe to drive. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the nearby hospital, where the contact received medical assistance. The vehicle was later driven to the residence, where it remained parked. The contact sustained a concussion, bruises on the forehead, neck, and lower back back pain, a worsening of the contact's generative bone disease condition. The contact might undergo a back surgery. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic two months later. Both the mechanic and the insurance company confirmed that the vehicle was totaled. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle operated as designed during the incident. The contact was referred to the owner's manual. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
Incident: Feb 26, 2025VIN: 5XXGM4A74FG***
ODI #11694742
Oct 21, 2025
ENGINE
My engine failed in my 2015 Kia Optima. I took it to the Kia dealership in my city, and was advised to provide documentation of oil changes. In which I did, and was told that coverage for the engine recall was denied due to one gap where I went roughly 15,000 miles without an oil change. When asked when this gap was, they stated in 2021, and I asked how can I get documentation of that if I don’t have the receipt from that long ago. They stated that they need documentation to be able to approve the engine to be covered under the recall. it has been advised that Kia would have to prove exceptional neglect, in which one gap from 2021 is not exceptional neglect. I called the Kia. Customer service complaint line and filed a complaint with a case number, and was told that there’s nothing they can do without that documentation from that one gap. In which I asked to escalate this to a manager or supervisor and was told I could not do that. when I called the Kia dealership to see options, all they kept doing was trying to persuade me to just buy a new car asking don’t you just want a new car. I am without a vehicle and I have two kids that I need to help get to and from school doctors appointments as well as after school activities. I do not believe that a one gap should disqualify you from coverage of an engine under the recall.
Incident: Oct 10, 2025VIN: KNAGM4A71F5***
ODI #11693463
Oct 14, 2025
ELECTRICAL 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
Incident: Aug 26, 2025VIN: 5XXGM4A79FG***
ODI #11692583
Oct 10, 2025
ENGINE
I experienced a sudden engine failure on the highway due to the known Theta II engine defect. The engine completely shut down in the middle of traffic, nearly causing a serious accident. I never received any notice from Kia regarding the KSDS (Knock Sensor Detection System) update or any engine recall programs. When I contacted Kia Consumer Affairs, they told me they would not cover the engine replacement because the KSDS update was not installed prior to the failure. Kia admitted that the notice was sent to the previous owner, not to me, even though I am the current registered owner of the vehicle. I was never given the opportunity to install the software update or address the defect before this dangerous failure occurred. Kia representatives also stated that KSDS “was not a recall, only part of a class action lawsuit,” and therefore they are not obligated to cover the engine. This is misleading. The underlying Theta II engine defect was subject to NHTSA investigations and multiple recall campaigns. The sudden engine shutdown on a public highway created an immediate safety risk for me and other drivers. I am filing this complaint because Kia is denying coverage for a federally recognized engine defect due to their own failure to notify the current owner. I am requesting that NHTSA review Kia’s handling of this defect and their use of KSDS as a barrier to coverage. Their failure to notify current owners has resulted in dangerous, potentially life-threatening vehicle failures.
Incident: Oct 14, 2024VIN: KNAGM4A77F5***
ODI #11692042
Oct 8, 2025
ENGINE
9/25/2025 - our vehicle suddenly stopped in the middle of a busy roadway creating a hazard. We had it towed to [XXX] Kia of Greenville. 9/26/2025 we were advised that the engine had seized with no symptoms and no warning lights. The technician said that it would be covered under the vehicles extended warranty due to the known defect/class action on the Theta II GDI engine documented here: [XXX] 10/2/2025 we were advised the car would NOT be covered under the warranty due to some conflict on a CarFax report. according to CarFax, the vehicle has 82k with 15 maintenance records. This was not a case of neglect by the owner, it is a known defect that Kia is not willing to fix. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident: Sep 25, 2025VIN: 5XXGN4A75FG***
ODI #11691385
Oct 4, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMENGINEFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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 they are just trying to make money off customers.
Incident: Oct 3, 2025VIN: KNAGM4A77F5***
Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are submitted by vehicle owners and may not represent verified defects.
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