Does the 2015 Kia Optima have recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2015 Kia Optima, including Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module; Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module; Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

What are the most common 2015 Kia Optima problems?

Owners filed 1,011 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (624), electrical system (135), service brakes (90), structure (76).

How much does a 2015 Kia Optima cost to own for 5 years?

About $36,791 over 5 years ($613/month) at an estimated $7,000 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

2015 Kia Optima

The 2015 Kia Optima earns a fair Throttlebook Ownership Score of 61/100. Expect about $36,791 to own it for five years, or $613 a month. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 1,011 complaints.

Recalls: 4
Complaints: 1,011
5-yr cost: $37k
MPG (EPA): 24

Fair

Ownership Score

Looking at a specific Optima?

Paste its VIN for the exact trim, recalls that may apply, and a Fits / Stretch / Not yet verdict for your budget. Free.

4 recalls may apply

For the 2015 Kia Optima. NHTSA matches recalls by model and year — confirm by VIN.

Park-it warning

What's wrong: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Risk: If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. The recall began October 20, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC197.

Check recalls for this exact VIN at NHTSA

Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

Check title, accident & odometer history

Get a history report

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5-year cost to own

Estimated $7,000 price, 20% down, 11.19% APR for 60 months (Experian avg.), 12,000 mi/yr.

$36,791

$613/month · $0.61/mile

Depreciation	$1,584
Insurance (national avg.)	$12,000
Fuel / charging	$8,375
Maintenance	$7,420
Repairs	$4,000
Loan interest	$1,992
Taxes & fees	$1,420

Estimate, not financial advice. How we calculate.

Owner complaints & safety

What real owners reported to NHTSA for this model year.

1,011 complaints31 involved a crash74 involved a fire

Engine624
Unknown Or Other139
Electrical System135
Service Brakes90
Structure76
Steering69

Complaint counts scale with how many were sold; compare against similar models.

NHTSA crash-test stars

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

Rated as: 2015 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD

What to check on a used 2015 Kia Optima

Ordered by what owners of this model year reported most. Reports are not proof of a defect.

Engine and transmission
- Cold start: listen for knocking, ticking or rough running.
- Shifts should be smooth with no slipping or jerking.
Electrical and lights
- Test every window, lock, light and wiper.
- Watch for warning lights that stay on after start-up.
Brakes
- Press the pedal firmly: it should feel solid, not sink or pulse.
- Listen for grinding or squealing when stopping.

If anything in a safety area feels wrong (brakes, steering, airbags, tires), stop driving and get it inspected before you buy or drive it further. Paste a VIN above for the full printable checklist.

Common 2015 Kia Optima problems

Cheaper alternatives

FAQ

Is the 2015 Kia Optima a good car to buy?: The 2015 Kia Optima earns a fair Throttlebook Ownership Score of 61/100. Expect about $36,791 to own it for five years, or $613 a month. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 1,011 complaints.
Does the 2015 Kia Optima have recalls?: NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2015 Kia Optima, including Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module; Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module; Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common 2015 Kia Optima problems?: Owners filed 1,011 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (624), electrical system (135), service brakes (90), structure (76).
How much does a 2015 Kia Optima cost to own for 5 years?: About $36,791 over 5 years ($613/month) at an estimated $7,000 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP ratings; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data refreshed weekly. Complaint counts scale with sales volume.