The Lemon Index2015 Kia Optima.
The 2015 Kia Optima is about average by owner complaints: 153 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 98, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 24 to 37 mpg combined. The best Kia Optima year is 2017.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 1,021 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Kia Optima year. 2015 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 52K to 108K miles on the car (505 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 61K–111K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 52K–100K miles
- body structure complaints mostly came at 38K–70K miles
Recalls 4
- brakes 2023
The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
- brakes 2021
Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
- brakes 2020
Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Show all 4 recalls
- fuel system, gasoline 2018
The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Kia told dealers about
Kia sent dealers 200 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Information on replacing crankshaft pulley and crankshaft bolt, on some vehicles, that are…
- Smart pedal feature - the smart pedal is an integral part of the engine management system (ems)
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenHyundai and kia abs module fires2023
- ClosedLoss of motive power2022–2023
- ClosedThrottle control system vulnerabilities2021–2023
- ClosedElectrical overstress2019–2024
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1750–2700 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Engine stalls when slowing down to turn or continue. This is a continuous problem sense 2015
2015 Kia Optima owner · NHTSA complaint 11002521
More owner reports
I have noticed that as I am driving on the the interstate that my steering is sticking, this too me is very uncomfortable and this should be noted as a safety concern, this problem should be looked into before t turns deadly.
NHTSA complaint 11073815
Vehicle started to make a knocking noise going down the hey at 60 mph. Car was taken to the dealer and catastrophic engine failure was diognosed. Kia commissionsers was notified.
NHTSA complaint 11155486
Quick answers
Is the 2015 Kia Optima reliable?
About average by government complaints. It drew about the average number of complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 98; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Kia Optima year by this measure is 2017.
What are the most common 2015 Kia Optima problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (54%), steering (20%) and electrical (10%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2015 Kia Optima have?
4 safety recalls (latest: brakes). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2015 Kia Optima get?
24 to 37 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2015 Kia Optima safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2015 Kia Optima problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 52,000 and 108,800 miles. The middle report was at 79,000 miles, from 505 complaints.
Does the 2015 Kia Optima have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 5% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2015 Kia Optima cost in fuel a year?
About $1750 to $2700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2015 Kia Optima have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl.
What Kia Optima year is better than the 2015?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2017, 2019 and 2020.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works