2015 Kia Optima Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 90about this part
- Share
- 9%of 1,010 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 89,500miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 90 complaints about the brakes of the 2015 Kia Optima, 9% of the 1,010 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 89,500 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved and 12 a fire, according to the filers. 3 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“At about 1500 miles on the car, I have 2200 now, I started to notice a grinding and a rough contact in the brake pedal. When researching this it appears Kia has had aot of issues with the brakes on the stinger since introduction. Will be taking to dealership soon but per the research, Kia does not have fix other than replacing repeatedly.”
NHTSA complaint #11354800, filed 2020-09, 1,500 miles“Trying to avoid another vehicle approaching me in a head on collision, my engine began to stall, brakes locked up which caused suspension issues of the vehicle. Due to this, the vehicle was completely totaled and global lending services is consistently reporting it as a repossession. Both vehicles were in motion and it was on a la hwy.”
NHTSA complaint #11373237, filed 2020-11, 1,200 miles“The brake lights would not go off when I turned my car off. This ended up killing my battery. When I got the battery recharged it allowed the car to start without the brakes being pushed in. Also I noticed that the stopper had broken. This allowed the computer to think that the brakes were engaged even though the peddle wasn't pushed.”
NHTSA complaint #11339639, filed 2020-07, 58,556 miles“This car has given me problems first the engine went up just locked up. The brakes pulsate won't stop and I have changed the rotors and brakes 3 times. The dealer said nothing is wrong. Suspensions car rocks and bounces . Now the radio is out. And my window won't go up if put down. The was in motion for all.”
NHTSA complaint #11232248, filed 2019-07, 60,000 miles“Engine seized while driving and wouldnt start.I bought a new battery and tried to start it and it almost caught on fire.I had it towed to a Kia dealer and they replaced the engine and the turbo system which had a recall on it in 2016that was for the knock sensorsystem on 2018/”
NHTSA complaint #11373757, filed 2020-11, 98,387 milesRelated recalls
- 23V652000Sep 25, 2023Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima…Covers: Kia Optima 2011–2015, Borrego 2010–2019, RIO 2012–2017 +9 more
- 21V331000May 10, 2021Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519. Brake fluid may leak…Covers: Kia Optima 2013–2015, Sorento 2014–2015
- 20V519000Aug 27, 2020Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control…Covers: Kia Optima 2013–2015, Sorento 2014–2015
Related service bulletins
- 10179255Aug 25, 2020PITSTOP - BRAKE CALIPER LEAK INSPECTION - This PITSTOP provides information related to a brake caliper fluid/oil substance found on some Kia vehicles, due to possible excess…
- 10179256Aug 7, 2020TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: IBAU SYSTEM REPAIR FOR NOISE AND AIR BLEEDING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this…
- 10090944Sep 30, 2016Pitstop: variant coding integrated brake actuation units (ibau) - when replacing the integrated brake actuation unit, it is necessary to perform variant coding of the new module…
- 10089845May 13, 2015Pitstop: high-pitched squeal noise before coming to a complete stop - on some vehicles, customers may complain of an intermittent squeal when coming to a stop. This concern is…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 8 | 5% |
| 2019 | 19 | 9% |
| 2018 | 17 | 7% |
| 2017 | 6 | 2% |
| 2016 | 24 | 3% |
| 2015 | 90 | 9% |
| 2014 | 42 | 7% |
| 2013 | 114 | 8% |
| 2012 | 88 | 10% |
| 2011 | 47 | 8% |
| 2010 | 4 | 5% |
| 2009 | 21 | 18% |
| 2008 | 7 | 5% |
| 2007 | 8 | 5% |
| 2005 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 7 | 3% |
| 2003 | 4 | 3% |
| 2002 | 12 | 11% |
| 2001 | 14 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2015 Kia Optima
623 complaintsOther or unknown
140 complaintsElectrical system
135 complaintsBody and structure
76 complaintsSteering
69 complaintsFuel system
56 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
49 complaintsVehicle speed control
36 complaintsEngine cooling
31 complaintsAir bags
26 complaintsExterior lighting
23 complaintsElectronic stability control
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2015 Kia Optima
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology