2015 Kia Optima Electronic stability control Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 1%of 1,010 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 57,400miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the electronic stability control of the 2015 Kia Optima, 1% of the 1,010 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 57,400 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The following happens anytime while driving the electronic control unit and software, sensors, actuators, warning lights, fault codes, and performance related concerns of the electronic stability control system. My passenger window won't go up once you put it down without a fight. I been to the dealer 4 times and it's not fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #11232251, filed 2019-07, 85,000 miles“Half of the engine was replaced in july 2019. Now burns oil like crazy. On october 29th 2019 while driving at about 40 MPH the entire electrical system shut off leaving me with no power steering. I was able to get off the road safely and call for a tow. I am second owner so warranty is out by about 2,600 miles. Dealer had I for a week at one point they said it was fixed when they were pulling it around front for me it stopped.”
NHTSA complaint #11278096, filed 2019-11, 62,800 miles“While driving long distances the steering wheel tends to stick and the wheel has to be jerked a little to make steering fluid once again. I had the wheels checked to make sure I didn't need an alignment and it is being checked now for the steering issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10928838, filed 2016-11, 23,000 miles“While driving, below speed limit, the back tire slid on some slush. When I tapped the break the electronic slip control kicked on, locking the steering wheel, causing the throttle to cut off without slowing down or changing gears, and the breaks instantly started jumping, I at this point had absolutely no control over the vehicle. The car went off the road, hitting a cement post, my head bounced off of the steering wheel, continued to crash forward coming to a rest on top of a rock wall, that is when the airbag deployed causing a severe neck sprain. …”
NHTSA complaint #11309352, filed 2020-02, 46,600 miles“Takata recall just pulled into my job car was in parked. Car was still running had about 45mins to spare before clocking in. Notice the car begin to smoke as I'm sitting preparing my self for work. No warning signs appeared to notify me that the car was overheating. Turned the engine off to see if car will cool down. Smoke seemed to get heavier. I got out the car and seen there was fire underneath. Immediately I notified emergency officials. Good samaritans helped put out the fire. Emergency officials say it was electrical that caused it.”
NHTSA complaint #11203852, filed 2019-04, 52,000 milesElectronic stability control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 3 | 1% |
| 2018 | 3 | 1% |
| 2017 | 2 | 1% |
| 2016 | 9 | 1% |
| 2015 | 10 | 1% |
| 2014 | 6 | 1% |
| 2013 | 19 | 1% |
| 2012 | 11 | 1% |
| 2011 | 7 | 1% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 9 | 8% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2004 | 2 | 1% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2015 Kia Optima
623 complaintsOther or unknown
140 complaintsElectrical system
135 complaintsBrakes
90 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 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2015 Kia Optima
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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