2015 Kia Optima Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 23about this part
- Share
- 2%of 1,010 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 42,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2015 Kia Optima, 2% of the 1,010 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 42,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Engine lights keep coming on and off. But doesn't give a code when I take it to get serviced. Took it up to Kia to tell them that on my way home from the dealership, that my wall caught on fire in the trunk from the socket that holds the bulbs.back lights go out constantly after the bulbs are changed or the socket has been changed.”
NHTSA complaint #11395981, filed 2021-02, 152 miles“While driving at speeds higher than 45 MPH, the steering wheel locks for a brief moment. This does not allow for a smooth way to keep the vehicle straight on the highway. Very scary. Antenna cover on top of car flew off on the highway. Read that it has happened to several other 2015 Optima models. Back up camera is foggy and I can no longer use it when reversing. Back taillights have condensation in them. I have already had one of them replaced early on.”
NHTSA complaint #11317571, filed 2020-03, 44,000 miles“It seems that my lights always go out! I've replaced the front light 3 times in one year. And the back brake lights as well. I am always getting pulled over because of my light going out! The trim seems to fall off as well on back doors above window.”
NHTSA complaint #11222260, filed 2019-06, 150,000 miles“I was traveling east on a 4 lane road at 45 MPH. As I was passing thru a green light, a westbound vehicle made an illegal left turn in front of me, causing me to t-bone his vehicle. All of his airbags deployed.....none of mine did. The car was repaired, surprisingly; yet I do not feel safe driving it. I sustained cervical and lumbar spine injuries, as well as a severe whiplash and concussion. I am unable to work, due to surgery that was necessary. I just need to know if this car is safe?? …”
NHTSA complaint #11210649, filed 2019-05, 40,000 miles“The mirror inside the low beams is not working. It does not allow my headlights to project out. I barely see at night. Only lights I have are my fog lights and high beams”
NHTSA complaint #11306946, filed 2020-02, 56,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10201529Sep 13, 2021TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this…
- 10170778Jan 21, 2020TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HALOGEN HEAD LAMP LOW BEAM BULB CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information regarding the procedure to repair the bulb connector on…
- 10123322Oct 31, 2017TSB - OUTSIDE REAR COMBINATION LAMP WATER INTRUSION - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the outside rear combination lamp pads on some 2011-2015MY Optima (TF)…
- 10089609Aug 2, 2016"tsb: combination lamp water intrusion - this bulletin provides the procedure to install additional foam gaskets in both rear tail lamps on 2014-2015my optima (qf) vehicles, when…
- 10090207Dec 15, 2014Pitstop: water leak/condensation in rear outer tail lamp(s) - on some 2014~2015my optima (qf) vehicles, customers may complain about water droplets forming inside the rear tail…
- 10060186Dec 1, 2014Summary to be provided on a future date.
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 | 1% |
| 2019 | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 | 14 | 6% |
| 2017 | 15 | 6% |
| 2016 | 47 | 6% |
| 2015 | 23 | 2% |
| 2014 | 18 | 3% |
| 2013 | 40 | 3% |
| 2012 | 31 | 3% |
| 2011 | 88 | 15% |
| 2010 | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 | 9 | 8% |
| 2008 | 8 | 6% |
| 2007 | 27 | 16% |
| 2006 | 16 | 10% |
| 2005 | 4 | 3% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 3 | 2% |
| 2002 | 2 | 2% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
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 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