2015 Kia Optima Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 76about this part
- Share
- 8%of 1,010 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 56,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 76 complaints about the body and structure of the 2015 Kia Optima, 8% of the 1,010 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 56,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 7 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“On 3-14-2021 about 225pm I was attempting to merge onto the i10 freeway in ontario california, while merging all the lights on the dash lit up and the car proceeded to shut off and my speed was going down . I attempted to pull over off the shoulder of the freeway, once I was stopped I turned the car off. The car than was engulfed with smoke and flames I jumped out the car and the car lit up in flames. I called ontario police and fire department.”
NHTSA complaint #11402962, filed 2021-03, 130,000 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“I have lost 2 of the trim panels above the doors on the exterior of the car. The brackets are not secure enough and the glue holding the brackets are no longer sticking. I cant drive long distances without the trim coming loose.”
NHTSA complaint #11240958, filed 2019-07, 35,000 miles“Engine caught fire! Had picked the Kia Optima up the day before from the dealership, where they had installed a new engine, belts, and hoses. Had driven 40 minutes for a doctor appt. Got off the freeway. As I was approaching the light (about 3 blocks from freeway), noticed gray smoke coming from under hood on passenger side. With a broken left arm, had to get out and across traffic. Saw the flames as I was crossing the street. In under a minute, the front of car was engulfed in flames.”
NHTSA complaint #11327109, filed 2020-06, 50 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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11034003Jun 8, 2026TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR AND DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2312) - This bulletin has been revised to include…
- 11028908Feb 19, 2026TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR AND DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2312) - This bulletin has been revised to include…
- 11026825Dec 18, 2025TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR AND DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2312) - This bulletin provides information to install a…
- 11026980Dec 17, 2025CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (CS2312) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting Customer Satisfaction Campaign. A software…
- 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…
- 10080061Jan 29, 2016Service action: door module replacement (sa218) - this bulletin provides the procedure to replace right front door module assembly on certain 2014~2015my optima (qf) vehicles…
- 10089053Sep 23, 2015Service action: exterior door handle trim cap replacement (sa198) - this bulletin provides the procedure to replace the exterior door handle trim cap of some 2015my optima (qf)…
- 10074740Sep 1, 2015Summary to be provided on a future date.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 14 | 7% |
| 2018 | 7 | 3% |
| 2017 | 5 | 2% |
| 2016 | 41 | 5% |
| 2015 | 76 | 8% |
| 2014 | 48 | 8% |
| 2013 | 127 | 9% |
| 2012 | 39 | 4% |
| 2011 | 21 | 4% |
| 2010 | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 | 4 | 3% |
| 2008 | 5 | 3% |
| 2007 | 4 | 2% |
| 2006 | 12 | 8% |
| 2005 | 22 | 15% |
| 2004 | 42 | 19% |
| 2003 | 25 | 18% |
| 2002 | 30 | 28% |
| 2001 | 35 | 24% |
Other parts of the 2015 Kia Optima
623 complaintsOther or unknown
140 complaintsElectrical system
135 complaintsBrakes
90 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 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