2015 Kia Optima fuel/propulsion system problems
46 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the fuel/propulsion system on the 2015 Kia Optima — 5% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“My 2015 KIA optima experienced a catastrophic engine fire while I was driving. There was no warning, I just heard a boom in the engine bay the breaks stopped working and all electrical cut out. As I'm coasting, because I'm unable to stop, flames started to come in through under the dash. I couldn't…”
filed Aug 24, 2026
“This is a formal vehicle safety complaint regarding a manufacturer's active refusal to remedy a known safety defect under an active recall campaign guidelines.My 2015 Kia Optima Turbo experienced an active internal mechanical engine knock, violent sputtering, and a complete engine seizure. The…”
filed Aug 13, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Fuel/propulsion System problems in other Optima years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 Optima | 11 | 8% |
| 2019 Optima | 15 | 7% |
| 2018 Optima | 13 | 6% |
| 2017 Optima | 20 | 8% |
| 2016 Optima | 53 | 7% |
| 2014 Optima | 42 | 7% |
| 2013 Optima | 92 | 7% |
| 2012 Optima | 42 | 5% |
| 2011 Optima | 23 | 4% |
| 2010 Optima | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 Optima | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 Optima | 3 | 2% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2015 Kia Optima
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.