Most common 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid problems
Share of the 12 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Kia Optima Hybrid complaints by model year
Best Optima Hybrid years: 2018, 2015, 2017. Years to avoid: 2012. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 3 possible defects involving the 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid:
Electrical overstress
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events.
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles.
Loss of Motive Power
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021.
What 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid owners say
Electrical system
Tl* the contact owned a 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that ten minutes after parking the vehicle, it burst into flames without warning. The fire department extinguished the fire. A fire report was filed. The vehicle was totaled and towed away by the insurance company. The dealer was not called. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and planned to investigate the matter. The cause of the failure was not determined. The failure mileage was approximately 60,400. Consumer stated fire started at the Hybrid battery.
* October 2017 while driving in the freeway car slowed down. Got off freeway and turned off car. Car would not start anymore. Kia replaced high voltage fuse, Hybrid battery, power relay. * March 2018 car was taken in due to HEV and engine light on while driving. Car did not accelerate. Kia replaced the transmission. * March 2018 car was returned after transmission change and 2 days later while driving car gave HEV and engine light on. Kia said it was a "loose wire" from transmission. * March 2018 car gave HEV and check engine light on while driving and Kia replaced the transmission again (2nd time in 1 month). * April 2018 check engine and HEV code came out while driving and Kia replaced the computer from engine. *March 2019 HEV and check engine light while driving on Kia replaced the main harness.
Engine & cooling
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 30-45 MPH, she heard abnormal knocking sounds coming from the engine. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated she was able to continue to drive to her residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer also informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) because the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
Tl* the contact owned a 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid. While driving 15 MPH, smoke appeared from the engine compartment. The contact coasted the vehicle to a parking lot and parked the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and noticed flames underneath the hood. The contact stated that the fire department extinguished the fire. There were no injuries and a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot and deemed a total loss. The contact called seelye Ford of kalamazoo (3820 stadium dr, kalamazoo, mi 49008, [phone]). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 60,600.
2015 Kia Optima Hybrid engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl hybrid | 6-speed dual-clutch | FWD | 35 / 38 / 37 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid a good car?
Based on 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2015 Optima Hybrid rates better than average: 56% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Optima Hybrid at the same age. It is one of the best Optima Hybrid years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid?
The electrical system — 5 complaints, 42% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (5) and steering (2).
How many recalls does the 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Kia Optima Hybrid?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2018, 2015 and 2017. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2012. See the full Kia Optima Hybrid years comparison.
At what mileage do 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 60,000 miles; 33% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.