Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2015 Kia Optima owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owned a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while at a complete stop at the red traffic light, another vehicle, driving off a highway ramp at an undisclosed speed, crashed into the rear-end of the vehicle. An unknown red warning light was flashing. The air bags did not deploy. The seat belts failed to restrain the contact as needed, causing the contact to hit her forehead against the steering wheel, which propelled the contact's head back to the headrest, and then the contact hit her forehead against the steering wheel for a second time. The contact was able to exit the vehicle but felt dizzy and off balance. A police officer filed a report and informed the contact that the vehicle was safe to drive. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the nearby hospital, where the contact received medical assistance. …
The contact owned a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 58 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the rear center passenger side of the vehicle. As a result, the vehicle rolled. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained injury to the lower back, head, and neck that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot and deemed a total loss by the insurance company. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The traction control, air bag, power steering assist, ABS, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic twice, and the front passenger's side wheel speed sensor and the ECU were replaced twice; however, the failure persisted. The mechanic advised the contact to take the vehicle to the local dealer. The vehicle was taken to Clay Cooley Kia (1247 E Airport Fwy, Irving, TX 75062) where it was diagnosed that the ECU needed to be replaced. …
I purchased a kia turbo optima from bob's lamphere's beaverton oregon kia dealership 9 days later I felt the acceleration awkwardly bi wanted to return it or exchange but was told no contract was only within 5 days. I took it to kia dealership for diagnostic 3 times I had it for 9 months the last 6 weeks was the 3rd time until Feb 28th It was totaled by a uninsured motorist memes william benton penny lll Or. Driver lic# 1289466 Of 1633 n.e. 76th portland oregon 97213 he was speeding illegally bypassing on a bridge into on coming traffic which was me he ending totally the back end of my kia. No air bags deployed I had no airbag warning light on I suffer injuries whiplash in my neck shoulder and back to this day Wild willy seemed to have injured his leg to the point of amputation ... Portland police report# 21-54465 which is the report that wild willy gave a false identity. …
I was driving on the Northbound side of the Interstate when my brakes failed when I pressed them to avoid a collision on the highway. The steering wheel malfunctioned when I tried to avoid a head-on collision with another vehicle. I couldn't control or stop the car, causing me to swerve left to right, and I then completely lost control of the vehicle. I crashed into the middle of the highway, but because my brakes had failed, the car continued at full speed into the Southbound side of the highway, causing me to wreck into a semi. The Colorado State Patrol investigated the accident. Right before I wrecked into the semi-trailer, I noticed all of the lights on the dashboard were off. My Steering wheel had fallen off completely, but the airbag never deployed even though every other airbag had deployed.
Driving on [redacted] to Eureka, Ca. Just outside of Laytonville, CA. the vehicle in front of me swerved into oncoming traffic lane (no vehicle in his way) to go around rock, then rock was there, I swerved to the right, but hit the rock, went up on embankment, flipped over and slid to a stop. There is an upcoming California Highway Patrol report from Mendocino County, with support witness (PG&E employee) statement given to California Highway Patrol. No airbags deployed throughout the car. Pictures attached of inside and outside vehicle. No deployment of airbags was written into the report from auto wreak retriever.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the air bag sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 19,600.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that two independent mechanics were sent to the residence to diagnose the vehicle. The contact was informed that the clock spring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 72,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the driver's side air bag warning light was illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 148,827.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The defects involve multiple electronic control systems, including steering, braking, and airbag modules, which continue to generate active and stored Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) even after the May 2, 2023 recall repair. The vehicle remains in our possession and is available for inspection upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Because the vehicle fails to illuminate dashboard warnings, we were unaware of critical malfunctions occurring in real time while driving. This creates the risk of sudden failure in steering, braking, or airbag deployment, directly endangering both occupants and the public. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. …
NHTSA investigations
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.
Airbag complaints in other Optima years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2015 Kia Optima?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the air bags of the 2015 Kia Optima, 3% of the model year's 1,009 complaints. The component named most often is frontal › driver clockspring/spiral cassette (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2015 Kia Optima airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 2015 Kia Optima, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2015 Kia Optima airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 66,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 12 crashes, 0 fires and 8 injuries and 1 death to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.