Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
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).
I purchased my car in 2015 at 23k miles, now we're at 86k miles and I'm experiencing issues. How is there a recall for this car but no remedy yet when there is a high risk of fire? Shouldn't there be a resolution for this safety concern? I noticed my car in 2022 would smoke here and there when driving, and I would smell burning. I took it to my mechanic and he changed the head gasket, and the smoking stopped. There is residue on my engine from a leak from the oil. My mechanic at the time told me I might still smell burning oil just due to that. As time went on things were fine but a year later, the oil smell came back stronger. I notice it only on longer drives, so I do believe my car is leaking oil. Also, the amount of time I've changed my break lights this year and head lights. They dim so fast over time and eventually go out to where I have to replace them. …
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that both front headlight bulbs, as well as the rear taillight bulbs, had repeatedly stopped working while driving, without warning lights being illuminated. The contact stated that she had to replace the bulbs several times during the year. The contact had taken the vehicle to several dealers who were unable to determine the cause for the failures. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Malfunctions: hazard lights severe malfunction. All Steering wheel control buttons stopped working. Center control buttons stopped working. USB charging port/Auxiliary media port/ right side auxiliary power port lost power. Battery alternator and starter had acceptable readings via multimeter. Suspect ECM failure? Symptoms similar to misfires when A/C is running. Parking break doesn't always engage despite proper method. Inconsistent gas consumption drastic fluctuations
I have my driver side tail light out, when I bought the car in 2019, they said I have 30 days to bring in my car so they can replace what needs fixing, well I hit day 32 and I've had to replace my tires, brakes, headlights and tail lights because they all went out on my own dime, now my brakes are making me nervous because sometimes it feels like my car isn't slowing down to a stop and I have to slam them to stop sometimes.
I've gotten my vehicle fixed four times now thinking it was an electrical issue, not aware of the recall. Did my research this fifth time when my brake lights completely went out and smoke at some point in times come through my air-conditioning. I've spent more money trying to fix the vehicle with no idea that there were issues already about it.
Low beam head lights visibility maybe reaches 3-4 feet infront of car at max. Have upgraded bulbs twice to higher lumens but still must run hibeams at night. I drive mountain passes daily and must use hi beams, not safe for oncoming traffic.
Rear outer TAIL LAMP combination assemblies (NOT the inner lights on the trunk lid) have failed Virginia State SAFETY Inspection due to accumulation of moisture and standing water in BOTH left and right outer tail lamps, causing LEDs in the tail lamp assembly to burn out and not illuminate. There have already been multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) on the matter (i.e. KIA TSB PS364, KIA TSB BOD143, KIA TSB BOD172), and the cause outlined in these TSBs has been a DEFECT in design leading to a gap between the tail lamp housing gasket and the vehicle body allowing WATER INTRUSION. KIA has neglected to inspect, fix, or add additional gaskets per their instructions during eligible warranty periods, and extended warranties refuse to fix the issue as they classify it as water intrusion. …
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?? I was also in a side collision that was not my fault; two years ago,where someone hit me, and no airbags deployed. At that particular accident,I was stationary; at a stop light.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. After taking the vehicle to ricart Kia (4255 s hamilton rd #210, groveport, oh 43125, [phone]), the contact was informed that water had accumulated in the passenger side tail light, which LED to the tail light needing to be replaced. The contact was informed that the failure would continue to occur and recommended that he file a complaint with NHTSA to have the defect placed under recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the defect. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was 37,000.
Headlight complaints in other Optima years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2015 Kia Optima?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the lights of the 2015 Kia Optima, 2% of the model year's 1,009 complaints. The component named most often is headlights › daytime running lights › bulbs (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2015 Kia Optima headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights 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 headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 44,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 1 injury to lights 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.