2015 Kia Optima Engine Problems

NHTSA component category: ENGINE · data through 07/14/2026

617Engine complaints

61.8%Of all 999 complaints

#1Most-reported category

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

How engine ranks on this vehicle

ENGINE617 · 61.8%

Unspecified / other138 · 13.8%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM127 · 12.7%

STRUCTURE:BODY75 · 7.5%

STEERING68 · 6.8%

Share of the 999 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2015 Kia Optima overview page.

What owners report

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT COASTED TO THE SHOULDER…”NHTSA complaint 11143999 — filed 10/30/2018

“I NOTICED THAT WHILE DRIVING MY CAR IT WOULD FIRST MAKE A NOISE AND THEN RIGHT AFTER IT WOULD STALL AND SPUTTER/ JERKING LIKE IT…”NHTSA complaint 11143056 — filed 10/26/2018

“RELOCATING TO LAS VEGAS AND MY ENGINE WENT OUT. THE CAR JUST STOP MOVING. I BOUGHT THIS CAR 13 MONTHS AGO AT PAUL BLANCO STOCKTON…”NHTSA complaint 11142151 — filed 10/23/2018

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Engine complaints by year filed

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2015 Kia Optima have engine problems?

Engine is the most-reported problem area on the 2015 Kia Optima: 617 of 999 complaints on file (61.8%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.

How many complaints does the 2015 Kia Optima have in total?

999 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Across all categories, 31 involved a crash, 71 involved a fire, 23 reported injuries, and 1 reported deaths.

What does NHTSA's engine category include?

NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the ENGINE category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.