2015 Kia Optima Electrical Problems

While driving at 60 MPH, your 2015 Kia Optima began vibrating, and you noticed smoke coming from underneath the vehicle and hood. The vehicle caught fire and the engine caught fire before the fire department arrived. State troopers suspected an electrical short caused the fire. Before the fire, you had noticed the vehicle vibrating when idling, but no warning lights appeared on the dashboard.

My motor bearing is knocking very loud I was refused service upon arrival dealer was making my service very complicated asking me to go dig up old receipts and various other things that was not actually caused for and I was at risk by driving the car there until it shut off due to engine failures when the car has fire risk and could possibly explode and they have confirmed it’s the engine but have not done any maintenance to my engine the check engine light flashes heavy non stop as well was even denied a loaner car still until today

My car caught on fire just sitting under the carport. The investigator said that it was electrical. Our neighbor seen it and told us to get out the house and started popping.

I was driving on the freeway when I noticed smoke coming out of my hood. I immediately exited the freeway, pulled over, popped the hood open, and my engine was on fire. There were no warning lamps on my dash.

On October 10th 2024, my 2015 Kia Optima caught fire while I was driving. The fire originated from the engine compartment, completely engulfing the vehicle in flames within minutes. Component/System Failure: The exact cause of the fire is unknown, but Kia had previously issued a recall for this model due to an engine defect that posed a fire risk.

During covid 19 pandemic grieviance depresion homelessness racism criticism hate cyberbully attack I live in my 2015 kia optima I had [xxx] I had tbone accident iam not fault for I have all state insurance I never get helped compensated they closed my claims I had multple citations 13 in el cajon 4 in san diego 4 3 hollywood 1 riverside that I wasnt aware of as I went to dmv to renew my car registration I was billed for $1522 paid $2200 for renewal theres people who crossed my life who damaged my vehicle it wasnt driveable for one year parked at [xxx] then april 2022 thieves intended to steal my personal belongings they broke my window all my personal items was gone it was towed by agency had to pay $1000 with busted windows missing personal items dent tbone accident I suffered burden pain depression emotional distress while I was being mocked criticized unlawfully I had trauma there is no relief recovery it didnt stop there after I picked up from road one towing agency I have it towed moved parked in [xxx] then my engine seized up wont start ignition then brought kia kearny mesa service dealership jan 1, 2023 then it gotten worst more repairs replacement parts when I have lifetime warranty on my engine they installed bad engine replaced defects on it I was [xxx] multple times no peace of mind until present dec 09, 2024 all the repair orders wasnt being done properly.

The contact owned a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, he noticed an abnormal burning odor; however, the temperature gauge did not indicate that the vehicle was overheating. The contact stated that upon noticing that the burning odor was becoming stronger, the contact pulled to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle.

I was driving on the expressway onto the exit ramp going about 75 MPH when my car suddenly slowed down even though my foot was on the pedal as I kept trying to drive, it was slowing down. The temp gauge was exactly in the middle and the RPM was at 0. The MPH was at 60 MPH even though it was slowing down it didnt change on the reader.

Drove this 15 Kia Optima on the highway when all of a sudden it lost power and died. There was no lights or symptoms prior to this happening. The vehicle ran as it should up until the other day, the Engine had no codes or lights on in the vehicle..

- The issue occurred for the first time 4/30/2024 - The following 3 warning lights appeared while I was driving: ABS, Traction Control, and Brake - I took the vehicle immediately to a facility to have the warning codes read.

I received a safety recall notice in November 2023 stating that there is defect with Hydraulic Electrical Control Unit (HECU) in my car that can result in an engine compartment fire either while I am driving my car or when it is parked. As of April 2024, I am still waiting to be notified that the part to fix this issue is available.

Hello, I am writing a complain in hopes of getting some type of help to try and recover damage on my car. I own a KIA OPTIMA 2015 and sometime in November of 2023 I received a letter in the mail stating the car had a recall on it that could result in the car catching on fire.

HI, I own a 2015 KIA OPTIMA. Sometimes when I drive it, I get a burning smell from the dashboard/engine after driving it after a while. I received A KIA recall notice regarding an electrical short circuit in November 2023.

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH, the vehicle lost power and the check engine light was illuminated. The vehicle was parked at the residence.

I owned my 2015 optima slx since they have it replaced my engine in kearny mesa dealership I paid out of pocket from repairs labors there is a defects on door panels airbags electricl wiring harness never received any claim compensation settlement from those claim accidents that iam not at fault for it is unlawful unconstitutional unfair I deserve a restoration of my personal vehicle I owned it I lived in it.

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?

Engine lost power and when restart was attempted, it could torn turn over. Tried restarting 3 times with no success. After this, smoke started coming from the hood.

I was driving north on the 57 freeway and my car stop running and I pulled on the side of the freeway and my car catch on fire. Everything started in the engine. I called kia and made a complaint and they told me it was not under warranty and they could not help me.

My air and heat stopped blowing air on 4 (high speed) I took to mechanic who couldn’t find a issue with the resistor, motor, or any components related to it so he took the dash off to check the climate control. The connector going into the back of the switch control to control the temperature speed was burnt and so was the unit.

The vehicle had electrical fire. While driving smoke and electric fire smell started to fill the cabin. Pull off the road and exited the vehicle.

The vehicle caught fire

Malfunctions: hazard lights severe malfunction. All Steering wheel control buttons stopped working. Center control buttons stopped working.

Vehicle lots brakes while driving, smell of gas and caught fire under hood. Engine had been completely replaced due to recall in January 2022 Vehicle was a complete loss, luckily son was able to get out.

I’ve completed the recall on Saturday it took them less then a few minutes even though the invoice said 0.00hrs. I showed that I had brake fluid leaking and the car smokes but was told to come back if things got worse. Saturday night I was driving to the house with my fiancée and the car started slowly if down, the check engine light came on.

On 3-14-2021 about 225pm I was attempting to merge onto the i10 freeway in ontario california, while merging all the lights on the dash lit up and the car proceeded to shut off and my speed was going down . I attempted to pull over off the shoulder of the freeway, once I was stopped I turned the car off.

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.

Was driving down main road approaching redlighy and brake pedal went to stiff and car shut off while rolling. Could not get to start again and smelt electrical burning somewhere. Had to beg car towed home.

I purchased a new 2015 kia optima. Completed regular maintanence on it, and the engine failed (locked up) at 138,000 miles. Later, I was advised the 2015 kia optima and other kia's were found to have faulty engines.

I was headed from ohio to michigan and all of a sudden it won't let me accelerate anymore and I get this burning smell and then all the dash lights start flashing and then the car just completely stops I pop the hood open on the side of the road and it's leaking oil which is not my fault cause I just got the oil changed and then the car just refuses to start now I can get the lights on and stuff but as for the engine turning over it's just not gonna happen and I'm surprised kia hasn't had a recall on anything at all for these engines cause there are so many complaints about them

I was driving the car on a two lane street at a normal rate of speed when the motor cut off. I coasted to the side of the road and tried to restart the engine. When I glanced up I noticed smoke coming out from under the hood.

Vehicle burst into flames without provocation. Vehicle was in perfect, pristine condition. Was in vehicle 5 minutes on way to work in am.

2015 kia optima turbo.. I was entering the highway and was attempting to accelerate to merge with on coming traffic on the highway. In doing so, I realized my vehicle was not accelerating and when I looked down, all of the indicator lights were on on the dashboard.

I had just reached my destination. After being parked for approximately 30 - 45 minutes when I tried to crank up to leave. I put it in the drive gear and it would not move forward or backward when put in the reverse gear; then I had it towed.

Takata recall just pulled into my job car was in parked. Car was still running had about 45mins to spare before clocking in. Notice the car begin to smoke as I'm sitting preparing my self for work.

Kia optima 2015 with 20k miles caught fire. Engine stopped while at red light, in drive. Strong smell of burning plastic.

Takata recall: driving the car down a city street when it suddenly ceased to accelerate. The power steering stopped as it coasted into a side street to get off the busy road. I could smell wires burning as a electrical fire.I immediately got myself and family out of the car afraid it was on fire.

In September of 2025, my radio and back up camera stopped working. I contacted Hayward Kia and was informed by staff member, Eraca Craig, that my 2015 Kia Optima needed a software update that was covered by a recall. I waited several weeks for the dealership to contact me once the update was available.

The incident took place on Sunday, December 30th. I was driving to pick up my children from their father and on our way home my car stopped accelerating entirely. This had only happen one other time a few days prior.

While driving my 2015 Kia optima I was getting ready to turn in to my residence.My car completely shut off but my lights had got dimmed.So I had it towed to the Kia dealership then proceeded to tell me it has three recalls on it.Then a customer service representative said that I would have to pay $200,and something dollars to have my car diagnostic done.Whoever I replied even with these recalls I have to pay for diagnostic test to be done she replies yes,but I’m thinking they are just trying to make money off customers.

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the check engine and battery warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the engine had been replaced two weeks prior to the failure.

Anti Theft Security system is non-existent. There is a current known issue on the internet on the ease of theft of any Kia or Hyundai to certain years of manufacture. I am currently a single disabled person that could be a victim of vehicle theft because of a lack of this security software that Kia did not include on my 2015 vehicle.

As I was driving on the Interstate, my car lost power and I was unable to push on my gas or use my brakes to slow down to pull off the interstate. Lights begin flashing with a warning that read “ Check Hybrid system. Stop vehicle and turn off engine.

Brake Failure, Having to pump brakes in order to stop vehicle, driver rear tail light burning, causing short in wiring

I was driving my 2015 Kia Optima hybrid with around 77,000 miles on the interstate at 70 MPH when the HCS, battery management system and other hybrid battery warnings flashed on the screen. The display said to pullover over immediately and turn off the engine. The hybrid battery charge display went from mid charge to zero charge.

The Bluetooth Ring volume is ear piercing loud. When a call comes in on a paired phone it startles the driver and may be loud enough to damage hearing. If adjusted to a lower setting the call volume can’t be heard.

Tl* the contact owns a 2015 kia optima. The contact was driving at 75 MPH, when she slowed down to 50 MPH to switch lane then attempted to accelerate however, the vehicle would not exceed 60 MPH. The vehicle was driven for about 2 more miles before it was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed.

Tl* the contact owns a 2015 kia optima. While driving 20 MPH, the engine seized. The contact pulled the vehicle over, but it would not restart.

Tl* the contact owns a 2015 kia optima. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the contact activated the hazard lights. The contact called roadside assistance and had the vehicle towed to lou fusz kia (1025 n lindbergh blvd, st louis, mo, 63132).

I was driving about 40 MPH and the engine and electrical systems just shut off. This is after an oil change, and with no warning signs. Luckily I wasn't on the freeway and was able to safely pull over.

Shark fin antenna cover fell off. This is reported to happen to many 2015 kia optimas. There is no replacement fin and to fix the issue a whole antenna kit has to be installed.

I have two kia, one 2013kia soul, and kia optima 2015, first the kia soul won't start, looks like no battery at all, dealer say it was a bad battery, but the problem start again, just this time loose all power when running, they towing back to the dealer this time, they say this time was crank piston sensor, no cost at this time, this happen on 08/01/2016, now the kia optima, same, I drive all morning, the day was hot, and I stop at the storefor water, don't take more then 5min.

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.

All recalls were not done false input information they never fixed engine bearing recall I’m getting a consultant to handle all the false information being provided by Kia Federico in woodriver

I have repeatedly been denied service by KIA Customer Service and KIA Dealerships regarding my safety recall. This ongoing issue has caused significant stress and inconvenience. I am simply requesting that my recall be completed so I can safely operate my vehicle.

When I was driving my car had stopped driving, the engine light had popped up. I put a new battery, and starter on to see if that was the problem, but it wasn’t. I then took the car to battleground Kia in Greensboro, NC.

On or about 13 May 2024 my family and I traveling. During the travel the vehicle displayed “Hybrid System Stop and Do Not Drive”. We took it in to Kia during the time that they had the vehicle, they informed us that it needed an ECU update (recall).

I have 3 issues currently going on with my 2015 Kia Optima. The first is the Oil Control Valve. This is supposed to be covered under my extended warranty that I pay for.

HECU has been replaced by kia dealership but I paid although all recalls performed are free.

HECU has been replaced but has not been free

When driving down the highway car will beep a message on dashboad to pull the car over and turn engine off. the HEV light will be flashing. you can turn engine off and re start in a minute or so.

Something is so wrong with my car, I can not see through the UVO screen no sound at all, can not detect my car key unless I put my key on dashboard. UVO works and dies instantly. Something in computer part of my KIA is BAD not operating normal.

I driving my vehicle is just started powering down and didn’t want to turn on again. We jumped started it thinking it was the battery but it checked out fine. The vehicle doesn’t want to start anymore and the mobile mechanic said the engine had ti be replaced since it was off the timing loop.

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.

I been reported the recall about my car engine and other problems thats going on with it but the manufacturer won’t fix it so what else can I do to have all these recalls fixed

Just bought the car. Drove it off lot & engine quit on me. Wont go over 25 MPH.

not really sure my car just started making a clicking noise out of no where & powered off & now it wont detect key or wont start up

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.

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.

Tl* the contact owns a 2015 kia optima. The contact stated that the driver's side front window was unable to close completely. The vehicle was taken to local dealer alm kia south (4310 jonesboro rd, union city, ga 30291, (678) 261-8409) to be diagnosed.

When you accelerate, for example to pass another vehicle, the vehicle will completely shut off, all lights illuminating on the panel the vehicle. The vehicle must be placed in park and restarted. Sometimes it starts right away, sometimes it takes a few minutes.

Tl* the contact owns a 2015 kia optima. The contact stated that all electrical indication in side the vehicle failed without warning. The vehicle was taken to mike shaw kia (6802 s padre island dr, corpus christi, tx 78412(361) 204-2731) where it was inspected and diagnosed where it was determined that the rear passenger seat was burnt due to a wire harness connection.

I was driving on the highway and my car told me to pull over and check the engine. I pull over, wait a little while, and try to start it again. It doesn't start.

I purchased my car in bellevue ne I tried taking it back within the first week. They told me everything was fine and sent me to edwards kia in council bluffs ia. My brakes and rotors were horrible and needed to be replaced they in ne said they were completely fine.

I was driving the road when out of the sudden the engine stops and sometimes turns on on itself,its seems like the engine locks and the cars stops suddenly.it also happens and I turn on intersections,when I accelerate to gain speed it turns off and I have to put the car on neutral and turn it on. On all of these occasions my family traveling with me.

I bought a 2015 kia optima ex brand new off the lot in october 2014. Since then I have had to replace both drivers side and passenger side window regulator modules. The first one that broke (passenger) in march 2016 and was told because the window shattered its not covered under warranty.

Engine ( and electrical systems ) shut down (3 times) completely and unexpectedly , while car was in motion at highway speeds( twice) and once while at tolls. Also noticed that when you turn key occasionally , its like battery is dead. I believe that first and second times I was flashing hi beams at highway speeds.

Keep hearing a loud rattling noise from the left side of the engine. He is more so when the car is in park and early morning. Has gone to the shop twice for this issues and each time have been told they can not find the problem even provided a recording of the sound.

My car started having electrical issues, started smoking and stopped completely while driving, now it won’t turn on / start

Engine keeps shutting off

For the past month or two my vehicle hesitates to start on the first try. I can smell an odor at times when this occurs. Most recently it seems to occur more frequently when the outside temperature is warmer.

While driving on freeway lights, flicker and car just dies. Steering goes out and lose control of vehicle. Then will randomly start up again

has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall It smells like burning

I was driving in downtown Gilbert when I pulled up to a red light. My car would not inch forward when taking foot off brake. I then had to put my foot all the way down to get my car to drive.

Unknown

Unknown

Warning message appeared on the dashboard regarding HECU malfunction. Kia was contacted and stated the car is not covered under a recall.

The driver side brake light and tail light is out. I have noticed this same problem on a few other Optimas' in my neighborhood about the same year as mine. There is a YouTube video saying it's because of the tail light connector.

Car has been broken in twice. First they stole all my belongings. The second time they took my car and got a ticket and destroyed the inside of it.

On 1 30-30 2023 my vehicle spun a rod bearing no engine light came on no oil light alert. I have a lifetime warranty & I'm just learning of a recall NHTSA SAFETY ID# 21V331000, to which I did not receive any notifications or recall notices

The lack of an ignition immobilizer facilitated an easy car theft and unauthorized use of the vehicle. A mechanic has confirmed that due to the lack of an immobilizer, anti-theft features were overridden, leading to a car theft. Insurance, police, and mechanics have all inspected the vehicle and state the cars theft was a result of the known fact that KIA ignitions can be started with a USB.

Engine Failure due to rod bearing issues-faulty manufacturing parts appears to have gotten into engine preventing or binding the engine so that it will not start.

My 2015 Kia was one of many Kias stolen from the Milwaukee, WI area. It was stolen from a secure residential parking garage by thieves who know they simply have to break a window to gain entrance to the car, break open the ignition lock, start the car with a USB port, and drive away.

When I drive my car it smells just like it is burning or melting in the motor, it comes thru the vents and smells awful. It has only smoked a couple of times when I have turned it off. I have had it looked at but at first they couldn't find the problem.

Every time I turn my headlights on my break lights stay on and the traction light comes on. People think I am riding my brakes.

Car engine stopped while driving on highway. Road ranger attempted to jump car off but sparks came and multiple cables were burnt out.. Car would not start.

The brake lights would not go off when I turned my car off. This ended up killing my battery. When I got the battery recharged it allowed the car to start without the brakes being pushed in.

My daughter was driving down main street when everything shut off, electrical, motor, steering wheel locked up . She coasted to the side of the road , a man pulled over to help her after 20 mins the car was as able to start again. 3rd time this has happened.

Both of my headlights on my 2015 kia optima have stopped working on low beam I have fog lights but I can't see maybe 20 feet in front of me it's already caused me to almost have one wreck I was in the middle of an interstate when my lights went out

Car won't start when you push to start with brakes

Oil light sensors aren't working

Tire sensor keeps going off. No damages to tire or no loss of air. When I put air in it goes off.

The blue tooth for the phone if allowed to ring can cause one to loose control. The ring can go well past 100 db. If we forget to turn our blue tooth off it actually hurts.