Car Yearsto Avoid

2015 Kia Optima Engine Problems

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

How common are engine problems on the 2015 Kia Optima?

647 owners have reported engine problems on the 2015 Kia Optima, 64% of all complaints for this year and the most reported problem area. Most reported problems happened at about 64,000–115,000 miles. 1 recall covers this area.

647 complaints 64% of all 2015 complaints 89,000 miles typical

Which parts fail

The specific part named in each complaint.

Manifold / header / muffler / tail pipe 1
Oil / lubrication 1
Engine control module (ECU / ECM) 1

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (332 of 647). The amber line is the middle value.

When problems were reported

Engine complaints by the year the problem happened.

Engine complaints by Optima year

2008 Optima 24
2009 Optima 16
2010 Optima 11
2015 Optima 647
2019 Optima 94

Related recalls

Fuel pipe may leak, causing fire risk

Fire risk

During an engine replacement, the high pressure fuel pipe at the fuel pump may have been damaged, misaligned, or under-tightened. This can cause a fuel leak, and fuel near an ignition source can start a fire.

Fix: The dealer will inspect the fuel pipe and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.

Recall 18V907000 · Dec 2018
Check your VIN for open recalls

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We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2015 Kia Optima, you'll hear about it the same week.

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Other 2015 Kia Optima problems

Common questions

What are common 2015 Kia Optima engine problems?

Complaints most often name the manifold / header / muffler / tail pipe, oil / lubrication and engine control module (ECU / ECM).

At what mileage do 2015 Kia Optima engine problems happen?

Most complaints that gave a mileage fell between about 64,000–115,000 miles. The middle value is about 89,000 miles.

Is there a recall for 2015 Kia Optima engine problems?

Yes: 18V907000. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Which Optima year has the most engine complaints?

The 2013 Optima, with 651 complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports.