2015 Kia Optima hybrid problems
The Kia K5, formerly known as the Kia Optima (Korean: 기아 옵티마), is a mid-size car manufactured by Kia since 2000 and marketed globally through various nameplates. First generation cars were mostly marketed as the Optima, although the Kia Magentis name was used in Europe and Canada when sales began there in 2002. For the second-generation models, Kia used the Kia Lotze and Kia K5 name for the South Korean market, and the Magentis name globally, except in the United States, Canada, Malaysia and the Middle East, where the Optima name was retained until the 2021 model year. The K5 name is used for all markets since the introduction of the fifth generation in 2019.
First generation (MS; 2000)
From 2000–2005, Optimas were a rebadged variant of the Hyundai Sonata, differing from the Sonata only in minor exterior styling details and equipment content. It was first shown in South Korea in July 2000 and was the first product of the Kia-Hyundai platform integration plan.
In Australia, the Optima was introduced in May 2001, offered only with a 2.5 L V6 engine, and choice of manual or automatic transmission. The updated Optima was offered with a new 2.7 L engine, 4-speed automatic (the manual was dropped), and features such as full leather interior and alloy wheels were made standard. Thanks in part to better marketing, sales increased to 41,289 units in 2005, an all-time high. The Optima was sold until 2006, when it was replaced by the Magentis.
Social links
Common 2015 Kia Optima hybrid problems
The 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid is a popular vehicle, but like any car, it has some common problems that owners have reported.
One issue that has been reported is leaking brake fluid. This can be a serious problem as it can lead to a loss of brake pressure and increase the risk of accidents. If you notice a puddle of fluid under your car or if your brake pedal feels spongy, it is important to have your vehicle inspected by a professional as soon as possible.
Another problem that has been reported is airbag failure. This can be a serious safety issue, as airbags are designed to protect occupants in the event of a crash. If your airbags fail to deploy in an accident, it can increase the risk of injury. If you suspect that your airbags are not working properly, it is important to have them inspected and replaced if necessary.
Some owners have also reported issues with the engine seizing up. This can be a serious problem that can leave you stranded on the side of the road. If your engine seizes up, it may need to be replaced, which can be a costly repair.
In addition to these issues, some owners have reported problems with the stereo system. Some have found that the stereo system does not compare to other models and that the sound quality is not as good as they would like.
Another issue that has been reported is the low position of the front passenger seat. Some owners have found that the seat is too low and that it is difficult for shorter passengers to see over the dashboard. This can be a comfort issue, but it can also be a safety issue if the passenger is unable to see properly while driving.
Blind spots have also been reported as a problem, particularly when backing up. Some owners have found that the high rear end and sharply angled rear windows create blind spots that make it difficult to see when reversing.
Finally, some owners have reported problems with the transmission. In some cases, the transmission has given out while driving, which can be a serious safety issue. It is important to have your transmission inspected regularly to ensure that it is in good working order.
In summary, the 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid has some common problems that owners have reported. These include leaking brake fluid, airbag failure, engine seizure, stereo system issues, low front passenger seat position, blind spots, and transmission problems. If you own a 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid, it is important to be aware of these issues and to have your vehicle inspected regularly to ensure that it is safe and reliable.
Are there any recalls on a 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid?
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
What is the life expectancy of the battery in a Kia Optima Hybrid?
150,000 miles
Hybrid car battery replacement should be performed every 150,000 miles or 15 years (whichever comes first). Bear in mind that this is not a guarantee, but an average figure for how often hybrid battery replacement should be performed.
Is the Kia Optima Hybrid a good car?
#4 in Best Midsize Cars of 2020
The 2020 Kia Optima carries on as an attractive midsize sedan offering good fuel economy, technology, value and everyday ease of use. It's also available as a 45-mpg Optima Hybrid or an Optima PHEV that can run up to 28 miles on electricity alone before the gasoline engine is needed.
Is a used 2015 Kia Optima a good car?
Driving the Used 2015 Kia Optima
The base 2.4-liter engine delivers a smooth, quiet and willing performance while sipping gasoline. Despite the car's racy appearance, the Optima's suspension is set up more for comfort than cornering, and not quite up to the standards set by the Ford Fusion and Chrysler 200.
2015 Kia Optima hybrid car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Kia Optima hybrid problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine problems
- Electrical system problems
- Steering problems
- Power train problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2015 Kia Optima hybrid vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2015 Kia Optima hybrid complaints
The NHTSA has received 12 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2015 Kia Optima hybrid.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-23
- VIN: KNAGM4AD9F5
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 30-45 MPH, she heard abnormal knocking sounds coming from the engine. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated she was able to continue to drive to her residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer also informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) because the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-04-14
- VIN: KNAGM4AD6F5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING THROUGH A NEIGHBORHOOD BETWEEN 20 - 25MPH THE HYBRID WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WITH OVERHEAD VOICE STATING TO PULL OVER AND NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE ANY FURTHER. IN THE PROCESS OF PULLING OVER THE CAR PROCEEDED TO LOSE ALL POWER. ELECTRICAL WITHIN CAR (LIGHTS, RADIO, ETC.) REMAINED ON BUT CAR WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE AND ENGINE WAS COMPLETELY OFF. THE CAUSE OF THE POWER LOSS IS STILL UNKNOWN, HOWEVER, WE WERE RUNNING ON HYBRID POWER AT THE TIME. THIS, WITH THE HYBRID MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT LEAD ME TO BELIEVE THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THE HYBRID SYSTEM.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-10-18
- VIN: KNAGM4AD0F5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: * OCTOBER 2017 WHILE DRIVING IN THE FREEWAY CAR SLOWED DOWN. GOT OFF FREEWAY AND TURNED OFF CAR. CAR WOULD NOT START ANYMORE. KIA REPLACED HIGH VOLTAGE FUSE, HYBRID BATTERY, POWER RELAY. * MARCH 2018 CAR WAS TAKEN IN DUE TO HEV AND ENGINE LIGHT ON WHILE DRIVING. CAR DID NOT ACCELERATE. KIA REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION. * MARCH 2018 CAR WAS RETURNED AFTER TRANSMISSION CHANGE AND 2 DAYS LATER WHILE DRIVING CAR GAVE HEV AND ENGINE LIGHT ON. KIA SAID IT WAS A "LOOSE WIRE" FROM TRANSMISSION. * MARCH 2018 CAR GAVE HEV AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON WHILE DRIVING AND KIA REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION AGAIN (2ND TIME IN 1 MONTH). * APRIL 2018 CHECK ENGINE AND HEV CODE CAME OUT WHILE DRIVING AND KIA REPLACED THE COMPUTER FROM ENGINE. *MARCH 2019 HEV AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WHILE DRIVING ON KIA REPLACED THE MAIN HARNESS.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-12-18
- VIN: KNAGM4AD1F5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IMPROPER SEALING OF COOLANT RESERVOIR THAT HAS SLOWLY LEAKED ONTO THE HECU UNIT AND HAS FRIED THE HYBRID BATTERY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-12-05
- VIN: KNAGM4AD4F5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ON DECEMBER 5, 2018 MY CAR SUDDENLY STALLED WHILE DRIVING IN AN INTERSECTION. I IMMEDIATELY TRIED TO RESTART IT BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL I HAD BATTERY POWER, ALL OF THE GA RESTART IT BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL I HAD BATTERY POWER, ALL OF THE GAUGES WOULD A CYCLE BACK-AND-FORTH WHENEVER PUSHING THE START BUTTON,HOWEVER IT WAS JUST LIKE THE GAS MOTOR WOULD NOT FIRE. IT IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, SO I HAD IT TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP. THE NEXT MORNING I WAS CALLED AND TOLD THAT IT SHOWED A LOT OF CODES, AND THEY WOULD NEED SOME TIME TO DECIPHER THEM AND WOULD NOTIFY ME WITH RESULTS LATER. AFTER ABOUT FIVE HOURS I WAS CALLED BACK AND TOLD HER THAT THE BATTERY ON THE CAR WAS DEAD AND IT WOULD NOT TAKE A CHARGE. PLAY THEN INFORMED ME THAT THE BATTERY ON THE CAR WAS THE ONLY THING NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND THE NEW REPLACEMENT WAS $400. UNABLE TO PAY THAT MUCH FOR A 12 V BATTERY I TRIED UNSUCCESSFULLY FOR A WEEK TO ARGUE THE FACT THAT THE BATTERY WAS NOT DEAD WHEN IT WENT OUT AND GETTING NOWHERE I FINALLY BOUGHT A $200 BATTERY, AND INSTALLED IT MYSELF. I AM MEDIATELY TRIED TO START THE CAR.... IT DID THE SAME THING IT DID AFTER IT DIED A WEEK PRIOR. I AM FORM THEM AFTER GIVING THEM THE KEY TO THE CAR BACK AND I NEED NEW BATTERY AND IT STILL WOULD NOT START. A NOTHER WEEK WENT BY AND FINALLY I WAS TOLD THAT THEY WAS TAKING THE BATTERY I PURCHASED OUT TO PUT A KIA BATTERY IN THE CAR TO SEE IF IT WILL START (WHICH THEY SAID THAT ALLOWED THE CAR TO START). THEN STATED TO ME THAT AFTER IT STARTED THEY WERE ABLE TO PULL CODES ON IT AND IT HAD A BED SAFETY FUSE. I WAS FIVE MINUTES FROM THE DEALERSHIP WHENEVER I WAS NOTIFIED OF THIS SO I'LL STOP BY NEARLY AS I HUNG UP THE PHONE. WHEN I WALKED IN I WALKED STRAIGHT TO THE CAR WHICH WAS IN THE GARAGE AND LOOK AT MY BATTERY THAT I PURCHASED WAS STILL IN THE CAR, HAD NOT BEEN REMOVED AND I STARTED THE CAR. SUCCESSFULLY. I WAS STILL TOLD COULDN'T TAKE CAR.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-10-18
- Fire: 1
- VIN: KNAGM4AD7F5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT TEN MINUTES AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE, IT BURST INTO FLAMES WITHOUT WARNING. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND TOWED AWAY BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE DEALER WAS NOT CALLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PLANNED TO INVESTIGATE THE MATTER. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,400. *TT CONSUMER STATED FIRE STARTED AT THE HYBRID BATTERY. *JB *TR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-06-23
- VIN: KNAGM4AD7F5
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: ANTENNA COVER FELL OFF WHILE CAR WAS REVERSING FROM HOME DRIVE-WAY.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-07-13
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO A PARKING LOT AND PARKED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED FLAMES UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT AND DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE CONTACT CALLED SEELYE FORD OF KALAMAZOO (3820 STADIUM DR, KALAMAZOO, MI 49008, (269) 375-3820). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED A CASE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,600.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-06-01
- VIN: KNAGM4AD8F5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE MESSAGE "HYBRID BATTERY ISSUE, PLEASE SHUT CAR OFF IMMEDIATELY" DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DCH KIA OF TEMECULA (26799 YNEZ RD, TEMECULA, CA 92591, (951) 268-9198) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PRA REPLAY BATTERY AND THE SAFETY PLUG NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 87,000.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-05-16
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, BOTH HEADLIGHTS STARTED FLICKERING THEN WENT OUT COMPLETELY, FOG LIGHTS, HIGH BEAM ALL ARE FINE, TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP, TOLD IT NEEDED NEW HEADLIGHTS, THE HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT THE ISSUE, RESEARCHED ONLINE AND SEEN THERE WAS A RECALL FOR MY YEAR FOR HEADLIGHT ISSUES. PLEASE, HOW DO I GET THI S RESOLVED. WHEN I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP, THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT NEVER MENTIONED A RECALL
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-01-09
- VIN: KNAGN4AD7F5
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: I NOTICED THAT WHILE DRIVING PASS 35 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL GETS KINDA STUCK IN THE 12 O'CLOCK POSITION. IF I TRY TO STEER EITHER TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT IT GETS STUCK LITELY, NOW IT WILL NOT DO IT IF I'M MAKING A COMPLETE TURN! IT'S HARD DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY BECAUSE YOU CAN'T KEEP THE VEHICLE STRAIGHT IN THE LANE BECAUSE OF THE STEERING WHEEL STICKING. JUST WANTED TO NOTE THAT IT DOES IT NOT ONLY ON THE HIGHWAY BUT ALSO ON CITY STREETS. IT'S ONLY HAPPENING AFTER I GO OVER APPROXIMATELY AFTER 35 MPH.
STEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-03-07
- VIN: KNAGM4AD0F5
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A U-TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BACK HOME. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED WHEN SWITCHING BETWEEN FUEL AND ELECTRIC EVER SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED IN 2017. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (RICK CASE KIA IN SUNRISE FLORIDA). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 12647572. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,096.
Negative 2015 Kia Optima hybrid car reviews
Positive 2015 Kia Optima hybrid car reviews
-
I switched to this car because of the MPG. Coming from a '93 Accord, there is a noticeable difference in the frequency of gas stops. I drive 300 miles a week to and from work and fill up every 12 days, which is not bad.
-
I've been the proud owner of my 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid since 2016 and I absolutely love it! I purchased it specifically for its impressive gas mileage - I get between 32 to 40 mpg both in town and on the highway. Of course, it does depend on how you drive to make the best use of the system. The car is incredibly easy to handle in town and quickly accesses the highway. Although I do appreciate the rear camera, I still rely on my trusty mirrors.
-
Hi there! I noticed that you recently purchased a 2015 hybrid Kia Optima used. It's great to hear that you find it comfortable both in the front and back! Although the MPG may not be as high as some other hybrids, it's still impressive for a regular car. It's amazing that you've already put almost 100000 miles on it and it's still going strong. Keep up the good work!
-
I've had this car for 2 years and it has been really reliable with good mileage. In everyday driving, I usually get over 28 miles per gallon and over 35 on highways. It's a solid and attractive car overall. The only downside is that the passenger seat is quite low and cannot be lifted, which can be a bit annoying. However, everything else about this car is great! I would definitely consider buying a Kia again in the future.
-
This car is a fantastic deal! It's priced at only 60% of the cost of a new car, and it gets great gas mileage. Plus, it still has 50% warranty coverage.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2015 Kia Optima hybrid problems:
2015 Kia Optima Hybrid Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 ...
2015 Kia Optima Problems Include Leaking Brake Fluid, Airbag ...
Dec 29, 2021 ... 2015 Kia Optima Problems Include Leaking Brake Fluid, Airbag Failure, and Engine Stalls · Engine issues make up over half of the 2015 Kia ...
2015 Kia Optima Problems and Complaints - 5 Issues
Top 2015 Kia Optima Problems · Door Locks Malfunction Not Allowing Driver or Passanger to Open Their Doors · Faulty Throttle Position Switch · Kia Issues New ...
Q&A: 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid Battery Problems - JustAnswer
May 28, 2023 ... My 2015 Kia optima hybrid won't start. Left me stranded on the road. I was driving and the display said hybrid system - Answered by a ...
2015 Optima Hybrid engine failure | Kia Optima Forums
Mar 1, 2022 ... I read somewhere that the Hybrid is MPI, which also confused me as far as trying to confirm if my engine could possibly be covered. Kia sent me ...
Other years of Kia Optima hybrid
Are you having problems with your 2015 Kia Optima hybrid?
Anibal Rohan 2024-09-20
Hi there! It seems like there might be some confusion around the term 'hybrid'. Have you considered looking into other options, like a 6 cylinder Honda sedan? I understand your frustration with the passenger seat and rear view, and I hope you're able to find a car that meets all of your needs!