2015 KIA OPTIMA Engine Problems

Vehicle experienced sudden loss of power while driving when cylinder 3 completely failed (0 PSI compression). Metal particles found in oil and excessive oil consumption (1 pint/100 miles). KIA dealer diagnosed as piston rings but ignored metal in oil that suggests bearing failure covered under recall campaign. Refused proper diagnostic testing. Vehicle now unsafe to drive with failed cylinder that could cause complete engine seizure while driving. Kia had all recommended services and oil changes since acquired in 11/2016. These service records demonstrate the progression of my vehicle's engine issues, from early oil consumption problems documented by York Auto Care in July 2023 (3 quarts low) to complete cylinder 3 failure with zero compression confirmed by Kia's own diagnostic testing in May 2025. Despite this documented history and Kia's own test results showing catastrophic engine failure, they have denied warranty coverage under their engine campaign that specifically covers bearing-related failures...

My car has less than 50,000 miles on it. I was driving at around 40 miles per hour and my engine suddenly stalled. My car was towed to the nearest repair facility and a diagnostics was completed on it revealing a seized engine. My car has been well maintained and has never been in a repair shop for any type of major repairs. This engine failure came as a complete surprise as the car gave no indication that there was a problem. Kia Motor Company has recalls on other cars with the same make, model, year and engine size as mine that have had the same exact issue as what mine has presently. However, when I look up my VIN on their website my car only shows 1 recall which is unrelated to the issue I am currently experiencing. I would like to understand why my car is not included...

Having issues with my engine, it’s throwing the code saying that my glow relay is stuck on and has something to do with the knock sensor, which is on a recall on 2015 Kia Optima, but my VIN number doesn’t seem to be one that’s on the recall list, but my engine is doing the same thing that the other ones are being recalled for.

I am contacting you regarding my 2015 Kia Optima EX (VIN: [XXX] , while driving, I experienced a sudden strong burning smell followed by heavy white smoke from the engine area. Shortly after, the engine stalled, and the vehicle had to be towed. I have verified that there are no open recalls or settlements listed for my vehicle. However, based on the known engine issues affecting similar models, I am respectfully requesting goodwill assistance from Kia to repair or replace the engine. I have always taken good care of my vehicle, and I believe this issue may be related to broader known concerns with the engine models from those years. I would appreciate your help in reviewing my case and offering any available support to resolve this issue. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your positive response. Sincerely, [XXX] Pho [XXX] ail: [X [XXX] [XXX]...

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. However, several days later the failure reoccurred, and the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a nondescript failure with the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage...

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

The engine shut off while on the highway, car was still moving but not power from engine when accelerating the gas, not leaks or lack of maintenance

We are submitting this claim because the engine on the vehicle is completely locked up at only 50,000 miles, despite the maintenance being fully up to date. This issue appears to be directly related to the well-documented rod bearing failure that Kia has previously issued recalls for across various models and years. We have contacted several Kia dealerships in our area—including those in Anniston, Trussville, Huntsville, and even across state lines—seeking assistance. Unfortunately, all of them have refused to proceed with an engine replacement due to the vehicle having an older KSDS (Knock Sensor Detection System) software update. While we have documentation that the original update was completed within the required timeframe, they are now stating that a newer version of the software is required in order to move forward. However, when we reach out to Kia dealerships requesting this updated version, we are told that they cannot perform the...

Was driving down the highway and all of a sudden the car shut down in the highway lucky cars was not close by. Tried to crank it it would not crank would not take a boost it won’t say anything I had the battery checked at auto zone the battery is really good. The mileage on the Kia optima is 1,900 actual miles it will not crank or move it was very scary I called Kia customer service there wanted to charge me over $400.00 dollars to come get it and take it to the shop so it took me 2 days to find a tow to get it home and it still needs to go to the Kia shop

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. After a visual inspection, the contact observed an excessive amount of oil leaking from underneath the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with engine failure, observing a hole on the side of the engine block. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer however, the diagnosis was not yet confirmed. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the...

I purchased a 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid on [XXX], from Nissan of Grapevine, TX. The vehicle had an open safety recall issued in 2021 (PI2104) related to engine failure, but neither Kia nor Nissan informed me of this recall before my purchase, nor was the recall repair ever performed. On [XXX], my engine suddenly seized while driving, leaving me stranded. I had the vehicle towed to Meineke in Pflugerville, where they confirmed the engine failure but declined to perform an official diagnostic due to liability concerns. In 2024—over a year after my engine had already failed—Kia America finally mailed me a recall notice. By this time, the damage was irreversible. I took the car to Kia of Round Rock on April 2, 2024, where I was charged a diagnostic fee despite the engine failure being caused by the known recall issue. Kia then denied me warranty coverage, claiming I was...

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. While the contact's sister was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact's sister parked the vehicle and performed an inspection of the vehicle. The contact's sister opened the hood and confirmed the smoke was coming from the engine. The vehicle was restarted; however, the vehicle failed to operate as intended. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer; however, the dealer provided an unofficial diagnostic result of possible engine failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

When driving on the highway my car suddenly started to stall with me on the highway. It went from 80 miles per hour to 20 miles per hour and then completely shut off in the lane of the highway. Thankfully I was able to pull over to safety. I attempted to start again, and the engine started with a weird noise coming from it. I had it towed to my local Mechanic who told me that my engine is part of a safety recall.

I was driving home from work when my car started to herk. So I pulled over turned my car off. When I started it again it started to knock and not accelerate. I scanned the computer telling me that it was a knock sensor. I took it to a mechanic and he told me there were brass shaving in my oil. Also said I need to replace the engine because of the problem.

The engine started knocking so I started driving to the dealership. The car stalled on the highway and wouldn’t restart. I’m having it towed to the dealership. My daughter has the same engine and it did the same thing. KIA replaced her engine.

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over, stopped on the shoulder lane, and had the vehicle towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the knock sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

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. The vehicle is no longer available for inspection as it was completely destroyed in the fire. However, I have multiple videos documenting the incident, including footage of the fire and the aftermath. Safety Risk: My safety and the safety of others were severely compromised. The fire started suddenly while I was driving, forcing me to evacuate the vehicle immediately. If I hadn’t reacted quickly, I could have suffered serious injuries or worse. Additionally, the fire posed a danger to other drivers and pedestrians nearby. Reproduction/Confirmation: The issue has not been reproduced,...

The engine blew and it's making a knocking rod noise.

My wife driving the 2015 Kia Forte on [XXX] on [XXX] Mile Marker [XXX] North bound at 60mph and vehicle lost all power and caught on fire. The vehicle coasted to the side of the road. Police and fire were called and extinguished the flames. There were no accidents or no injuries. I attempted to get KIA to resolve the case as the Theta Engine is known for this issue. Kia refused all claims under Kia Customer Care Case number [XXX]. Kia of Dayton Car dealership reported an engine connecting rod broke and ejected out the side of the engine allowing engine oil to hit the exhaust manifold starting the fire. This is know Safety Issues with this Engine Series that Kia refuses to honor past Law Suit Settlement. I have the Police report, Fire Dept. Report, and Estimate for repair. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT...

I was driving to a new job , it was about 5:45am when I noticed my car wouldn’t go faster or stop. I seen fire , tried to stop car, I was going about 15-20 mph when i decided to just get out of the car and run , care went into complete flames

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle shut off with several unknown warning lights illuminated. An independent mechanic spotted the contact on the side of the road and helped. The mechanic was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle immediately shut off with a loud clanking sound and a burning odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was later towed to the residence. Despite the failure, the contact was able to drive the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was driven to the residence and a mobile mechanic inspected the vehicle. The contact was informed that the VIN was under recall and was advised to take the vehicle to a dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and was diagnosed...

I am writing to file a complaint regarding a 2015 Kia Optima I purchased from Synergy Auto Deals LLC (formerly located at 1001 S State Road 7 Hollywood, FL 33023). The dealership failed to disclose a critical open safety recall on the vehicle at the time of sale, which I believe violates consumer safety standards and puts me at significant risk. Details of the Complaint     1.    Undisclosed Safety Recall:     •    The vehicle has an open safety recall that was never disclosed during the purchase process. I only became aware of the recall after the sale, which has caused significant inconvenience and concern about my safety.     2.    Dealer Misrepresentation:     •    In addition to failing to disclose the safety recall, the dealership misrepresented other aspects of the sale, including the price and fees, and employed deceptive practices during the loan approval process.     3.    Expenses Incurred:     •    As a result of these issues, I have incurred additional costs, including:...

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer and was repaired for excessive oil consumption. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired at the local dealer under an unidentified NHTSA recall; however, the repair failed to prevent a failure from occurring. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power, and the engine seized. The vehicle was towed back to the same local dealer, but the vehicle was not repaired due to the maintenance records not being available. The vehicle was left at the local dealer for further investigation. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

Engine seized

As I was driving in the fwy I hear noise and exit to check what was wrong. No lights or warning of what the issue might be. Turned off the car open the hood of the car and saw nothing wrong with it I turned it back on and the noise went away. About 2 week after I was exiting the fwy and the engine light turned on. Engine start making noises

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. They confirm that the engine had stopped working due to being locked up and it had a recall on it. First they said they can’t fix the engine without my registration and license, I turned that in then They said they will not fix the recall if I don’t have enough evidence of oil changes which I’ve handed over to them multiple times. I thought a recall was suppose to be fixed without hassle. My Kia advisor is Matt Cates. Email:[email protected]

I was driving on the interstate, going 80mph in the passing lane passing a semi. (speed limit in SD) my car died. No noises, no warning lights NOTHING. Just lost ALL power. I was able to coast to the side of the road. I towed it to Kia to find out my engine seized. It IS part of a Class Action Lawsuit but they should be recalling these engines BEFORE they go out. Imagine if an unexperienced driver was driving and lost all power, or if it was icy, or someone was behind me? This is unacceptable these engines are failing and putting lives in danger

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...

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...

ENGINE KEEPS SHUTTING OFF

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from under the hood before the engine seized. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was repaired for several oil leaks, timing chain, timing chain cover, and fuel gaskets failures. The vehicle was later towed to another local dealer, Visalia Kia (825 S Ben Maddox Way, Visalia, CA 93292); for a second opinion where the vehicle was diagnosed with a rod bearing failure and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired under an engine warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,800.

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle started smoking independently from the front of the vehicle and the accelerator pedal went to the floorboard. The vehicle was restarted and the vehicle went into limp mode. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Engine fire

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact also heard a loud knocking sound coming from under the hood. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,500.

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud knocking sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

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). When services were finished, we picked up the vehicle and was made to pay for services that were part of the recall. When we left the dealership, the lights on the dashboard appeared 1. Engine, 2. HEV. We called the dealership back and informed them what happened. They told us to take the vehicle back to them. After checking it, they informed us that due to the update that was done to the vehicle it triggered faults in the battery. They informed us we would have to replace the Hybrid Battery that would cost us about $13,000. We stated to them our...

Engine may be blown not sure what all is affected. Engine died while driving. Trying to start makes a loud knocking in engine compartment.

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving uphill at 20 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

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.

Hi I have a 2015 Kia optima white(pearl). Like many other white Kia’s on the road, my paint is continuously simply flaking off. This problem is being ignored by Kia which is very frustrating. How is it that Kia is able to avoid this problem when several Kia’s are having the same problem but because our cars are “ out of warranty” for the useless first 3 years paint warranty they claim to have it’s ok. It’s outrageous a 2015 shouldn’t be having paint problems that insane to even think about.

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle shut off without warning. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure and the vehicle was repaired by the dealer under Warranty. The contact stated that several months after the repair was performed, the contact noticed a fuel odor coming from the vehicle after a visit to the gas station. The next day upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact's husband discovered a puddle of fuel underneath the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and requested that the vehicle be towed to the dealer for an inspection. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline; Engine) which the contact linked to the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The...

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, or while at a complete stop, the vehicle would shut off without warning. The vehicle would resume normal operation upon restart of the engine. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for an inspection; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

I have a 2015 Kia Optima never had any problems. Last Sunday it starting rattling from the engine, changed the oil the following Saturday and drove it to see if it made it any better. Within 20 mins the noise in the engine from knocking was so bad, my car was trying to die on me at red lights. Luckily, I was able to make it home. Checked the oil that was just changed and drove maybe 25 mins is full of metal shavings. Called Kia and they are trying to say that because a recall wasn't completed before I owned it that I am not eligible for a engine replacement, even though when i bought this used car from a Kia dealer they should have seen and completed this recall. Now I have a car with a bad engine that I still owe 5K that I can't even drive...

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

Engine locked in while driving on road No power an won’t start

Driving down highway car engine shut off. Brakes are vacuum assist so brake pedal was hard and not very responsive while trying to stop car. Engine would not restart having to be towed. No warning lights, no strange noises. Just shut off. Engine possibly siezed. Looking in a kia forum this seems to be a recurring problem. I know there were Engine recalls in previous model years may need to be included for this year as well. Engine oil good, coolant level good.

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while her granddaughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and there was smoke coming from the front end of the vehicle. The driver was able to pull to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact met her granddaughter on the side of the road. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the smoke was coming from underneath the vehicle, under the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that an unknown wiring harness had burned, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service...

The check oil and my fans stopped working and also my fuel pump and also my battery light went on

Car would not drive faster than 25 mph. Check engine light on codes p1326 and p0014. Not eligible for ki engine settlement but have the same issue..