general problems of the 2015 Kia Motor Optima - part 1

The contact owns a 2015 kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal became inoperable. The contact stated that while attempting to depress the brake pedal, the brake pedal failed to operate properly. However, while light pressure was applied to the brake pedal, the brakes responded and engaged properly. The contact stated that the failure had started after the vehicle was repaired under a recall related to the hecu fuse replacement. 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 approximately 200,000.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the abs warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went into limp mode. The vehicle unintendedly decelerated to 5 mph and started jerking abnormally. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign numbers: 21v331000 (service brakes, hydraulic) and 20v519000 (service brakes, hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included in recalls. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 158,872.

The contact is calling on behalf of her grandson for a 2015 kia Optima. The contact stated that while he was driving at approximately 35 mph, the vehicle was making an abnormal sound and stalled. The contact stated he restarted the vehicle and was able to shift to drive (d), but the vehicle again stalled. The contact stated that he observed that white smoke was coming from under the hood. The contact stated that he pulled over and stopped the vehicle, opened the hood, and saw that smoke and flames had formed under the engine. The contact stated that he called the fire department. The fire was extinguished using foam. The vehicle was towed back to the contact's residence. The contact had not called a dealer or the manufacturer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 21v331000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The contact stated that her grandson had not received a recall letter from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 158,006.

My 2015 kia Optima has a failing abs/hecu module consistent with the kia abs fire recall. The brake lights stay on constantly even when the brake pedal switch is unplugged. If I unplug the abs/hecu module, the brake lights immediately turn off, which confirms the abs module is back-feeding power into the brake light circuit. I also previously experienced the abs pump running with the vehicle turned off. Currently the abs, esc, eps, and brake warning lights are illuminated and all stability/abs functions are disabled. This is a clear safety hazard affecting braking, electrical safety, and vehicle fire risk. I have already been to the kia dealer twice and they dismissed the issue after only checking the recall fuse. They refused to address the abs module itself even though the vehicle is unsafe. The recall appears insufficient because the module has now failed. I need kia to replace the abs/hecu module under recall safety remedy.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 40 mph, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure, and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the dealer refused to repair the vehicle. The contact was informed that the hecu recall repair needed to be completed first. The contact was unaware that the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 21v331000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

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.

I was driving on the northbound side of the interstate when my brakes failed when I pressed them to avoid a collision on the highway. The steering wheel malfunctioned when I tried to avoid a head-on collision with another vehicle. I couldn't control or stop the car, causing me to swerve left to right, and I then completely lost control of the vehicle. I crashed into the middle of the highway, but because my brakes had failed, the car continued at full speed into the southbound side of the highway, causing me to wreck into a semi. The colorado state patrol investigated the accident. Right before I wrecked into the semi-trailer, I noticed all of the lights on the dashboard were off. My steering wheel had fallen off completely, but the airbag never deployed even though every other airbag had deployed.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? the defects involve multiple electronic control systems, including steering, braking, and airbag modules, which continue to generate active and stored diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) even after the may 2, 2023 recall repair. The vehicle remains in our possession and is available for inspection upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? because the vehicle fails to illuminate dashboard warnings, we were unaware of critical malfunctions occurring in real time while driving. This creates the risk of sudden failure in steering, braking, or airbag deployment, directly endangering both occupants and the public. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? yes. Independent diagnostic scans repeatedly confirmed active and stored dtcs following the recall repair. These findings show the defects are reproducible and ongoing. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? the vehicle was inspected by kia’s authorized dealer, spradley motors in pueblo, CO, for the recall repair. Since then, diagnostic evaluations have been performed by independent service providers. Documentation of these inspections is attached. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? no dashboard warning lamps illuminated, even though faults were recorded internally by the vehicle’s control modules. The absence of warnings despite active codes is itself the central safety issue.

See attached document for complaint.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously included in NHTSA campaign number: 20v519000 (service brakes, hydraulic) in October of 2020. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who tested the vehicle to determine that the vehicle was not leaking brake fluid. Approximately 5 years later the abs, traction control, and brake light illuminated, causing the vehicle to hesitate and jerk while driving. The contact stated that there was a burning oil odor coming from the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed the modulator valve was leaking oil, causing it to leak out of the vehicle when the cap was removed. The contact noticed oil on the skid plate underneath the oil pan. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed that the abs module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,600.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Optima. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was started, and the vehicle was driven to the residence. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall or special programs. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,743.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he smelled a burning odor permeating throughout the interior of the vehicle, prompting him to discontinue driving the vehicle. After a visual inspection of the exterior of the vehicle, the contact observed what appeared to be a hydraulic fluid leak underneath the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 21v331000 (service brakes, hydraulics); the VIN was included, but the vehicle had not yet been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.

Engine fire.

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 with engine failure, which voided the recall due to the diagnostic test. The contact was offered a buyback which was refused. The contact was then referred to the manufacturer and was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty and that any repairs would be an out-of-pocket expense. The contact drove the vehicle back to the residence despite the failure and the vehicle repeatedly shutting off. The contact called another mobile mechanic and was informed about a recall and related the failure to the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

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

Has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall it smells like burning.

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 brakes, hydraulic); however, the dealer informed the contact that the repair could not be covered under the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

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

On may 11, 2024, we took our 2015 kia Optima to hutchinson kia service center 3931 river pl, macon, GA. Due to brakes not working. When you apply brakes the vehicle would not stopped you would have to apply the emergency brakes for a complete stop. On that day, I was told no one was there to check my brakes due it was a Saturday and would need to schedule another appointment when they could do a brake diagnostic. The next appointment was June 4,2024, on that day we had the vehicle towed due to brakes. Today is September 2, 2024 and our vehicle is still there. On July 12, 2024, we were contacted staying vehicle was repaired and the problem wa a pin hole in the right brake line. We picked up the vehicle proceeded home at the first traffic stop same problem happen with the brakes. We returned immediately back to kia service center, explaining the same problem still exists. After vehicle being there for 2 more weeks, nick with kia hutchinson kia called stated there was a problem with abs system and vehicle would be ready on August 21,2024. Well the still have my vehicle and no updates. When you call they put on hold and never comeback. If you go over the service manager is always out and no one can give you and update.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Optima. The contact stated the vehicle failed to start-up. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the oil level was extremely low. The contact was unaware of any oil leaks. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost of towing the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic) after the failure had occurred. The failure mileage was approximately 184,000.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 20-25 mph, the abs and the traction control warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, a light indicating that the electric parking brake was engaged was displayed. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the hydraulic electronic control unit (hecu) had experienced an internal electrical short. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 20v519000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.

- 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. The printout showed: c2402 & c2380 - the warning lights remain illuminated every time the vehicle is turned on - I believe there is a safety concern of a potential fire or brake failure.

I've been having an issue with my car just out of the blue breaking while I'm going into it seems to be only a left turn I had let kia know about this when I took it in for the other recalls just recently nobody seemed to have any idea of what was going on or look at me like I was crazy I guess and now I see this recall that explains everything to a tee of what my car is doing I need somebody to contact me please. This has almost gotten me into serious accidents on more than one occasion.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had experienced a failure. The contact stated that when she would start the vehicle the check engine and several other lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle would overheat and she was afraid of fire and would turn the vehicle off. The contact had driven the vehicle to an independent mechanic who was unable to duplicate the failure. Additionally, the contact stated that while she was driving at approximately 60 mph the vehicle independently accelerated. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to pull over and stop the vehicle. The contact stated that she waited about 30 minutes and restarted the vehicle and drove back to her residence. The manufacturer was not made aware. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000. VIN tool confirms parts not yet available.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Optima lx. The contact received notification NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic) however, the parts to do the repair were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs as the recall notice was received several months ago. The local dealer was notified of the recall notice and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms part not available.

Car stalled. Received check brakes warning. Abs pump motor voltage fault message.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Coming to a stop and breaks go to floor u will freak out this happens in 2 different times.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owed a 2015 kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available.  the contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.  the contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the drive way, the contact started the vehicle to warm it up and went back into the house while the vehicle warmed up. The contact stated that when she came back out of the house to enter the vehicle the vehicle had independently turned off. The contact stated she restarted the vehicle, however the contact noticed smoke exiting from under the vehicle hood. The contact stated the vehicle was turned off and a family member attempted to raise the engine hood when he noticed the hood was too hot to touch. The contact stated smoke and fire exited from under the engine hood. The contact called the fire department. The local fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire out. A fire report was filed. The contact stated that her younger brother suffered an panic attack. The contact stated that the burned vehicle remained in the residential driveway. The dealer was not made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.  the VIN was unavailable.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brake, hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds and while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed a burning odor coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the abs, check engine warning light remained illuminated with a burning odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 150,000. Parts distribution disconnect.