24 complaints reported

2015 Kia Optima SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
24
Crashes
0
Fires
6
Injuries
2

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Jan 2026 Fire

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2026
Oct 2025

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Oct 2025
Aug 2025

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Feb 2025
Feb 2025

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Feb 2025
Dec 2024

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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Sep 2023
Dec 2024

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Dec 2024
Aug 2024

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal burning odor detected inside the vehicle. There was smoke coming from under the hood. The contact pulled over and checked the oil, antifreeze, and other fluids. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who cleaned and changed the 02 sensor and informed the contact to keep the vents closed. 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. 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 failure mileage was approximately 144,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2022
May 2024

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2023
May 2024 Fire

The contact owned a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage and plugged up, the contact's son heard an abnormally loud pop and discovered that the vehicle caught on fire which extended to the home. The contact and her son were able to safely exit the home and no injuries were sustained. The origin of the fire was unknown. The Fire Department was able to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was totaled. The contact received NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Oct 2023
Apr 2024

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Apr 2024
Mar 2024

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact received notification 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 local dealer was notified of the issue. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was not available.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Mar 2024
Mar 2024

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Mar 2024
Mar 2024

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Mar 2024
Feb 2024 Fire Injury

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 contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed the vehicle was smoking and on fire. The contact stated the vehicle was equipped with tinted windows, and when he opened the driver's front door, the contact noticed smoke and fire in the interior of the vehicle. The contact called the fire department. The fire department extinguished the fire. A fire report was filed. The contact was treated for smoke inhalation. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact was informed by the dealer that there were no recalls for the vehicle. The contact stated that the dealer inspected the vehicle but did not provide the contact with a report. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a claim was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2023
Jan 2024

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2023
Jan 2024

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2024
Jan 2024

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 20-25 MPH, the ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the electric parking brake light illuminated indicating that the parking brake was engaged. 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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Apr 2024
Dec 2023 Fire Injury

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 time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, 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 returned from 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. A fire report was filed. The contact stated that her younger brother suffered a panic attack. The contact stated that the burned vehicle remained in the residential driveway. The dealer was unaware 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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Dec 2023
Nov 2023

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while the vehicle was started, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, she observed a burning odor inside of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 108,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jun 2023
Aug 2023

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Aug 2023
Jun 2023

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated. Additionally, the check engine, ABS, and TPMS warning lights were illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics). The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 144,771.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Dec 2022
Mar 2023 Fire

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated upon starting and exiting the vehicle, he noticed that there was smoke coming out from underneath the hood. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact opened the hood and saw flames. The contact closed the hood and immediately went into his residence to grab fire extinguishers. Upon returning to the vehicle, the contact was unable to reopen the hood. The contact called the fire department, who extinguished the fire. A fire department report was filed. There was no injury sustained. There was no police report filed. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The vehicle remained at the contact’s residence. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), which he related to the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Mar 2023
Jan 2022

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Sep 2021
Aug 2021 Fire

The contact owned a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while stationary with the engine on, the check engine warning light illuminated. After pulling into a parking lot, the vehicle stalled and was unable to be restarted. With the assistance of a nearby police officer, the contact placed the vehicle into neutral and backed into a parking spot. While waiting for her boyfriend to arrive at the scene, she noticed that dark grayish smoke was coming from the engine. The contact and her daughter immediately exited the vehicle as another police officer showed up at the scene. The officer attempted to extinguish the fire with an extinguisher but failed to do so. The fire department arrived at the scene and was able to extinguish the fire. The contact was uncertain if a fire or police report was filed. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard where it remained. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. Upon speaking with her insurance adjuster, the contact was informed that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the contact never received the notification letter about the recall. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2015 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Aug 2021

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2015 Kia Optima has 24 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.