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.
2015 Kia Optima: brake failure
9 of the 1,011 complaints about the 2015 Kia Optima describe brake failure.
- owner complaints
- 9
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- typical mileage
- 70,000
- recalls
- 3
Brake failure by model year
What owners say
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.
- 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
Brake Failure, Having to pump brakes in order to stop vehicle, driver rear tail light burning, causing short in wiring
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes failed to stop the vehicle immediately, causing the vehicle to crash into a curve that fractured the lower control arm and damaged the tire rims, fender, and bumper. Additionally, the vehicle later failed to start. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed that either the alternator or battery was faulty. The mechanic replaced the lower control arm. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 129,403. Parts distribution disconnect.
I was driving on the freeway and all of a sudden the check engine and all lights came on. I could not accelerate or stop the vehicle the brakes did not work I coasted off to the side of the freeway and hit the guard rail because I had no breaks. Then I had a tow truck come and pull me off the freeway to see if I could start my vehicle however it did not start all the lights were on the dash on and the car was smoking and smell like fire I had the car towed to the mechanic to find out what is wrong. The mechanic said the engine is fried because the oil pump was not being pumped into the motor therefore it locked up he said I believe there is a recall on this vehicle for the same reason I checked the recall and there is nothing in the system that a 2015 kia optima is up for recall. I believe kia needs to refund this vehicle that has only 88,000 miles in the engine needs to be replaced kia needs to call me
If I push the proximity ignition button accidentlally the car will shut down, no brakes, not power steering. I am wondering if this should happen when I am travelling 70 MPH on the interstate. The dealer did not give me any satisfactioon..."told me not to push the button" and "trade it in on a 2019." some makes will not shut down if going over 5 pmh unless the button is pushed twice. Others, you must hold the button. I could not find anything in the manual and their customer service was no help. There have been deaths related to this problem according to some websites. I can't test the car myself. Was hoping the dealer would or tell me the situation with the button and speed. Can you help me?>.
While driving vehicle caught on fire brakes did not work car shut off had to jump out of the car in never came to a complete stop fire department had to come and put the fire out total loss
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 kia optima. While driving at approximately 55 MPH, the brakes failed. As a result, the contact lost control of the vehicle and began driving on the sidewalk. The front passenger side tires exploded and destroyed the rim. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 6,200. Updated 8/31/15*cn updated 10/26/2017
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
- What is wrong
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
- Risk
- An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
Recall number 23V652000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
- Remedy
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will install a new multi-fuse, and inspect the HECU for leaks, replacing the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 2, 2021. This recall supersedes previous the federal safety agency recall number 20V‑519. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC212.
Recall number 21V331000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
- What is wrong
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
- Risk
- If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
- Remedy
- Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. The recall began October 20, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC197.
Recall number 20V519000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2015 Kia Optima brake failure
Is brake failure a common problem on the 2015 Kia Optima?
9 of 1,011 owner complaints about the 2015 Kia Optima (1%) mention brake failure. The model year with the most reports is 2015.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2015 Kia Optima?
There are 3 recalls and 1 service bulletin for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2015 Kia Optima
Engine failure 244Knocking 149Check engine light 140Stalling 140Fire or smoke 97Loss of power 59Won't start 42Oil consumption 39Jerking 25Warning lights 22Won't shift 19Headlights 17ABS 15Hesitation 13Power steering loss 12Airbag light 10Fuel smell 10No deployment 9Sunroof shattered 9Grinding brakes 8Overheating 8Steering lock-up 7Fuel pump 6Backup camera 5Power windows 5Shudder 5Pulling 5Wipers 5
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