2015 Kia Optima electrical problems

Filed Jul 29, 2026 · Electrical · 88,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the rear taillight socket wiring harness failed to function as intended. The contact was informed that the brake lights were inoperable. The contact stated that the failure had occurred every 6–7 months. The contact stated that the repair was completed by the contact. The dealer was not made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

Filed Jul 14, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · GA

I would say that the time this incident happened I was driving and me and me nephew were in car at time taking to shop to see why it was making a sound like air and all of sudden the car started swerving and slowing down and then it made a pop sound and smoke started coming from the car and I was thankful that I didn’t get hit but affraid and also hit my head in car due to the sudden jerk car mad and then it popped sound a d smoke came from good. The next day I have to pay to get back on the other side and also tow it home which it been parked since but I see a recall on my vin and want to find out how to get it to the nearest Kia to fix the recall

Filed Jun 22, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · CA

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The primary failure involved the engine. The vehicle experienced a major engine failure that resulted in an engine replacement under a manufacturer recall. After the replacement engine was installed, the vehicle later developed additional engine-related problems. An independent mechanic advised that the vehicle would require another engine replacement or extensive engine repairs. Additional defects included a malfunctioning moonroof that would no longer close properly and other mechanical issues affecting the vehicle's operation. The vehicle may be available for inspection depending on its current status and location. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The repeated engine problems created concerns about the reliability and safe operation of the vehicle. Sudden engine failure while driving resulted in loss of power, inability to maintain speed in traffic, and being stranded in unsafe conditions. The ongoing mechanical failures caused significant concern regarding the vehicle's dependability and safety. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The original engine issue was confirmed by authorized service personnel and resulted in an engine replacement under a manufacturer recall. The subsequent engine-related problem was evaluated by an independent mechanic, who advised that the vehicle required another engine replacement or significant repairs. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle was inspected in connection with the original engine recall and replacement. It was also inspected by an independent mechanic regarding the subsequent engine issues. At this time, I am not aware of any inspection by police or insurance representatives related to these mechanical failures. 5. yes, right away

Filed Mar 17, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · 174,000 miles · TN · fire

The contact owned a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, during a DoorDash delivery, the vehicle vibrated. The contact pulled to the side of the road and noticed smoke emitting underneath the vehicle from the right side. The contact exited the vehicle and noticed smoke emitting from underneath the hood. The state troopers were called. By the time the fire department arrived, the vehicle was engulfed in flames, and the engine had exploded. The fire department extinguished the fire. The contact was not injured. No police report was filed. The state troopers believed that the fire was caused by an electrical short. The contact stated that prior to the fire, the vehicle vibrated when idled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a towing yard. The insurance company was not notified about the fire. The contact was unaware that the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V331000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) was associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was not notified of the fire. The failure mileage was approximately 174,000.

Filed Jan 25, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · AL · fire

Yesterday, [XXX], My 2015 kia optima engines reved up wothout me pushing the gas & within seconds later a loud noise and metal fell from under the hood. After pulling over, popping the hood on the passenger side and under the engine a fire had started. My daughter was seated in the back passenger side her door had locked, thankfully the passenger door was left opened bc within minutes the entire car was filled with smoke and engulfed in flames. Prior to this the steering wheel would jerk even while at a red light. This car just did have 100,000 miles & no knowledge this prior. Thank god i was able to get my daughter out of this vehicle & this didnt end in a tragedy due to negligence if this was a prior known fact. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 17, 2026 · Electrical, Lights · FL

I’ve gotten my vehicle fixed four times now thinking it was an electrical issue, not aware of the recall. Did my research this fifth time when my brake lights completely went out and smoke at some point in times come through my air-conditioning. I’ve spent more money trying to fix the vehicle with no idea that there were issues already about it.

Filed Jan 2, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · TX

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.

Filed Dec 9, 2025 · Electrical · CA

In September of 2025, my radio and back up camera stopped working. I contacted Hayward Kia and was informed by staff member, Eraca Craig, that my 2015 Kia Optima needed a software update that was covered by a recall. I waited several weeks for the dealership to contact me once the update was available. During the waiting period my car's battery started to drain intermittently. I had to have the battery recharged multiple times by AAA. The battery would stay charged for a few days, maybe a week, then I'd experience the same issue. AAA towed my car to Kia Hayward on October 3, 2025. They charged my battery and kept my car over night to see if the battery would stay charged, it did not. Eraca told me that the AC Delco battery I purchased on January 16, 2025 was not "compatible" with my car. She recommended a factory Kia battery which I purchased on October 7, 2025. By November 1, my Kia battery had drained. AAA recharged the battery and it held a charge until November 25, 2025. When I took my car to Kia on November 11, 2025 for the software update, I was told that the update did not apply to my malfunctioning radio and camera therefore I needed to replace the entire unit for $4,080.49. On December 6, 2025 I had a diagnosis performed on my car, it reported codes C1102, B1102, B1112, and P000. C1102 indicates an issue with the HECU. My 2015 Kia Optima has had three recalls related to the HECU (#SC284,#SC212, &#SC197). On December 8, 2025 I made a request, via e-mail, to Eraca Craig that my HECU be inspected for leaks and to have the HECU fuse replaced. I understand that these services were recorded as performed in the past, but I need them performed again because I'm not satisfied that Kia has remedied the situation. I've also filed complaints with the Kia Customer Care Center. My case numbers are #25697367 and #25723089.

Filed Dec 3, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · FL

The incident took place on Sunday, December 30th. I was driving to pick up my children from their father and on our way home my car stopped accelerating entirely. This had only happen one other time a few days prior. I was in a gas station parking lot and initially when I turned my car on and went to put it into drive it wouldn’t accelerate. I thought that was odd so I did the only thing I knew how to, I checked my oil levels. Levels were full and no other issues were there. The check engine light had popped up when I turned my car back on but my car did accelerate so I thought nothing of it. I took my car to auto zone for a diagnostic and they told me my “B cam shaft” sensor needed to be moved and that could be causing the engine light to come on and ticking in my motor. I called a few shops getting quotes and eventually was forced to tow to the closest shop to me after my car refused to start overall. They replaced the battery and the b cam shaft censors and still were unable to get the car started. They told me 3 recalls were open on my car, including the motor and to have it towed to Kia for a full replacement. After calling Kia to have the repairs done, they refused me service based on a previous owner not handling prior recalls.

Filed Oct 14, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · IL

All recalls were not done false input information they never fixed engine bearing recall I’m getting a consultant to handle all the false information being provided by Kia Federico in woodriver