2015 Kia Optima: backup camera failure

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 Nov 9, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · 149,878 miles · CA

The contact leased a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the front passenger's side window, the rearview camera, and the brake lights were intermittently inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at approximately 10 MPH, the check engine warning light and several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle shut off. The contact shifted into neutral(N) and was able to push the vehicle to the side of the road with the assistance of several bystanders. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was leased, and it was diagnosed that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the battery warning light and the steering warning light illuminated, and the vehicle shut off. The contact was able to jumpstart the vehicle and drove to the residence, where the vehicle remained parked. The vehicle was not repaired. The Kia dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Aug 16, 2022 · Brakes, Electrical · MS

For one my car is very sluggish when taking off and shifting gears Jerks badly. MY electrical is messing up on my radio and camera. Sometimes I smell rubber burning. When I have my cruise on it will speed up on its on and jerk when it does and when i press my brakesbto slow down it doesn'twant to slow down unless iash really hard. When taking off from a hill or a dead stop it doesn't want to shift and slags and rattles when it shifts. Bluetooth works sometimes and sometimes it doest it depends on when my backup camera works or not. I bought this car used in June of 2021 with a little over 92000 miles. I know when something doesn't sound right and when something is messed up, there is something wrong with my car. So far I haven't been in an accident but I don't want to be either.

Filed Mar 11, 2020 · Body, Lights · 44,000 miles · NC

While driving at speeds higher than 45 MPH, the steering wheel locks for a brief moment. This does not allow for a smooth way to keep the vehicle straight on the highway. Very scary. Antenna cover on top of car flew off on the highway. Read that it has happened to several other 2015 optima models. Back up camera is foggy and I can no longer use it when reversing. Back taillights have condensation in them. I have already had one of them replaced early on.

Filed Oct 5, 2018 · 52,000 miles · LA

Back up camera failed in vehicle and kia dealer wanted to charge $1000.00 to fix it the car has less than 55,000 miles .