2015 Kia Optima: multiple warning lights

Filed Jun 23, 2026 · Engine · OK

While driving my 2015 Kia Optima, the engine failed completely without warning. The vehicle lost power while in motion approximately 300 miles away from my home. All warning lights illuminated and the car shut down during driving conditions, creating a serious safety hazard. The vehicle was towed to a Kia dealership where it was inspected. I was informed the engine has failed and may be related to the known 2.4L engine defect and prior recall campaign involving this engine type. This vehicle has a history of multiple recalls, including engine-related recalls issued in 2018 for the same engine family. The failure occurred suddenly and without prior adequate warning, and the vehicle is now inoperable. I purchased the vehicle in May 2023, and at the time of failure it had approximately 133,000 miles. The engine began knocking loudly prior to failure, then stalled and shut off completely while driving. This incident placed me and others at risk because the vehicle lost propulsion while in traffic. I believe this may be related to a known manufacturing defect in Kia 2.4L engines that has been the subject of recall and/or investigation. I am requesting that this complaint be documented as a safety-related engine failure potentially associated with the existing recall and that it be reviewed for further investigation and manufacturer accountability

Filed May 18, 2025 · Airbags, Brakes · CO · crash

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.

Filed Jun 13, 2023 · Engine · 184,000 miles · GA · fire

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact's daughter was driving at approximately 60 MPH when numerous lights on the dashboard illuminated. The contact stated that her daughter said that the vehicle stalled, however, she was in the right-hand lane and pulled over. The daughter said that smoke was being emitted from the engine compartment. The contact stated her daughter was picked up by family and the vehicle was left at the side of the highway. The contact stated that the daughter's companion retrieved the vehicle. The contact stated that he opened the hood and checked the oil and observed that there was no oil showing on the dipstick. The contact filled the vehicle's oil reservoir and started the vehicle. The contact said that he also reported that all panel warnings illuminated and the vehicle had begun to emit smoke. The contact stated he pulled off the roadway, opened the hood, and observed smoke and flames being emitted from under the engine block. The contact stated he had immediately closed the hood and moved away from the vehicle. The contact stated that he reported that the vehicle continued to emit smoke but no more flames were observed. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 184,000.

Filed Jan 24, 2023 · Engine · FL

While driving the vehicle on Tuesday 1/17/23 giving it gas, the engine stopped running. I was going about 45 mph when the engine stopped, multiple lights on the dash turned on including the engine light, oil light, and battery light. I had to coast the car to the side of a 3 lane road. I turned off the car, waited a few moments and tried to turn the car on. The lights went on but the engine did not start. I had the car towed to an auto shop who then advised I should have it taken to a Kia dealer as there is a recall on the vehicle. The dealer has had the car for a week and has only said that the engine is seized and that they can not provide more information without me paying to have the engine taken apart.

Filed Nov 7, 2022 · Engine · 137,513 miles · GA

My engine has died while driving on two occasions. The first time the engine died I pulled over to the side of the road and I turned the ignition off and it cranked right up. No more issues for approximately two months. The next time I was driving and the engine died I pulled over to the side of the road, turned the ignition off and tried to crank it but nothing happened. All the lights were on but the engine wouldn't turn over at all, no clicking noise, absolutely nothing. I was so confused because all lights were on but nothing happened when I turned the key. I had it towed to Pep Boys who said I had complete engine failure. What? No warning, no check engine lights, no running hot, I maintained my car religiously. I heard there was a recall on the Theta engines but I can't find anything on 2015 engines. If the engines have a recall up to 2014 and my engine did the same exact thing then my engine repair and/or replacement should be covered under a warranty also. This is dangerous. I was traveling at speeds between 75 -80mph when the engine died. This needs to be addressed but I can't seem to find anyone that cares enough to help me.

Filed May 16, 2022 · Engine · 112,100 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that after stopping at a traffic light and then attempting to make a right turn while accelerating, the engine started revving however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and several warning lights flashed before the vehicle stalled and lost motive power. The vehicle was towed. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the rod bearings had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer who confirmed the diagnosis. The contact became aware of an unknown recall however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 112,100.

Filed Jan 9, 2022 · Engine · VA

I was driving my 2015 optima on 1-5-22 on a 4 lane road going up a hill the car stalled dash lit up like a Christmas tree. Car would not start I was stuck in heavy traffic. I had to have it towed to my house. This vehicle had a recall repair done in 2017 for this same issue. The dealership replaced the engine. I have not taken it to the dealership. Mileage at failure 173,000.Milage at first failure 57,000.

Filed Aug 7, 2021 · IL

On Monday, August 02, 2021, I was driving home from work and suddenly, when I stepped on the gas pedal, the car didn’t move but the RPMs were reveving very high and all the lights, accessories continued to work. The car had to be pushed out of the street and into a parking lot, until it was towed the following morning to my local mechanic. Upon inspection, it was determined that the engine had seized. I was informed that this is a well-established problem of similar models, years of Kia and Hyundai vehicles that occurred as result of an issue during the manufacturing process and that Kia was aware of the problem but refused to issue a recall. Due to Kia’s reluctance to reimburse owners for the repairs, there is a class-action lawsuit against Kia. My vehicle was towed on August 5, 2021 to Bob Rohrman’s Kia dealership on Golf Rd, Schaumburg IL.As a result, I am without a vehicle that I am still making payments on until December 2021.

Filed Mar 25, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · 65,000 miles · GA

When you accelerate, for example to pass another vehicle, the vehicle will completely shut off, all lights illuminating on the panel the vehicle. The vehicle must be placed in park and restarted. Sometimes it starts right away, sometimes it takes a few minutes.

Filed Mar 15, 2021 · Body, Electrical · 130,000 miles · CA · fire

On 3-14-2021 about 225pm I was attempting to merge onto the i10 freeway in ontario california, while merging all the lights on the dash lit up and the car proceeded to shut off and my speed was going down . I attempted to pull over off the shoulder of the freeway, once I was stopped I turned the car off. The car than was engulfed with smoke and flames I jumped out the car and the car lit up in flames. I called ontario police and fire department.

Filed Dec 14, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 55,000 miles · CA · fire

Driving north bound on the 405 at freeway speeds, the vehicle showed several warning lights on the dash. Check engine light, oil light and 2 others, the vehicle lost engine power and only had brakes. I was able to shuffle off the main freeway to an off ramp where I pulled over to attempt to power the car back on. The smell of electrical fire started to become apparent and I went out to lift the hood and smoke began to come out the opening. I rushed to get my kids out the vehicle and attempted to pull the battery cable off to try to salvage it from catching fire. I was able to wiggle the battery cable off but smoke continued to come out. The vehicle was eventually dropped off at the dealership car pros kia in glendale and im being informed the starter was the issue and will need to be replaced. Im uncertain about the diagnosis since the event of the vehicle losing all power occurred during highway driving .

Filed Aug 29, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 75,500 miles · CA

8/27/2020 car had been at the kia dealership 2 weeks before for the same issue...car shut down on the freeway after 'check hybrid charging system' lights flashing 'shut down engine' lights flashing. Kia had determined car just needed a 'hybrid battery update' fast forward...I was driving to visit my mother in idaho, driving about 75 MPH on the freeway, when the same thing happened: 'check hybrid charging system, shut off engine.' all the lights started flashing, and 'possible battery management system issue' diagnostic flashed on the radio screen. The car started losing power before locking up completely, wheel locking, shutting off and spinning out on the highway. Luckily another other cars were close by or else this would have easily turned into a fatal crash. 3 hours on the side of the road and a $450 tow into the nearest kia dealership which was 2 hours away.. And I find out it's a blown hev fuse and the hybrid system/battery has failed completely. Now I'm stuck with a dead car. Failed at around 79,500 miles. This is not the first kia optima hybrid to do this!!! Recall these cars before they kill somebody!! I should not have to worry about a 5 year old car shutting down and locking up on the freeway while driving. Especially with kids in the car. I will never buy another kia again. It has the 10 year 100,000 mile warranty which kia is saying covers no part of any repairs. Odd since this is a known issue with these hybrids!! Recall these death traps!!!