2015 Kia Optima: engine overheating

Filed Mar 3, 2026 · Engine · 124,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood, and the engine overheated. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road and add coolant to the coolant reservoir. The vehicle slowly started and was driven to the destination. The contact stated that the engine was overheating if driven for more than 10 minutes. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the vehicle was experiencing excessive coolant consumption, and coolant was added as needed. The mechanic determined that the failure might be related to the engine. The vehicle failed to start and was undrivable. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.

Filed Oct 7, 2024 · Electrical · 101,000 miles · NY · fire

The contact owned a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, he noticed an abnormal burning odor; however, the temperature gauge did not indicate that the vehicle was overheating. The contact stated that upon noticing that the burning odor was becoming stronger, the contact pulled to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that while exiting the vehicle, he noticed flames coming out through the upper part of the hood, near the windshield. The contact opened the hood and noticed that there was fire under the hood. The contact stated that the fire expanded, and the vehicle significantly burned from the front end to the rear seats. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. The contact was unsure whether a fire department report was filed. The fire department advised the contact that the fire was caused by an electrical or mechanical failure. There was no injury sustained. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and totaled. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.

Filed Apr 2, 2024 · Brakes, Engine · 151,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that when starting the vehicle, the check engine and several other warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was overheating, and the contact was concerned about a possible fire. The contact had driven the vehicle to an independent mechanic who was unable to duplicate the failure. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle independently accelerated. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over and stopped the vehicle. The contact stated that she waited about 30 minutes and restarted the vehicle and drove back to her residence. The manufacturer was not made aware. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Feb 6, 2023 · Brakes · 144,771 miles · CA

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 the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Dec 2, 2022 · Engine, Fuel system · 100 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact received a recall repair regarding a system upgrade for the knock sensor detection system and experienced the failure since the repair was performed. The vehicle was emitting a fuel odor and had a burning odor as if the vehicle was overheating. The driver’s and passenger’s side side-view mirrors would close while driving at various speeds. The Push to Start button had to be pressed several times to start the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer who stated that the fuel odor was due to a hole in the fuel line hose. The passenger’s side side-view mirror had been replaced. The failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 100.

Filed May 2, 2022 · Engine · 111,000 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 75 MPH, the vehicle overheated and shut down. The contact drove safely off the highway. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, after being impounded on the side of the highway. The dealer diagnosed the failure with rod bearing failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 111,000.

Filed Apr 21, 2021 · Acceleration, Engine · 122,000 miles · TX

I was driving home from work and I noticed my vehicle having a hard time picking up speed and soon after it was a noticeable knocking noise coming from the engine. The RPM and dashboard gauges were very sporadic. I parked the car and popped the hood to find that there was somehow absolutely no oil, but no current sign of leaking from underneath. The car continues to knock when I start it up and am afraid of it overheating and it is currently parked. It smells definitely like burntness and when shifting into d3 and d it seems to be the most apparent that the engine could be having touble. Speeds and RPM gauge are most sporadic at high speeds and the exhaust pipe seems to have residue of some sort that isn't normal.

Filed Apr 26, 2019 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 52,000 miles · TX · fire

Takata recall just pulled into my job car was in parked. Car was still running had about 45mins to spare before clocking in. Notice the car begin to smoke as I'm sitting preparing my self for work. No warning signs appeared to notify me that the car was overheating. Turned the engine off to see if car will cool down. Smoke seemed to get heavier. I got out the car and seen there was fire underneath. Immediately I notified emergency officials. Good samaritans helped put out the fire. Emergency officials say it was electrical that caused it.