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2015 Kia Optima

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2015 models.

Kia Optima
Pictured: 2016 Kia Optima SI front. Photo: LuvsMG481, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Midsize Cars
Body styles
Hybrid LX/EX/EX Premium 4dr Sedan, LX/EX/Sx 4dr Sedan, Sx Turbo 4dr Sedan
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
37 combined · 35 city / 38 hwy
Length
190.6 in
Curb weight
3,236–3,497 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
4 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 37 MPG combined — 44% better than the average 2015 midsize car (25.7 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints1,020 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 220 for similar models — most often about the engine.
  • "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 23 similar 2015 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2015 Kia Optima is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 191 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 110-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,497 lb (Hybrid LX/EX/EX Premium 4dr Sedan).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 37 MPG combined (35 city / 38 highway), 44% better than the 2015 midsize car average of 25.7 MPG, for an estimated $1,800 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1020 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2015

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2014 Optima — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2014; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2014 Optima →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Hybrid LX/EX/EX Premium 4dr Sedan190.6 in72 in57.1 in110.2 in62.2 / 62.2 in3,497 lb60/40
LX/EX/Sx 4dr Sedan190.6 in72 in57.1 in110.2 in62.6 / 62.6 in3,236 lb60/40
Sx Turbo 4dr Sedan190.6 in72 in57.1 in110.2 in62.6 / 62.6 in3,468 lb60/40

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Optima Hybrid Hybrid2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (AM6)Front-Wheel Drive35 / 38 / 37+44%$1,800242
Optima Hybrid EX Hybrid2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (AM6)Front-Wheel Drive35 / 38 / 36+40%$1,850247
Optima2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive23 / 33 / 26+1%$2,600334
Optima2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive20 / 30 / 24-7%$2,800372
9/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
9/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $3,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
25.7 MPG2015 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2015 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2015 Kia Optima.

Similar 2015 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2015 Kia Optima (this car)37 MPGNot rated4
2015 Toyota Corolla34 MPGNot rated1
2015 Honda Accord47 MPGNot rated6
2015 Toyota Camry40 MPGNot rated1
2015 Nissan GT-R19 MPGNot rated1
2015 Chevrolet Malibu29 MPGNot rated3
2015 Volkswagen Passat34 MPGNot rated7

Recalls (4)

Safety advisory: 3 recalls for this model year carry a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Sep 25, 2023 Park outside

NHTSA campaign 23V652000 · 1,730,192 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · May 10, 2021 Park outside

NHTSA campaign 21V331000 · 440,370 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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 NHTSA recall number 20V-519. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC212.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Aug 27, 2020 Park outside

NHTSA campaign 20V519000 · 440,370 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Engine · Dec 19, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V907000 · 71,653 vehicles

Problem
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2015 Kia Optima is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

1,020Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
31Involved a crash
76Involved a fire
23Injuries reported
70,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine628
Unknown Or Other140
Electrical System133
Structure › Body76
Steering69
Service Brakes49
Power Train49
Fuel/Propulsion System46
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/11: 324/12: 825/01: 1225/02: 825/03: 825/04: 1225/05: 825/06: 1125/07: 1125/08: 825/09: 1525/10: 525/11: 325/12: 1026/01: 926/02: 926/03: 626/04: 426/05: 626/06: 426/07: 626/08: 426/09: 226/10: 124/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 15

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2015 Kia Optima buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Engine — 628 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Electrical System — 133 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Structure › Body — 76 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 70,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  8. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2015 Kia Optima. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Optima years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2020 Optima42191.3 in★★★★★0153
2019 Optima41191.3 in★★★★★1213
2018 Optima42191.3 in★★★★★3244
2017 Optima42191.3 in★★★★★4306
2016 Optima37191.3 inNot rated5764
2014 Optima37190.6 inNot rated7580
2013 Optima37190.6 inNot rated101,352
2012 Optima36190.6 inNot rated6917
2011 Optima36–Not rated6544
2010 Optima25–Not rated141
2009 Optima25–Not rated155
2008 Optima25–Not rated360

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →