2015 Kia Optima
The 2015 Kia Optima is a midsize car, rated at 26 MPG combined by the EPA, with a 5-star NHTSA overall safety rating. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for this model year.

- Combined MPG
- 26
- NHTSA safety
- Starting price
- $24,000
- Recalls
- 4
Watch: Optima reviews
Full specifications
Identity
SRC · NHTSA vPIC| Make | Kia |
|---|---|
| Model | Optima |
| Model year | 2015 |
| Vehicle class | Midsize Car |
Engine & drivetrain
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| Displacement | 2.4 L |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission | Automatic (S6) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
Fuel economy
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| City MPG | 23 |
|---|---|
| Highway MPG | 33 |
| Combined MPG | 26 |
| CO₂ tailpipe | 334 g/mi |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2400 |
Available configurations
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| Optima | 24 MPG combined |
|---|---|
| Optima | 26 MPG combined |
| Optima Hybrid | 37 MPG combined |
| Optima Hybrid EX | 36 MPG combined |
Fuel economy
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| City | 23 MPG |
|---|---|
| Highway | 33 MPG |
| Combined | 26 MPG |
Efficiency vs class average
About 30% below the class average.
- Amount financed
- $21,600
- Total interest
- $3,758
Partner offers · may earn us a commission
≈ $1,546/yr · 12,000 mi/yr · $3.35/gal
Protect against surprise repair bills and compare coverage from top-rated providers.
Partner offers · may earn us a commission
Cost to own
Estimate monthly payments and 5-year fuel cost using the tools in the sidebar. Figures use EPA fuel economy and current U.S. energy prices from EIA.
Safety ratings & recalls
SRC · NHTSA vPIC- Overall
- Frontal crash
- Side crash
- Rollover
Recalls (4)
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS18V907000 · 2018-12-19
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.
Remedy: 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.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE20V519000 · 2020-08-27
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.
Remedy: 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.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE21V331000 · 2021-05-10
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.
Remedy: 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/MODULE23V652000 · 2023-09-25
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.
Remedy: 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.
Compare with rivals
All model years
Frequently asked questions
What is the MPG of the 2015 Kia Optima?
The 2015 Kia Optima is EPA-rated at 26 MPG combined (23 city / 33 highway).
Is the 2015 Kia Optima reliable?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2015 Kia Optima. Recalls are repaired free of charge by the manufacturer — verify any open recalls by VIN before purchase.
How safe is the 2015 Kia Optima?
The 2015 Kia Optima earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating, including 5 stars in the frontal crash test.
How much does it cost to fuel the 2015 Kia Optima?
At 12,000 miles per year, the 2015 Kia Optima costs roughly $1,546 per year to fuel, or about $7,731 over 5 years at current U.S. energy prices.
What type of vehicle is the 2015 Kia Optima?
The 2015 Kia Optima is classified as a midsize car. Common rivals in this class are worth comparing on price, MPG, and safety.
Sources: NHTSA vPIC · EPA FuelEconomy · NHTSA vPIC