Diagsheet

2015 Kia Optima · symptom sheet

Brakes grind, pulse or wear early

  • 89owner reports
  • 90,000median miles
  • 5involved a crash

Newest report Jul 14, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

89 of the 1,005 complaints on this car describe brake wear.

Tick what matches of 89 reports

6
2
2
2
50
2

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the ABS module (11 reports).

Recalls and investigations

3 recalls on the brakes cover the 2015 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

23V-652Sep 25, 2023
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module

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 and remedy
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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.
21V-331May 10, 2021
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module

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 and remedy
Risk: An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
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.
20V-519Aug 27, 2020
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module

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 and remedy
Risk: If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
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.

NHTSA investigations into the brakes on the Optima

AQ23-002opened Nov 17, 2023
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · model years 2011 to 2015

Hyundai and kia abs module fires. Open.

NHTSA summary
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 58,556 and 125,000 miles, from the 46 reports that gave a mileage.

215
116
118
419
1020
521
1122
1423
2624
925
626

What owners wrote

“While driving on freeway lights, flicker and car just dies. Steering goes out and lose control of vehicle. Then will randomly start up again”

Filed Jul 23, 2024

“The check oil and my fans stopped working and also my fuel pump and also my battery light went on”

Filed Jul 6, 2024

“- The issue occurred for the first time 4/30/2024 - The following 3 warning lights appeared while I was driving: ABS, Traction Control, and Brake - I took the vehicle immediately to a facility to have the warning codes read. The printout showed: C2402 & C2380 - The warning lights remain illuminated every time the vehicle is turned on - I believe there is a safety concern of a potential fire or brake failure”

Filed Apr 30, 2024

“Car stalled. Received check Brakes warning. ABS pump motor voltage fault message.”

Filed Mar 24, 2024

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 5 of 89 reports involved a crash and 4 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.

File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.

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