76 of the 1,400 complaints about the 2015 KIA Optima are about the body and structure — 5% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 56,000 miles.
76
Complaints
4
Crashes
7
Fires
2
Injuries
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
STRUCTURE:BODY
My 2015 white Kia Optima is having terrible paint peeling problems. It is peeling and chipping on the hood, along the sides of the windshield, above the wind shield, on my back bumper, above my back tires, and just about every place in between. PLEASE HELP!
NHTSA complaint #11748405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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Factory paint defect/delamination known to Kia causing excessive paint bubbling, peeling, flaking, large chunks of paint falling off, a widespread issue documented inherent to appear on the roof, front pillars both sides next to windshield, trunk, door panels and hood rapidly expanding. Notorious on model Optima 2013 - 2017 with Snow White Paint (SWP). This issue comes with an extreme safety hazard I am officially reporting to you; Windshield at Risk of Detachment - Paint defect has expanded inside the glass layers of the windshield up and down both sides causing the adhesive to bubble/weaken, potentially could detach causing serious injuries to myself, passengers and all other drivers. Citrus Kia Ontario, CA inspected my vehicle May and June 2025, confirmed damages are a result of a factory paint defect known to Kia and their body shop has repaired many of these Optimas with SWP. I was directed to file a report with Kia Customer Care, they will issue a claim number needed to schedule an appointment for repair. Kia denied my claim. Contact Dealer reporting paint defect; 11/7/2017 repair made for peeling paint Confirmation X03S999EM3, 6/11/24 officially reported paint cracking bubbling Claim # 16453820, May & June 2025 Citrus inspected my vehicle explained the damages to my vehicle a factory paint defect known to Kia, their body shop has already repaired many model 2015 Optima SWP, confirmed my vehicle is eligible for repair. I was directed to file a report with Customer Care, a claim number would be issued for so I could schedule a repair date. I filed a report. Kia reopened Claim 16453820 & denied the claim. I have written a formal letter to Kia Corporate requesting repair, no response.Kia's factory paint defect is a documented global widespread inherent issue affecting thousa+nds of Kia consumers, refusing to accept responsibility, refusing to honor TSB Extended warranty. This is a disgrace.Our vehicles look horrible & are safety hazards.
NHTSA complaint #11738221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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Snow white pearl paint bubbling, peeling, and chipping in multiple areas of my vehicle
NHTSA complaint #11734736 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the driver's side and passenger's side doors' exterior trims separated from the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the repair was not covered because the VIN was not included in an unknown related recall. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11715114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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We have the Arctic Snow white color on our Kia. The paint began peeling shortly after our purchase in 2016. It has continued to peel throughout the entire time we have owned the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11690223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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Paint is failing due to improper preparation during production. The vehicle is available for inspection if requested. The paint was inspected by licensed and lifetime collision repair specialist. Paint can not simply be touched up. Entire car needs stripped to bare metal and repainted to fix issue. Other manufacturers have had recalls for this same issue. Why has Kia not been held accountable for this?
NHTSA complaint #11689278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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White paint on roof and around door is flaking off in large sections. No accident. Not covered under warranty. Appears to be a known issue with Snow White Pearl paint on Kia vehicle - widespread paint failure can affect visibility, resale value, and long-term corrosion.
NHTSA complaint #11687355 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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The car is a 2015 model and as shown in the pictures, the paint on the tail is damaged. This is a defect of the manufacturer.
NHTSA complaint #11679143 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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The paint on my 2015 Kia Optima is severely peeling off, especially on the trunk, hood, and driver-side pillar. The passenger side also has some peeling. This is not a minor cosmetic issue — it significantly affects the vehicle’s appearance and long-term durability. Many other owners of this model have reported the same issue, indicating a widespread paint defect. I contacted Kia through several official channels and received no response. I believe this is a manufacturer defect and should be addressed as a broader consumer issue.
NHTSA complaint #11672507 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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Factory Paint Defect Inherent, known to KIA models 2015 Optima Snow White Pearl Paint SWP. (including 2013 thru 2017 all share the same identical paint code). Citrus KIA in California inspected my vehicle and confirmed the paint damages are a known inherent factory paint defect. This is a nation wide issue, thousands of owners continue reporting this inherent paint defect on their Optima SWP. Basically this is an issue with all car manuacture's with white paint. Toyota and Hyundai accepted responsibility for this same factory paint defect and is repairing their customers vehicles. Class Actions Lawsuits have been filed against KIA and Hyandai for this known factory paint defect with severe safety concerns. This paint defect expanded into the layered glass of the windshield causing the adhesive to bubble. Insufficient adhesive could detach it during a crash or break while driving. The large chunks of paint continuing to fall off even while driving could impair visability to myself and other drivers. Citrus KIA inspected my vehicle and confirmed the damages to my vehicle are caused by this known factory paint defect. Wrote me an estimate reopened my case originally report 6/2024. Corporate KIA closed my case with the explanation 3/36k paint warrant expired. This is not a paint warranty issue. This is damages caused to my vehicle and thousands of others with this same inherent factory paint defect known to KIA. It is the manufactures responsibility to make this right. This inherent defect continues to rapidly spread through out our vehicles, causing further damages. These untreated areas now have rust subject to corrision which will lead to integrity of the body structure. Please recall this inherent factory paint defect. It's over whelming how many owners continue reporting this to their dealers, posting pictures of their ruined vehicles. We need help. Please recall SWP of Optima 2013 thru 17 with no limitations how old or amount of miles. Thank you
NHTSA complaint #11672075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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Paint has been chipping on this SNOW white pearl has gotten progressively worse. Cannot wash the vehicle without more paint chipping.
NHTSA complaint #11668490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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This is about paint damage on my Optima is a known factory paint defect.This factory paint defect, specifically paint delamination causes bubbling, peeling then flaking off in large chunks while driving, has been reported on 2015 KIA Optima with white pearl paint. The damages ares are exposed to the metal, subject to rust and corrosion. On 5/30/35 KIA in Ontario, Ca. Body Shop Manager Yvonne Ramirez inspected my vehicle and immediately confirmed the paint damages to the exterior of my vehicle is a known factory paint defect on 2015 Optima with white paint. Yvonne instructed me to contact Corporate KIA, report the case, receive a claim # then contact her to schedule an appointment for the repair. On June 3, 2025 KIA reopened case number [XXX] originally reported on June 11, 2024. No claim # issues, no repairs made. Safety Concern: The paint damage has affected both sides of the adhesive inside the glass securing the windshield. This is a nation wide problem. Owners have documented and continue to keep reporting this problem to KIA, NHTSA, AutoLine and BBB. Several class-action lawsuits have been filed against KIA in USA and Canada. This is also happening to Toyota, Honda & Subaru. It’s basically all the car manufacturers who are using this pearl white paint. The amount of Optima owners dealing with the massive rapidly spreading paint defect to their vehicle is over whelming. December 2023 my 2015 KIA Optima SXT Pearl White beautiful exterior paint began to bubble, peel, flake followed by large chunks of paint falling off even while driving. This started on the roof top right and left of the rear window. February 2024 - the same paint damages started on the right and left sails/pillars next to the front wind shield and is causing damage, bubbling and spreading through out the left and right side of the glass. It is a safety concern. March 2025 - the same paint damage started on the top right truck with huge chunks of paint falling off while driving.HELP INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INF
NHTSA complaint #11667571 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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Paint is peeling
NHTSA complaint #11655927 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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Bubbling and painting chipping on the driver door, passenger driver's side door, at the top roof at all doors, around the front mirror, and passenger and back passenger door. Pearl white paint. I believe the ENTIRE kia needs to repainted and fixing one spot is not the solution!! This includes the top of the car and racks on top if your car has them.
NHTSA complaint #11655521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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The paint on the vehicle is separating from the body. This vehicle is available for inspection at any time. The paint begins to peel and break off when it rains, and it washes into the drains. From there, it ends up on the grass where my young child plays, potentially getting on his hands and into his mouth. Additionally, animals like birds are picking at the paint on the grass. My insurance has verified this problem, and there were no prior signs that indicated any issues. Recently, following a storm, water started bubbling up beneath the paint, causing it to crack and eventually blow off. It started in a small area but with every rain gets worse.
NHTSA complaint #11645433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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On October 10th 2024, my 2015 Kia Optima caught fire while I was driving. The fire originated from the engine compartment, completely engulfing the vehicle in flames within minutes. Component/System Failure: The exact cause of the fire is unknown, but Kia had previously issued a recall for this model due to an engine defect that posed a fire risk. The vehicle is no longer available for inspection as it was completely destroyed in the fire. However, I have multiple videos documenting the incident, including footage of the fire and the aftermath. Safety Risk: My safety and the safety of others were severely compromised. The fire started suddenly while I was driving, forcing me to evacuate the vehicle immediately. If I hadn’t reacted quickly, I could have suffered serious injuries or worse. Additionally, the fire posed a danger to other drivers and pedestrians nearby. Reproduction/Confirmation: The issue has not been reproduced, but it aligns with the recall Kia issued for this model. Prior to the fire, I attempted to schedule an appointment with Kia to address the recall, but I never received confirmation, and no inspection was performed. Inspections: After the incident, I contacted Kia, and they sent an investigator to inspect the remains of the vehicle. No police or insurance representatives conducted an independent inspection. Warning Signs: There were no warning lights, messages, or obvious signs of a problem immediately before the fire. However, I had previously noticed a recall related to fire risk for my specific model and attempted to schedule an appointment with Kia, but they never responded. Given Kia’s history of engine fire recalls, I strongly believe this incident is related to the known defects in this vehicle model.
NHTSA complaint #11644544 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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Pearl paint has been peeling more and more especially when washing my vehicle. This shouldn't be happening and i see similar paint issues with other Kia and Hyundai models. I need Kia to take accountable and responsibly for their defect.
NHTSA complaint #11633975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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The snow-white pearl paint is peeling off - this is a common problem, and the paint is flaking off - not adhering to the base material - seems like a factory defect. This will be a huge re-paint cost to be fixed, and it is just getting worse over time
NHTSA complaint #11631244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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vehicle paint is peeling severely
NHTSA complaint #11621206 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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White pearl paint is chipping all around the car. At times big chucks of paint just flake off
NHTSA complaint #11621144 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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The paint is coming off in chunks anywhere from an inch to 5 inches at a time. Not from rock chips.
NHTSA complaint #11610779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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I purchased a brand new Kia from an authorized Kia dealership. The vehicle in question is a 2015 Kia Optima, white pearl in color. Since its purchase, I have maintained this vehicle ensuring that it is serviced regularly at authorized Kia service centers and taking all necessary steps to protect its exterior. Despite these efforts, I have recently observed a drastic deterioration in the paint quality of my vehicle. Specifically, the paint on my Kia Optima has been peeling extensively in several areas, including the roof, hood, and trunk. This issue not only affects the vehicle's aesthetic appeal but also raises concerns about the potential for further deterioration and damage to the underlying metal, which could lead to rust and other long-term issues. I have conducted some research and discovered that paint peeling issues are not uncommon with vehicles of this model and color. It appears that this problem may be linked to a manufacturing defect, particularly with the application and adhesion of the paint. I believe this to be a defect that falls under Kia's responsibility, as the paint should reasonably be expected to last much longer under normal use and care conditions.
NHTSA complaint #11591740 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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I have a 2015 kia that is snow/pearl white paint and it has been chipping since a year after I bought it new.
NHTSA complaint #11591750 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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White pearl paint peeling off, all over hood, etc
NHTSA complaint #11577901 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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My paint started fading then the exterior metal layer on the roof started to chip off
NHTSA complaint #11575103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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I OWNED MY 2015 OPTIMA SLX SINCE THEY HAVE IT REPLACED MY ENGINE IN KEARNY MESA DEALERSHIP I PAID OUT OF POCKET FROM REPAIRS LABORS THERE IS A DEFECTS ON DOOR PANELS AIRBAGS ELECTRICL WIRING HARNESS NEVER RECEIVED ANY CLAIM COMPENSATION SETTLEMENT FROM THOSE CLAIM ACCIDENTS THAT IAM NOT AT FAULT FOR IT IS UNLAWFUL UNCONSTITUTIONAL UNFAIR I DESERVE A RESTORATION OF MY PERSONAL VEHICLE I OWNED IT I LIVED IN IT.
NHTSA complaint #11567675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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Paint delamination on top surfaces of the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11565563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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my paint on my Kia Optima Pearl White paint is bubbling and peeling in various areas of my car exposing the metal to corrosion. It is peeling on the trunk and on the roof in various places.
NHTSA complaint #11560880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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2015 KIA OPTIMA WHITE PEAR PAINT JOB DELAMINATION ON HOOD, TRUNK SIDE PANELS BY WINDOWS AND FRONT AND BACK WINDSHIELDS. AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION, HAS BEEN INSPECTED. NATIONAL PROBLEM, INSPECTED BY KIA DEALER REFERRED BODY SHOP. FIRST TIME APPEARED VERY VISIBLE 1 YEAR 1/2 AGO. I HAVE REACHED OUT TO KIA, FILED CLAIM, CASE #[XXX] ON 10/11/2023, TODAY, 11/17/2023 RECEIVED E-MAIL "VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY". MY VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED IN GEORGIA WITHIN THE SAME TIME(S) OF THE CLASS ACTION RECALL FOR 2013 AND 2014 MODELS. I REQUEST MY CASE BE RECONSIDERED FOR THE PAINT REQUEST. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11555709 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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The paint on my vehicle has been bubbling and chipping off for years. I did buy my vehicle used and was a certified pre owned. It was in great condition at the time of purchase. The paint became a problem soon after owning the vehicle. I didn’t think much of it till it continued to peel off more and rust in certain areas. I noticed more vehicles like mine had the same problem. I began looking into it and seen that others were complaining of the same issue as mine online. I did contact Kias main corporate office and they wanted estimates and pictures. I did not go thru with this because they said it was a process to even get approved and if they approved it they would only paint certain parts, and not the whole car. I figured why paint parts if the same paint was used originally to paint the entire car then chips could happen anywhere else. And if paint was approved on certain areas I could only file once and to me that didn’t seem worth it at the time so I decided to see if this would become a recall and have been waiting patiently. Im very unhappy with KIA regarding this issue. It’s clearly a problem amongst multiple customers. I have this nice car and it’s embarrassing to drive like this. I hope this message reaches someone who will do something about this. Thank you
NHTSA complaint #11552500 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.