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Service bulletins for the 2015 Kia Optima

A bulletin is a manufacturer's communication to its dealers, as NHTSA indexes it. The summary is NHTSA's. The document is the manufacturer's: read it at NHTSA. A bulletin is not a recall, and listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned.

268 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.

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Bulletins, newest first
TSBTRA059R22017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; POWER TRAIN. TSB:HCU/TCU UPGRADE ? FOR 100 MESH SOLENOID EQUIPPED HYBRID TRANSMISSIONS - This bulletin provides information related to a software upgrade of the Hybrid Control Unit (HCU) and the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) of some 2011~2016MY Optima Hybrid (TF HEV) after replacement of the transmission with improved 100 mesh solenoids has taken place. To apply the improved logic, the HCU/TCU should be reprogrammed using the GDS/KDS download, as described in this bulletin.
PS464R12017-08-02. Service bulletin. LANE DEPARTURE; FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE; LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION. PITSTOP: NO COMMUNICATION WITH BLIND SPOT - This Pitstop provides information relating to 2014-2015MY Optima (QF) vehicles with Blind Spot Detection (BSD), which may exhibit a ?Check BSD System? message and no communication with the BSD system after collision repairs. This concern is commonly caused by the rear bumper harness installed backwards.
PS4932017-08-02. Service bulletin. VISIBILITY; EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. TSB: DEFOGGING LOGIC ? NORMAL OPERATION, DISABLING, AND ENABLING - Starting with 2010MY, all Kia vehicles, except Rio (JB), incorporate a defogging logic to prevent the interior windows from becoming excessively fogged. Depending on the specific model, the HVAC control head monitors ambient temperature and/or cabin humidity to determine which settings will best prevent the windows from fogging. If the system detects lower ambient temperature or higher cabin humidity, the defogging logic may automatically switch ON the A/C, and/or set the air intake mode to Fresh Air. If the user changes these settings, the defogging logic will take control again after 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the procedure in this publication.
TSB-ELE100R42017-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.. TSB: UVO SYSTEM UPGRADE - This bulletin provides the procedure for upgrading the UVO system on some 2014-2016MY Soul (PS), Sorento (XMa)/(UMa), Optima (TF HEV), Forte (YD), Sportage (SL), 2015-2016MY Sedona (YP), and 2014-2015(MY) Optima (QF/TF) vehicles to address ?Incoming ring volume too loud? complaints when using certain smartphones (non-iPhone). Additionally, in 2014MY vehicles the upgrade will also improve Bluetooth connectivity and Voice Recognition (VR).
TSB-BOD1672017-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. TSB: EXTERIOR EMBLEM REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the front and rear Kia emblems on some 2014-2015MY Optima (QF) and replace the front and if necessary, the rear emblems on some 2014-2015MY Sorento (XMa) vehicles, which may exhibit peeling or delamination of the emblem coating. Follow the procedures outlined in this bulletin to correct the concern of peeling or delaminating emblems.
TSB-ELE129R12017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. TSB: SERVICE ACTION: UVO SOFTWARE UPGRADE (SA277) - This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the UVO software on some 2015MY Soul (PS), Sportage (SL), Optima (TF, QF), Forte (YD), and Sorento (XMa) vehicles to incorporate Bluetooth and Voice Recognition improvements.
TSB-ELE128R12017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. TSB: SERVICE ACTION: AUDIO SOFTWARE UPGRADE (SA276) - This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the audio software on some 2015MY Soul (PS), Sportage (SL), Optima (TF, QF), Forte (YD), and Sorento (XMa) vehicles to incorporate Bluetooth and Voice Recognition improvements.
PS4692017-08-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL. PITSTOP: MANUAL EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS TEST FOR HARD TO FIND/SMALL LEAKS - If the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is illuminated with DTC(s) P0442, P0455, P0456, or P0457 (Evaporative Emissions System-Leak detected) and the evaporative (EVAP) leak self-test resulted in NTF, a manual EVAP test is recommended.
TSB-GEN085R12017-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.? It is critical for technicians to be aware that ALL such locking fasteners, regardless of type, are for ?one time use? only.
TSB-ELE0702017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM). TSB:SERVICE ACTION: NAVIGATION UNIT SOFTWARE UPGRADE (SA172) - This bulletin provides the procedure for upgrading the navigation system software of some Sedona (YP), Soul (PS) and Optima (QF) vehicles to resolve concerns related to no sound coming from the head unit after ending a Bluetooth call.
TSB-TRA0552017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. TSB: INHIBITOR SWITCH DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION - This bulletin gives information regarding the steps to take regarding the diagnosis of the Inhibitor Switch.
TSB-GEN0572017-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. TSB: GENERAL INFORMATION AND DIAGNOSIS FOR SMART KEY FOB SYSTEMS AND START/STOP BUTTONS - This bulletin provides information related to the Smart Key Systems on vehicles equipped with A/T (automatic transaxle) and Start/Stop Buttons (SSB).
TSB-CLI017R42017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. TSB: EV AND HYBRID A/C SYSTEM SERVICING REQUIREMENTS - The Soul Electric Vehicle (EV) and the Optima Hybrid use an A/C compressor that is driven by a high-voltage electric motor rather than by a belt. Both the motor and compressor are in one housing with a mix of refrigerant and oil flowing through both sections. Because the oil flows through the motor windings, it must have a high electrical resistivity (low conductivity).
TSB-GEN0852017-08-02. Service bulletin. LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.?
TSB-ENG160R12017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ENGINE. TSB: ECU UPGRADE ? MIL ON WITH DTC(s) P0420/P0171 - This bulletin provides information related to the ECU software upgrade for some 2012~2015MY Optima (QF) vehicles, produced from August 12, 2011 to October 2, 2015, some 2012~2015MY Sorento (XMa) vehicles, produced from April 19, 2011 to December 11, 2014, some 2011~2015MY Optima (TF) vehicles, produced from August 12, 2010 to July 23, 2015, and some 2014~2016MY Sportage (SL) vehicles, produced from September 30, 2013 to November 16, 2015, which may experience a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated with the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) system-related DTC(s): P0420 and possibly P0171. This concern occurs most commonly during prolonged engine braking while descending a steep grade.
PS3392017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY. PITSTOP: REMOTE START SYSTEM DIAGNOSTIC HOTLINE - When diagnosing remote start systems, refer to the table shown in this article for detailed information on applicable models, model year and system supplier; along with the applicable Hotline contact information and business hours.
TSB-ENG143R12017-08-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV). TSB: SERVICE ACTION: ENGINE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY AND BOLT REPLACEMENT (SA170) - This bulletin provides the information to replace the crankshaft pulley and crankshaft bolt on some 2015MY Optima (QF) and 2015MY Sorento (XMa) vehicles, produced from June 30, 2014 through July 14, 2014 and equipped with 2.4L Theta engines.
PS3432017-08-02. Service bulletin. STEERING. PITSTOP: OILY SUBSTANCE DRIPPING FROM MDPS STEERING COLUMN - On some Optima (QF/TF/TF HEV) vehicles, the customer may complain of an oily substance dripping onto the driver?s side floorboard area, especially in areas with high ambient temperatures. This article provides the process to resolve by cleaning excessive amounts of grease applied applied to the steering column tilt adjustment area.
PS3382017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. PITSTOP: HEATER BLOWING COLD AIR WHILE IN EV MODE - When diagnosing a concern related to the heater intermittently blowing cold air while in EV mode, check the Electric Water Pump (EWP) for the A/C system (NOT the main cooling system EWP), located on the rear of the transmission (A), for proper operation. To test EWP operation, disconnect connector CHG31/C131 (B) and apply power and ground to the EWP.
PS3302017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. PITSTOP: AVN 4.0 UVO eServices DEALER ENGINEERING MODE - When troubleshooting an AVN 4.0 head-unit, follow the procedure outlined below to access the Dealer Engineering mode and perform various eServices related maintenance functions.
PS3282017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE; ENGINE. PITSTOP: HESITATION IN ELECTRIC AND GAS MODES - When diagnosing an Optima Hybrid with an off idle hesitation concern that can be duplicated, and no DTC(s) codes (active or history) are stored, access MCU > Current Data to check the status of the MCU warning flag.
PS3312017-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. PITSTOP: ENABLING WI-FI ON UVO eServices W/PREMIUM NAVIGATION EQUIPPED VEHICLES (CUSTOMER GUIDE) - Along with the Download Center, and other new UVO features, comes the addition of Wi-Fi capability for the vehicle. Beginning with UVO eServices w/Premium Navigation equipped 2015MY Optima (QF) vehicles, you can now connect your vehicle to a personal hotspot, such as a standalone MiFi device or a smartphone, when configured as a hotspot.
TSB-SC135R12017-08-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. TSB: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: EVAPORATIVE CANISTER INSPECTION AND/OR REPLACEMENT (SC135) - This bulletin provides information to inspect and/or replace the evaporative canister assembly on some Optima (TF) vehicles, produced from September 2, 2010 through November 29, 2014, some Optima Hybrid (TF HEV) vehicles, produced from February 15, 2011 through November 29, 2014, some Rondo (UN) vehicles, produced from April 1, 2009 through July 30, 2010, and some Sedona (VQ) vehicles, produced from April 1, 2009 through June 17, 2014. The subject vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one of twenty-eight (28) salt belt states may experience a leak detection warning of the evaporative emission systems, along with DTC(s) P0442 or P0455. For vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one of the twenty-eight (28) salt belt states, (AK, CT, DC, DE, IA, IL, IN, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VT, WI, WV, KS, KY, NE, ND, SD and UT), the evaporative canister will be inspected, and if no leak is found, the mounting bracket will be replaced with a new improved part. If a crack in the evaporative canister is found, the canister will be replaced with a new improved part. Before conducting the procedure, verify the vehicle is included in the list of affected VINs. For vehicles in other states, Kia is extending the warranty on the evaporative canister from 5 years/60,000 miles to 10 years/120,000 miles, whichever occurs first starting from the date of first service. Follow the procedures outlined in this bulletin to resolve the concern.
TSB-ENG1602017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ENGINE. TSB: ECU UPGRADE ? MIL ON WITH DTC(s) P0420/P0171 - This bulletin provides information related to the ECU software upgrade for some 2012~2015MY Optima (QF) vehicles, produced from August 12, 2011 to October 2, 2015, some 2012~2015MY Sorento (XMa) vehicles, produced from April 19, 2011 to December 11, 2014, some 2011~2015MY Optima (TF) vehicles, produced from August 12, 2010 to July 23, 2015, and some 2014~2016MY Sportage (SL) vehicles, produced from September 30, 2013 to November 16, 2015, which may experience a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated with the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) system-related DTC(s): P0420 and possibly P0171. This concern occurs most commonly during prolonged engine braking while descending a steep grade.
TSB-ELE044R12017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY. TSB: HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY ORDERING AND RETURN PROCEDURE - This bulletin outlines the ordering and return procedure for high-voltage Lithium-ion batteries equipped on EV/hybrid vehicles (hereafter referred to as "high-voltage batteries" or HVBs). Every Kia-approved EV/hybrid dealership?s parts and service departments should follow these procedures to ensure the fastest handling time and to minimize the possibility of charge-backs.

The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.