No, the EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM definitely WAS NOT a kit lens sold with any camera. Not even with the 7D Mark II (that could be bought in kit with either EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM or EF-S 18-135m f/3.5-5.6 IS USM).

In fact, it's rather expensive upgrade only sold separately. It's currently selling for $800.

The EF-S 15-85mm is one of two PREMIUM standard zooms for their APS-C DSLRs. The other premium standard zoom is the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM, which normally costs even more but is currently on sale with a hefty discount.

Both are among the best APS-C lenses Canon has produced. Folks who wanted the wider 15mm and greater zoom range might choose the 15-85mm as an upgrade, while people who really wanted f/2.8 and didn't mind the narrower focal length range could opt for the 17-55mm.

I cannot believe Canon can't fix it! They're STILL SELLING IT! The USA warranty version is available new from B&H and other sellers. (Same with the 17-55mm.)

It IS one of the 24 or 26 lenses Canon has said they're discontinuing, but that was only announced in April of this year. Spare parts should still be available! (Same with the EF-S 17-55mm!)

There may be some legalities involved. I think most manufacturers are required by law to provide repair support services for some period of time after an item is discontinued. I know that's the case for cars and trucks. It may be a state thing here in California, but home builders have to warrant construction for 10 years after completion (which is why many built apartments, then convert them to condos after 10 years).

I don't know if or how this applies to camera gear. But a lens that was still "in production" just 7 months ago SHOULD still be repairable!

When asked about all those lenses they were discontinuing, Canon stated:

"Canon has around 80 lens options for creators to choose from – only 22 of which are RF at this time. Over the past two years, we’ve been focused on building out our range of RF lenses to expand the creative possibilities of our R-System consumers, however our commitment to supporting our EF lens range is unwavering. It’s true, Canon has recently discontinued select EF lenses in our range, however this is a process of series optimization, not an indication of us abandoning EF lenses. Lenses that have been recently discontinued are lenses that have multiple versions available; comprise technology that’s been superseded by other available options; or, are low volume lenses. There are still many options for creators to choose from in our EF range, while our RF range continues to expand." https://petapixel.com/2021/04/22/canon-clarifies-discontinuing-26-ef-lenses-series-optimization/

That's BS.

For example, seems like it would have made more sense to discontinue the EF 17-40mm f/4L than the EF-S 17-55mm. The latter is newer, sharper, has a better focal length range, offers a one stop larger max aperture AND has IS!

Just to confirm, we are talking about the EFs 15-85 and not the Efs 17-85, correct? The Canon 15-85mm F/3.5-5.6 IS USM is still available new at B&H for $799 and is still listed on Canon's website (albeit it is out of stock and perhaps will be officially discontinued). I would be surprised if B&H would sell a new lens with a Canon warranty if it could not be serviced. As a result, just to be certain I would suggest contacting Canon directly yourself. However, even if they are still willing to repair it, the cost of the repair will likely be prohibitive. You may be able to purchase a refurbished EFs 15-85 for less money than a repair. If you regularly shoot wide like I do, you may not be happy with an EFs 18-135 because 15mm is very significantly wider than 18mm. The difference at the wide end is not subtle.