Kia Motors America: Engine
Kia Motors America reported this defect to federal regulators on Oct 29, 2021 and put the number of vehicles at risk at 10,731. The repair is free for as long as the recall stands.
The defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which can result in engine damage.
The risk
A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC218.
4 model years covered
Newest first| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Fires | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 Kia Optima Phev | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid | 26 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| 2017 Kia Optima Phev | 23 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
What this page is, and what to do next
A recall is not an opinion. It is a Part 573 report a manufacturer is required by federal law to file once it decides a defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety, and it commits them to repairing the vehicle at no cost to the owner. The three passages above are the manufacturer’s own wording as published by NHTSA.
This page describes the campaign. It cannot tell you whether one particular car has already been through the shop — that is tracked by VIN, and only the manufacturer knows it. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with a franchised dealer, quoting campaign number 21V844000.
Full record for the 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid → · Recalls carrying a do-not-drive advisory → · Where this data comes from →