The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·20V519000·Announced 2020-08-27

Kia Recalls Optima and Sorento Models for Brake Fluid Leak Fire Risk

Kia is recalling 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles because brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit, potentially causing an electrical short and engine compartment fire.

NHTSA safety advisory

Park this vehicle outside

NHTSA advises parking it away from buildings and other vehicles until the repair is done — the risk exists even when the vehicle is switched off.

This is the agency’s own advisory, not our assessment. Contact the manufacturer or a dealer, and see the official NHTSA notice for the current guidance.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (brake fluid leak causing electrical short) with a potential consequence of engine compartment fire, which aligns with the 'Severe' criteria for significant injury/property-damage reports or structural defects.

Plain-English summary

Kia Motors America is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. The recall involves the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) located in the service brakes, hydraulic system.

Brake fluid may leak inside the HECU, which can result in an electrical short. If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed.

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 20, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
KIA OPTIMA, SORENTO
Brand
KIA
Manufacturer
Kia Motors America
Category
Vehicle — Brake System
Hazard
Affected units
440,370

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (2)

  • OPTIMA
  • SORENTO

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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