Kia Recalls 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid Vehicles for Engine Bearing Wear
Kia is recalling 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid vehicles because premature engine bearing wear can cause engine damage, increasing the risk of fire or a crash.
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 (engine bearing wear) that can result in engine damage, increasing the risk of fire or a crash, which aligns with the 'Severe' criteria for structural vehicle defects or significant injury/property-damage risks.
Plain-English summary
Kia Motors America is recalling certain 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The recall addresses a defect where the connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which can result in engine damage.
A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or cause an engine stall, which increases the risk of a crash. The recall covers 10,731 vehicles.
Dealers will inspect the engine and replace it if bearing damage is found. 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 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
The recalled product
- Product
- KIA OPTIMA HYBRID, OPTIMA PHEV
- Brand
- KIA
- Manufacturer
- Kia Motors America
- Hazard
- Affected units
- 10,731
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 HYBRID
- OPTIMA PHEV
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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