The Recall Desk
HighNHTSA·23V594000·Announced 2023-08-24

Kia Recalls 2016-2018 Optima and Rio Models for Trunk Latch Defect

Kia is recalling specific 2016-2018 Optima and Rio vehicles because a cracked trunk latch base may prevent the trunk from opening from the inside, potentially trapping occupants.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall addresses a risk-of-harm product where a person may become trapped in the trunk, increasing the risk of injury, but no specific injuries or fatalities are reported in the source text.

Plain-English summary

Kia America, Inc. is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, and 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The recall involves approximately 319,436 vehicles.

The defect involves the trunk latch base, which may crack. This failure prevents the trunk from being opened from the inside, causing the vehicles to fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release." If a person is inside the trunk compartment, they may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.

Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 19, 2023. 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, OPTIMA PHEV, OPTIMA HYBRID, RIO
Brand
KIA
Manufacturer
Kia America, Inc.
Category
Vehicle — Trunk Latch
Hazard
Affected units
319,436

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 (4)

  • OPTIMA
  • OPTIMA PHEV
  • OPTIMA HYBRID
  • RIO

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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