The defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
The risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The remedy
Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
NHTSA's own wording · initiated by ODI
Vehicles covered
| Model | Model years |
|---|---|
| Kia Optima | 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 |
| Kia Sorento | 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 |
| Kia Sportage | 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 |
Components: ENGINE | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Model years in this recall
NHTSA complaints and the number of recall campaigns for each model year this recall covers.
| Model | Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Optima | 2011 | 594 | 5 |
| Kia Optima | 2012 | 920 | 5 |
| Kia Optima | 2013 | 1,386 | 9 |
| Kia Optima | 2014 | 590 | 7 |
| Kia Optima | 2015 | 1,009 | 4 |
| Kia Optima | 2016 | 759 | 5 |
| Kia Optima | 2017 | 257 | 3 |
| Kia Sorento | 2012 | 880 | 5 |
| Kia Sorento | 2013 | 982 | 5 |
| Kia Sorento | 2014 | 988 | 6 |
| Kia Sorento | 2015 | 754 | 3 |
| Kia Sorento | 2016 | 1,258 | 8 |
| Kia Sorento | 2017 | 808 | 4 |
| Kia Sportage | 2011 | 181 | 6 |
| Kia Sportage | 2012 | 392 | 5 |
| Kia Sportage | 2013 | 381 | 3 |
| Kia Sportage | 2014 | 125 | 3 |
| Kia Sportage | 2015 | 146 | 2 |
| Kia Sportage | 2016 | 134 | 2 |
| Kia Sportage | 2017 | 403 | 4 |
| Kia Sportage | 2018 | 164 | 3 |
Other engine recalls in 2018
4 of the 912 recall campaigns reported to NHTSA in 2018 concerned the engine; Kia Motors America filed 82 campaigns in all.
| 18V934000 28 Dec 2018 | Hyundai Motor America |
| 18V894000 18 Dec 2018 | Ford Motor Company |
| 18V159000 8 Mar 2018 | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. |
NHTSA recalls (public domain) · all recalls of 2018