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.
NHTSA's own wording · initiated by ODI
Vehicles covered
| Model | Model years |
|---|---|
| Kia Optima Hybrid | 2017, 2018 |
| Kia Optima Phev | 2017, 2018 |
Components: ENGINE
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 Hybrid | 2017 | 26 | 2 |
| Kia Optima Hybrid | 2018 | 3 | 2 |
| Kia Optima Phev | 2017 | 23 | 2 |
| Kia Optima Phev | 2018 | 8 | 2 |
Other engine recalls in 2021
20 of the 988 recall campaigns reported to NHTSA in 2021 concerned the engine; Kia Motors America filed 82 campaigns in all.
| 21V806000 15 Oct 2021 | Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA |
| 21V727000 17 Sept 2021 | Hyundai Motor America |
| 21V609000 4 Aug 2021 | PACCAR Incorporated |
| 21V598000 2 Aug 2021 | BMW of North America, LLC |
| 21V502000 1 Jul 2021 | Aprilia USA, Inc. |
| 21V341000 12 May 2021 | Porsche Cars North America, Inc. |
| 21V336000 12 May 2021 | Lamborghini (Automobili Lamborghini) |
| 21V339000 12 May 2021 | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. |
NHTSA recalls (public domain) · all recalls of 2021