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Kia Optima Hybrid can lose power while driving

NHTSA campaign 18V161000 · Reported 2018-03-08 · Kia Motors America

high How serious is it? About this label

Fairly serious — losing power in traffic can lead to a crash, and while the notice does not tell owners to stop driving, the free repair should be scheduled soon.

What's wrong, in plain English

Some 2017-2018 Optima Hybrids have a part called a voltage protection device, which is there to protect the large hybrid battery. On these cars it can switch on when it is not supposed to. If that happens while the car is running on battery power alone, the car can lose power as you are driving. Dealers will remove that device and install two redesigned battery management systems with a new type of overvoltage protection.

What you should do

1. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm your car is affected. 2. Call Kia at 1-800-333-4542 or a Kia dealer and reference recall SC162 (18V161000). 3. Have the device removed and the new battery management systems installed — the repair is free; the recall began May 2018.

Affected vehicles (1)

2018 Kia Optima

Who to contact

Kia — official Kia recall lookup

Customer service: 1-800-333-4542

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

Official notice

Component: HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
Summary: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Optima hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.
Safety risk: If the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, there may be a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will remove the VPD switch and install two newly designed Battery Management Systems (BMS) that contain Overvoltage Protection Devices (OPDs), free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC162.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.