Kia Optima Hybrid Engine Bearings May Wear Out

NHTSA campaign 21V844000 · Reported Oct 29, 2021 · Kia Motors America

high How serious is it? About this label

A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire, or it can stall while driving, which raises the risk of a crash. The notice does not tell owners to stop driving.

Key facts

NHTSA campaign number	21V844000
Reported to NHTSA	Oct 29, 2021
Manufacturer	Kia Motors America
Part affected	Engine
Vehicles covered	1 model/year combination, model years 2018
Do-not-drive advisory	No
Park-outside advisory	No
Repair	Free at any franchised dealer

What's wrong, in plain English

Kia is recalling certain Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-In Hybrid vehicles because the connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear out earlier than they should. When these bearings wear prematurely, it can result in damage to the engine.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if your vehicle is affected.
2. Contact a Kia dealer, or call Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.
3. Dealers will inspect the engine, replace it if needed, and install a software update, all free of charge.

Where do I find my VIN, and what do I tell the dealer?

Your VIN is the 17-character code on the lower left of the windshield, on your registration and usually on your insurance card. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether this recall is still open on your car. When you call the dealer, say you have an open safety recall and give them NHTSA campaign number 21V844000. More in how recalls work.

Affected vehicles (1)

2018 Kia Optima Hybrid

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.

Other Kia Optima Hybrid recalls

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Official notice

Component: ENGINE
Summary: 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.
Safety risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.

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