Kia Optima Hybrid Engine Bearings Can Wear Out Early

NHTSA campaign 21V844000 · Reported 2021-10-29 · Kia Motors America

critical How serious is it? About this label

Serious: the notice warns of both a possible fire and a stall that could cause a crash, and while it does not tell owners to park the car, you should get it inspected right away.

What's wrong, in plain English

In some 2017-2018 Kia Optima Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid cars, small bearings inside the engine can wear out sooner than they should. As they wear, the engine can be damaged. A badly damaged engine may quit while you are driving, leaving you without power in traffic, and in some cases it can catch fire. Dealers will look inside the engine and replace it if there is damage, and will also add a software update that listens for engine knocking.

What you should do

1. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm your car is covered.
2. Contact your Kia dealer or Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 and mention recall SC218.
3. Get the engine inspection and the knock-sensor software update done; all repairs, including engine replacement, are free.

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.

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.