NHTSA Recall Check

2018 Kia Optima Recalls

NHTSA reports 2 open safety recalls for the 2018 Kia Optima. All recall repairs are free at any authorized Kia dealer, regardless of mileage or ownership.

Open Recalls for the 2018 Kia Optima

18V161000Reported 08/03/2018

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.

Consequence

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.

Source: NHTSA campaign 18V161000 via nhtsa.gov/recalls

23V594000Reported 24/08/2023

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH

Summary

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."

Consequence

A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC278.

Source: NHTSA campaign 23V594000 via nhtsa.gov/recalls

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How to Get a Recall Repaired

  1. Confirm the recall applies to your specific Kia Optima by checking the VIN above.
  2. Note the NHTSA campaign number from the recall details.
  3. Call any authorized Kia dealer and reference the campaign number.
  4. Schedule the free repair. By federal law, the dealer must perform the recall remedy at no cost regardless of vehicle age or owner.
  5. Bring the vehicle to the appointment. Most recall repairs take 1-3 hours; some require parts to be ordered first.

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