Kia Optima Hybrid

Issue: 
On certain vehicles, the brake hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU) could short circuit. 

Safety Risk: 
A short circuit could create a fire risk, even while the vehicle is parked and turned off. 

Corrective Actions: 
Kia will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the fuse(s) for the HECU. Kia recommends that you should park your vehicle outdoors and away from other vehicles or structures until the recall repairs have been completed.

Issue: 
On certain vehicles, a part in the trunk release latch could fail. If this happens, the emergency trunk release located inside the trunk compartment may not work properly. This could prevent a person that is trapped inside the trunk from opening it. 

Safety Risk: 
If a person is closed inside the trunk compartment, they may not be able to get out. This could create a risk of injury. 

Corrective Actions: 
Kia will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the trunk latch base subassembly.

Issue:
Kia is conducting a service campaign to inspect and upgrade the safety plug fuse. On certain Optima Hybrid (HEV) models, the safety plug fuse could blow and cause a loss of hybrid system power while driving at low speeds. Additionally, installing an incorrect aftermarket fuse could cause overheating. 
 
Safety Risk:
A loss of power to the wheels could increase the risk of a crash. Using an incorrect aftermarket fuse could create the risk of a fire. 
 
Corrective Actions: 
Kia will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect the vehicle for an aftermarket fuse and replace the 125-A safety plug with one that has a 150-A rating.

Issue: 
Kia Canada is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign that provides an update to the engine control module to detect potential problems before an engine fails. An engine failure could cause a sudden loss of power with an inability to restart. 
Note: This only affects Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) models equipped with a 2.0 L NU GDI engine. 

Safety Risk: 
A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of an accident. An engine failure could also create the risk of a fire. 

Corrective Actions: 
Kia will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to update the software for the engine control module. 
Note: Kia recommends that you should always follow the correct vehicle maintenance schedule, which is printed in the Owner's Manual. If you experience unusual engine noise, reduced power, or a check engine/oil warning light, Kia advises you to immediately visit a Kia dealership to have your vehicle diagnosed.

Issue: 
On certain vehicles equipped with a 2.0 L Nu GDI engine, the connecting rod bearings can become damaged. If this happens, the engine could make abnormal knocking noises and/or the oil pressure warning light may turn on. If you continue to drive the vehicle with these symptoms, the engine could fail and/or a fire could occur. An engine failure can cause a sudden loss of power with an inability to restart. 
Note: Only the Optima Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) models are affected by this recall. 

Safety Risk: 
A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash. An engine failure could also create the risk of a fire. 

Corrective Actions: 
Kia will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer for an engine inspection test, to determine if there is bearing damage. If damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a knock sensor detection system (KSDS) software that will prevent engine damage from potential excessive connecting rod bearing wear. 
Note: Kia recommends that you should always follow the correct vehicle maintenance schedule, which is printed in the Owner's Manual. If you experience unusual engine noise, reduced power, or a check engine/oil warning light, Kia advises you to immediately visit a Kia dealership to have your vehicle diagnosed.