2018 Kia Optima

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: 
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.

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 may cause a sudden loss of power with an inability to restart. 
 
Safety Risk: 
A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash. 
 
Corrective Actions: 
The company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to update the software for the engine control module. 
Note: Vehicles repaired under Service Campaign SC023 already have this software update.

Issue: 
When the engine was replaced under warranty or under Kia's Product Improvement Campaign SC023, the high pressure fuel pipe may not have been properly installed on the fuel pump outlet. A fuel leak could occur if the pipe was damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the recall repair. 
 
Safety Risk: 
Leaking fuel in the presence of an ignition source could increase the risk of a fire. 
 
Corrective Actions: 
The company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer for an inspection. If fuel leakage is detected, the fuel pipe will be replaced with a new one.

On certain plug-in hybrid vehicles, the battery Voltage Protection Device (VPD) switch could inadvertently activate. If the VPD switch is activated, electricity to the vehicle's electric motor may be disconnected. If this occurs while the vehicle is driven under Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, the vehicle may experience a loss of motive power, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will remove the current VPD switch and install two newly designed battery management systems containing new overvoltage protection devices. The corresponding wiring harness will also be installed. Note: This condition would result in the of the “Check Hybrid System" warning light illuminating.