NHTSA Campaign 18V161000

HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM

Issued by Kia Motors America · Reported Mar 8, 2018 · 1,710 vehicles affected

What's wrong

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.

Vehicles affected by this recall

Make Model Year Units
KIA OPTIMA 2017 1,710
KIA OPTIMA 2018 1,710

Source: NHTSA Campaign 18V161000 on nhtsa.gov. To check the current repair status for a specific vehicle, use our free VIN decoder.