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2013 KIA Optima

9 recalls Risk Grade: A Most severe issue: Critical

All recalls are free to repair at your local dealership. Contact your dealer to schedule service.

Known Safety Recalls

Critical #23V652000 NHTSA Official Language
Component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Manufacturer
Kia America, Inc.
What Happened
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Risk if Unfixed
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Free Fix
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #22V093000 Plain English
Component

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Manufacturer
Kia Motors America
What Happened
Your vehicle's low pressure fuel hose may be damaged or missing a protective layer, which could cause a fuel leak.
Risk if Unfixed
A fuel leak could increase the risk of a fire, so it's essential to get this fixed ASAP.
Free Fix
The dealership will replace the low pressure fuel hose for free, and you've probably already received a letter about it, but you can call Kia customer service at 1-800-33-4542 to confirm.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Optima vehicles that were previously repaired under NHTSA recall number 20V-100. The low pressure fuel hose may be damaged, or missing heat-protective tape, which can result in a fuel leak.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
A fuel leak can increase the risk of a fire.
Original — Remedy
Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel hose, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 2, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-33-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC228.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #21V331000 Plain English
Component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Manufacturer
Kia Motors America
What Happened
Your vehicle has a problem with the anti-lock brake system's computer, which controls the brakes and helps prevent wheel spin. The issue is with a small unit that helps the computer work properly.
Risk if Unfixed
If this problem isn't fixed, it could cause a fire while you're parked or driving, which could lead to serious injury or damage to your vehicle.
Free Fix
You should take your vehicle to the dealership for a free repair. They'll install a new fuse and check the computer unit for leaks, and replace it if necessary, all at no cost to you.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
Original — Remedy
Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will install a new multi-fuse, and inspect the HECU for leaks, replacing the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 2, 2021. This recall supersedes previous NHTSA recall number 20V-519. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC212.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #20V519000 Plain English
Component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Manufacturer
Kia Motors America
What Happened
Your vehicle may have a problem with the part that controls your anti-lock brakes and traction control. The part, called the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), could leak brake fluid, which is bad news.
Risk if Unfixed
If the HECU shorts out, there's a chance of a fire in your engine compartment. This could be serious, but it's rare and unlikely to happen if you take action.
Free Fix
Kia will fix the problem for free. They'll check the HECU for leaks and replace it if needed. They'll do this at a dealer of your choice, and you won't have to pay a thing. Just park your vehicle safely outside until it's done, and they'll take care of the rest.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
Original — Remedy
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. The recall began October 20, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC197.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #20V100000 Plain English
Component

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Manufacturer
Kia Motors America
What Happened
Your vehicle's low pressure fuel hose may deteriorate and crack due to heat in the engine compartment.
Risk if Unfixed
If the hose cracks, a fuel leak can occur, which increases the risk of a fire.
Free Fix
You should have your dealership inspect the low pressure fuel hose and replace it if necessary, or install a heat-protective tape if it's fine. This service will be done at no cost to you.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Optima vehicles equipped with 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) or 2.0L GDI Turbo engines. The low pressure fuel hose may deteriorate and crack over time due to heat generated within the engine compartment.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
If the fuel hose cracks, a fuel leak can occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
Original — Remedy
Kia will notify Owners, and Dealers will inspect the low pressure fuel hose for damage or leaking, replacing it as necessary. If no damage or leaking is found, a heat-protective tape will be installed. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began June 12, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC187.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #18V907000 NHTSA Official Language
Component

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Manufacturer
Kia Motors America
What Happened
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Risk if Unfixed
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Free Fix
Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #17V224000 NHTSA Official Language
Component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Manufacturer
Kia Motors America
What Happened
Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
Risk if Unfixed
Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #18V363000 NHTSA Official Language
Component

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

Manufacturer
Kia Motors America
What Happened
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.
Risk if Unfixed
If the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Free Fix
Kia will notify owners. For model year 2011 Sedona vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to verify the ACU part number and, if necessary, install an extension wire harness kit between the ACU Connector and the Vehicle Harness Connector. For all other affected vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to install the extension wire harness kit. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Under Review #22V560000 NHTSA Official Language
Component

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

Manufacturer
Kia Motors America
What Happened
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Optima vehicles. The right and left headliner plates may not be secured properly, which can result in the plates detaching in the event of a side curtain air bag deployment.
Risk if Unfixed
A plate that detaches during a crash may strike an occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
Free Fix
Dealers will secure the headliner plates, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 26, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC245.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →

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