Kia recalls 2016-2018 Optima models with potential trunk latch failure that may trap occupants, increasing injury risk. Owners must contact Kia for free replacement.
A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Kia is recalling certain 2016-2018 Optima vehicles due to a trunk latch that can crack, preventing trunk opening from inside. This risk could trap a person inside the trunk, increasing injury potential. Read more at govinfonow.com/recall/1225136-kia-2016-2018-optima-trunk-latch-recall-risk-of-trapping.
Source Summary by GovInfoNow · govinfonow.com/recall/1225136-kia-2016-2018-optima-trunk-latch-recall-risk-of-trapping · Updated October 4, 2026 · Official notice: NHTSA #23V594000
“Kia 2016-2018 Optima Trunk Latch Recall: Risk of Trapping.” GovInfoNow, updated October 4, 2026. https://govinfonow.com/recall/1225136-kia-2016-2018-optima-trunk-latch-recall-risk-of-trapping. Based on NHTSA recall 23V594000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V594000).
The trunk latch base can crack, making it impossible to open the trunk from the inside. This creates a risk of someone being trapped inside the trunk, which could lead to injury.
Owners of 2016-2018 Kia Optima models are affected. People who frequently open the trunk from inside are at higher risk of being trapped.
Check if your 2016-2018 Kia Optima has a trunk latch base that cracks. The recall covers vehicles from 2016-2018 models.
Call 1-800-333-4542 to schedule a replacement of the trunk latch base.
Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly at no cost.
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.
The trunk latch base can crack, preventing trunk opening from inside, which may trap a person and increase injury risk.
This recall covers 2016-2018 Kia Optima models. Check your vehicle's year and model to see if it's included.
Contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 to schedule a free trunk latch replacement.
We’ve drafted a message you can send Kia to request your refund or repair — edit it as you like.
Subject: Recall 23V594000 — Kia Kia Hello, I own a Kia that is covered by recall 23V594000 from Kia. The official recall notice states: 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. I’m writing to arrange the remedy described in the recall (a refund, repair, or replacement as applicable). Could you please tell me the next steps to resolve this? Thank you.
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The facts (hazard, remedy, dates, manufacturer) are pulled from the official NHTSA recall record. The plain-language summary and step-by-step checklist are written by GovInfoNow to make the official notice easier to act on — they don’t replace it.
