Kia recalls 2017-2018 Optima Hybrids due to potential engine damage causing fire or crash risk. Free repairs include engine replacement and software update.
A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Kia is recalling certain 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid vehicles because engine bearings can wear prematurely, leading to engine damage that might cause fire or a crash. Owners should get repairs done to prevent these risks. Read more at govinfonow.com/recall/1225145-kia-2018-optima-hybrid-recall-engine-fire-risk.
Source Summary by GovInfoNow · govinfonow.com/recall/1225145-kia-2018-optima-hybrid-recall-engine-fire-risk · Updated October 4, 2026 · Official notice: NHTSA #21V844000
“Kia 2018 Optima Hybrid Recall: Engine Fire Risk.” GovInfoNow, updated October 4, 2026. https://govinfonow.com/recall/1225145-kia-2018-optima-hybrid-recall-engine-fire-risk. Based on NHTSA recall 21V844000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V844000).
Premature wear of connecting rod bearings in the engine can cause engine damage. This damage may lead to fire or engine stalling, which could cause a crash.
Owners of 2017-2018 Kia Optima Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid vehicles are affected. Drivers using these vehicles without the repair are at risk of fire or crash.
Check if your vehicle is a 2017-2018 Kia Optima Hybrid or Plug-In Hybrid. The recall was notified to owners via mail on November 29, 2021.
Call 1-800-333-4542 to confirm your vehicle is affected and schedule repairs.
Dealers will inspect your engine for bearing damage and replace it if needed.
Dealers will install a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software update to prevent engine damage.
Dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC218.
The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, causing engine damage that could lead to fire or crash risk.
Your vehicle is affected if it's a 2017-2018 Kia Optima Hybrid or Plug-In Hybrid. The recall was notified to owners via mail on November 29, 2021.
Dealers will inspect the engine and replace it if bearing damage is found. They will also install a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software update.
Yes, all repairs including engine replacement and software update are free of charge.
We’ve drafted a message you can send Kia to request your refund or repair — edit it as you like.
Subject: Recall 21V844000 — Kia Kia Hello, I own a Kia that is covered by recall 21V844000 from Kia. The official recall notice states: Dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC218. 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.
