Kia recalls 2013-2015 Optima models with potential brake fluid leak in hydraulic control unit causing engine fire risk. Owners must have HECU inspected and replaced if needed.
If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
Kia is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima vehicles due to a risk of brake fluid leaking into the hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU), which could cause an engine fire. This issue requires a free inspection and possible replacement of the HECU by dealers. Read more at govinfonow.com/recall/1248429-kia-2015-optima-brake-fluid-leak-risk-could-cause-engine.
Source Summary by GovInfoNow · govinfonow.com/recall/1248429-kia-2015-optima-brake-fluid-leak-risk-could-cause-engine · Updated October 4, 2026 · Official notice: NHTSA #20V519000
“Kia 2015 Optima: Brake Fluid Leak Risk Could Cause Engine Fire.” GovInfoNow, updated October 4, 2026. https://govinfonow.com/recall/1248429-kia-2015-optima-brake-fluid-leak-risk-could-cause-engine. Based on NHTSA recall 20V519000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V519000).
If brake fluid leaks into the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), it can cause an electrical short. This short circuit may lead to an engine compartment fire, especially if the vehicle is parked near flammable materials.
Owners of 2013-2015 Kia Optima vehicles are affected. Drivers using these vehicles without the recall repair may face fire risk if brake fluid leaks into the HECU.
Check if your vehicle is a 2013-2015 Kia Optima or 2014-2015 Sorento. The recall started October 20, 2020, and applies to vehicles with potential brake fluid leaks in the HECU.
Call 1-800-333-4542 to confirm your vehicle is affected and schedule a recall repair.
Dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace it if necessary at no cost.
Until the repair is complete, park your vehicle outside and away from other vehicles and structures to reduce fire risk.
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.
Brake fluid may leak into the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), causing an electrical short that could lead to an engine compartment fire.
Your vehicle is affected if it is a 2013-2015 Kia Optima or 2014-2015 Sorento, as the recall applies to these models.
The recall began October 20, 2020, but there is no specific deadline for the repair; dealers will inspect and replace the HECU if needed.
If your vehicle is affected, dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace it if necessary at no cost.
We’ve drafted a message you can send Kia to request your refund or repair — edit it as you like.
Subject: Recall 20V519000 — Kia Kia Hello, I own a Kia that is covered by recall 20V519000 from Kia. The official recall notice states: 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. 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.
