Component Description
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
Manufacturer That Filed Defect/noncompliance Report
Kia Motors America
Begin Date Of Manufacturing
20160825
End Date Of Manufacturing
20170911
Vehicle, Equipment Or Tire Report
0
Potential Number Of Units Affected
1710
Date Owner Notified By MFR
20180503
Recall Initiator (MFR/OVSC/ODI)
MFR
Report Received Date
20180308
Record Creation Date
20180312
Defect Summary
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 Summary
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.
Corrective Summary
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.
Recall Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
