NHTSA Campaign 18V161000
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed by Kia Motors America.
NHTSA campaign 18V161000 covers 2 vehicles and concerns the hybrid propulsion system. The repair is free.
What this recall covers
- The defect
- 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.
- The risk
- 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.
- The fix
- 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.
- 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.
Reported August 3, 2018
Vehicles covered by 18V161000 (2)
Is my car affected?
Being on this list means your year, make and model fall inside campaign 18V161000. It does not mean your individual car does: a campaign covers a range of VINs built in a specific window, and cars either side of that window are untouched.
Check the 17-character VIN from the driver-side dashboard or door jamb against NHTSA's lookup. If it is covered, the dealer must do the work free of charge, regardless of the car's age or mileage.