Reported risk: Issue:
On certain vehicles equipped with a 2.0 L Nu GDI engine, the connecting rod bearings can become damaged. If this happens, the engine could make abnormal knocking noises and/or the oil pressure warning light may turn on. If you continue to drive the vehicle with these symptoms, the engine could fail and/or a fire could occur. An engine failure can cause a sudden loss of power with an inability to restart.
Note: Only the Optima Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) models are affected by this recall.
Safety Risk:
A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash. An engine failure could also create the risk of a fire.
Corrective Actions:
Kia will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer for an engine inspection test, to determine if there is bearing damage. If damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a knock sensor detection system (KSDS) software that will prevent engine damage from potential excessive connecting rod bearing wear.
Note: Kia recommends that you should always follow the correct vehicle maintenance schedule, which is printed in the Owner's Manual. If you experience unusual engine noise, reduced power, or a check engine/oil warning light, Kia advises you to immediately visit a Kia dealership to have your vehicle diagnosed.
Verify each fact at the issuing agency before acting. Recall scope, affected lots, and remediation instructions may be updated by the agency after our last sync.
ProductGuru indexes recall and safety-alert records from ~30 public agency registries. We are not lawyers, regulators or product-safety consultants. This page restates what the named agency published; consult the primary source above (or qualified counsel in your jurisdiction) before any commercial, medical or safety decision.