Kia Optima: Hybrid propulsion system

Affects Kia Optima · 2017–2018 — about 2K vehicles.

The hazard

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.

What to do

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.

Critical — crash/injury risk now High — injury risk; see remedy Moderate — fix at next service Low — minor / informational