NHTSA recall · Reported March 8, 2018
KIA 2017-2018: HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
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 hi…
Kia recalled Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Optima hybrid vehicles. Thes….
KIA 2017-2018: HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM was recalled by Kia in March 8, 2018. Reason: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Optima hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equip…. Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will remove the VPD switch and install two newly desi…. Verify recall #18V161000 with the NHTSA before acting.
The recall
Kia issued this NHTSA recall-Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Optima hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equip….
- None
- agency class
- March 8, 2018
- reported
Sourced from official NHTSA enforcement records. Verify recall #18V161000 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.
Recall Insight
The number of affected units is not disclosed in the agency filing, which is common for drug and food recalls where lot-level tracking supersedes unit counts. Distribution scope (see Distribution below) directly affects the consumer exposure window and determines whether a recall remains regional or escalates into a nationwide advisory. Consumers holding this product should act on the agency's documented remedy above rather than relying on general guidance.
Within the same product category the archive holds 6 closely related recalls, 3 from NHTSA - clustering in a narrow category often points to a systemic quality-control or supplier issue rather than a one-off defect. Always verify the recall number against the official agency record before acting.
Vehicles recalls over time
Where this recall sits in its category - 7,783 vehicles recalls on record
Product description
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.
Reason for recall
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.
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.
Remedy, 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.
Recall Profile
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |
| Severity class | Not classified by agency |
| Status | Active |
| Recall number | 18V161000 |
| Date reported | March 8, 2018 |
| Date initiated | March 8, 2018 |
| Recalling firm | Kia |
| Affected scope | Not disclosed |
| Distribution | United States |
| Official source | NHTSA notice → |
Profile values are sourced directly from the official NHTSA enforcement record. Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
What to do with this recall
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will remove the VPD switch and install two newly designed Battery Management Systems (BMS) th…
- Check the recall number (18V161000) and product description against the item you own. Search the archive
- Confirm the current status and remedy on the official NHTSA notice before acting. NHTSA notice
- Follow the documented remedy (refund, replacement, repair, or disposal) rather than general advice. What to do next
This page summarizes the official NHTSA record for research and awareness; it is not legal, medical, or safety advice. Verify with the issuing agency before acting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What product was recalled? ▼
Why was this product recalled? ▼
What should consumers do? ▼
Which agency issued this recall? ▼
Where was the recalled product distributed? ▼
How do I report an injury from a recalled product? ▼
Nationwide recalls with similar severity or category timing
Vehicle and equipment notices outside this manufacturer and filing state, matched by archive severity grade and report timing.
Similar severity · nearest report date
Same archive severity grade, closest by report date among other firms and states.
Similar Vehicles · nearest report date
Same product category, closest by report date among other firms and states (deduped against the severity set).
Compare this recall with KTM North America Recalls Off-Road Motorcycles Due to Risk … → · All Vehicles recalls
Methodology · Corrections · Archive as of August 2026