Safety Recall NHTSA · 21V844000 Reported October 29, 2021

Engine damage may cause stall or fire

Kia America, Inc. · N/A · 10,731 vehicles potentially affected

NHTSA ID
21V844000
Manufacturer Campaign
SC218
Manufacturer
Kia America, Inc.
Component
N/A
Vehicles Affected
10,731
Recall Type
Vehicle
Report Received
October 29, 2021
Completion Rate
87.54

Defect Summary

Kia motors america (kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 optima hybrid and optima plug-in hybrid vehicles. the connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which can result in engine damage.

Safety Consequence

A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action

Dealers will inspect the engine. if bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. dealers will also install a software update containing a knock sensor detection system (ksds). repairs will be performed free of charge. owner notification letters were mailed november 29, 2021. owners may contact kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. kia's number for this recall is sc218.

What you should do

  1. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm this recall applies to your vehicle.
  2. Contact an authorized Kia America, Inc. dealer and reference recall ID 21V844000 or campaign SC218.
  3. Schedule the free repair. By federal law, the manufacturer must remedy the defect at no cost.
View Official NHTSA Notice →
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FAQ: Recall 21V844000

Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.

What is recall 21V844000?

NHTSA recall 21V844000 was issued by Kia America, Inc. on October 29, 2021. It addresses: Engine damage may cause stall or fire. The recall affects approximately 10,731 vehicles, with the defect involving the N/A component.

How do I get this recall repaired?

Contact any authorized Kia America, Inc. dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 21V844000 or the manufacturer campaign number SC218. Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.

Is my vehicle included in this recall?

The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.

How long do I have to get a recall repair done?

There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.

Where does the data on this page come from?

All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.