Recall 18V161 affects 1,710 2017-2018 Kia Optima hybrid vehicles for inadvertent VPD activation and power loss. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 1,710 2017-2018 Optima hybrid vehicles because the voltage protection device for the high-voltage battery can activate at the wrong time. If it activates while the car is in EV mode, it can cause a loss of power and increase crash risk; Kia dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The voltage protection device in the 2017-2018 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid is part of the hybrid battery protection system. It is mounted to the main and sub battery packs and is designed to protect the high voltage battery module from unsafe electrical conditions. In normal operation, it stays ready in the background while the battery management system monitors the pack.
On recalled Optima Plug-In Hybrids, the VPD switch can activate when it should not. That false activation interrupts the system it is supposed to protect, leaving the hybrid propulsion system unable to operate as designed. Kia's remedy replaces the battery management system with newly designed units that use OPDs instead of the recalled VPD switch.
The warning sign is the Check Hybrid System light turning on. If that light appears, the hybrid system has detected a fault that needs dealer diagnosis.
Who's affected?
Both model years point to the same hybrid propulsion system component.
| 2018 Kia Optima | Hybrid propulsion system |
|---|---|
| 2017 Kia Optima | Hybrid propulsion system |
| Units affected | 1,710 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific sedan.
What's the safety risk?
If the VPD activates while the Optima is in EV mode, the vehicle can lose power and the crash risk increases. A Check Hybrid System light is the warning sign. If it appears, drive cautiously, avoid unnecessary trips, and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Kia Optima hybrid is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free VPD switch removal and Battery Management Systems installation, the repair that prevents unintended VPD activation and loss of power in EV mode.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 18V161 or Kia recall SC162 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra space and get service promptly if the Optima loses power in EV mode.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician removes the Voltage Protection Device switch and installs 2 newly designed Battery Management Systems with Overvoltage Protection Devices. Parts and labor are covered under recall 18V161. Kia will reimburse owners for repair expenses already incurred under its standard reimbursement plan. Bring documentation for the related repair and ask the service desk or Kia customer service how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 8, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 27, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| April 27, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 3, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 3, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V161?
Recall 18V161 covers 1,710 2017-2018 Kia Optima hybrid vehicles with a voltage protection device that can activate inadvertently. If it activates while the vehicle is driven in EV mode, the vehicle can lose power, increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Kia Optima is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Optima is included in recall 18V161. If it is, contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the repair. Reference recall number 18V161 or Kia recall number SC162 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Kia dealers will remove the VPD switch and install two newly designed Battery Management Systems with Overvoltage Protection Devices free of charge.
What is the safety risk for this Kia Optima recall?
The risk is loss of power while driving in EV mode. Kia reported that the voltage protection device can activate inadvertently, and that loss of power increases the risk of a crash. Confirm your VIN and schedule the free dealer repair if your vehicle is included.
What if I bought my Kia Optima used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. If you never received a Kia letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Optima is included, then call a franchised Kia dealer and reference recall 18V161.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V161000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V161 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V161000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →