Recall 20V519 covers 440,370 2013-2015 Kia Optima and Sorento vehicles for HECU leaks. Park outside, away from structures. Free repair at franchised Kia dealers.
A short circuit in the HECU raises the risk of an engine compartment fire. Watch for the MIL or ABS warning light, a burning or melting smell, or smoke from the engine compartment. Park outside and away from vehicles and structures until the recall repair is complete. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 440,370 2013-2015 Optima and Sorento vehicles because brake fluid can leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit and create an electrical short. An HECU short circuit increases the risk of an engine compartment fire, so owners should park outside and away from structures until a Kia dealer completes the free repair.
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What's wrong?
On the 2013-2015 Kia Optima and Sorento, the HECU is the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit. It is the brake system module that helps manage anti-lock braking and traction-control functions by moving brake fluid pressure through the control unit when the system needs it. The unit has both hydraulic passages and electrical parts inside one assembly.
In NHTSA campaign 20V519, the defect is brake fluid leaking internally inside the HECU. Brake fluid belongs in the sealed hydraulic side of the unit. When it leaks into the electrical side, it creates the conditions for an electrical short. Kia's remedy component is designed so brake fluid does not leak into that area.
Owners can see the malfunction indicator lamp or ABS warning light before the problem is found. A burning or melting smell, or smoke from the engine compartment, is also a warning sign. If you notice those signs, treat them as related to the brake control unit until a Kia dealer checks the vehicle.
Who's affected?
Covers Optima sedans and Sorento SUVs across the 2013, 2014, and 2015 model years, all tied to the hydraulic brake system.
| 2013 Kia Optima | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2014 Kia Sorento | hydraulic brake system |
| 2014 Kia Optima | hydraulic brake system |
| 2015 Kia Sorento | hydraulic brake system |
| 2015 Kia Optima | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 440,370 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A short circuit in the HECU raises the risk of an engine compartment fire. Watch for the MIL or ABS warning light, a burning or melting smell, or smoke from the engine compartment. Park outside and away from vehicles and structures until the recall repair is complete. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2015 Kia Optima or Sorento is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free HECU inspection and replacement if needed for the brake-fluid leak that can short the unit.
- Park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is complete.
- Bring the recall notice if Kia mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V519 when you call.
- Call Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 with questions about the repair or dealer appointment.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician inspects the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit, or HECU, for leaking brake fluid and replaces the HECU if necessary. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Until the repair is completed, keep the vehicle parked outside and away from other vehicles and structures. If you've already paid for this repair, Kia's General Reimbursement Plan covers repair expenses already incurred. Bring receipts or other repair documentation to the service desk, or contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 and reference recall SC197.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 27, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 12, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| October 12, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 15, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| October 20, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V519?
Recall 20V519 covers 440,370 2013-2015 Kia Optima and 2014-2015 Kia Sorento vehicles with a HECU brake-fluid leak that can cause an electrical short and increase engine-compartment fire risk. Kia dealers will inspect the HECU and replace it if needed for free.
What should I do if my 2013-2015 Kia Optima or 2014-2015 Kia Sorento is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V519. If it is, contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the HECU inspection and repair. Park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is complete.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. Kia dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if needed free of charge.
Is it safe to park my Kia Optima or Sorento in a garage?
No. Kia advises owners to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. The concern is brake fluid leaking inside the HECU, which can create an electrical short and increase the risk of an engine-compartment fire.
What if I bought my Kia Optima or Sorento used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your exact Optima or Sorento is included, then reference recall 20V519 or Kia recall number SC197 when you call a Kia dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V519000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V519 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V519000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →