Recall 20V750 covers 294,756 2011-2015 Kia vehicles for engine-compartment fire risk. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 294,756 2011-2015 Sorento, Forte, Forte Koup, Optima Hybrid, Soul, and Sportage vehicles under recall 20V750 because an engine compartment fire can occur while driving. That fire risk increases the risk of injury, and Kia dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The engine in these 2011-2015 Kia Forte Koup, Soul, Forte, Sorento, Sportage, and Optima Hybrid vehicles turns fuel into power for driving. The engine compartment also holds hot exhaust parts, oil and fuel routing, wiring, and other components that need to stay contained while the vehicle is running.
On affected vehicles, an engine compartment fire can start while driving. Kia has not identified one root cause, and the filing says a fire can occur for different reasons. That means the defect is not tied to one named engine part in the public recall summary. The practical concern is under-hood heat or fluid near ignition sources turning into a fire before the repair is complete.
Owners can notice the low oil light, a fuel smell, a burning smell, oil leaking, or smoke. Treat those as warning signs and contact a Kia dealer if they appear.
Who's affected?
Six Kia nameplates are included across the 2011-2015 model years, all tied to the engine component.
| 2015 Kia Forte Koup | Engine |
|---|---|
| 2015 Kia Soul | Engine |
| 2014 Kia Forte Koup | Engine |
| 2015 Kia Forte | Engine |
| 2012 Kia Sorento | Engine |
| 2012 Kia Sportage | Engine |
| 2012 Kia Forte | Engine |
| 2013 Kia Sorento | Engine |
| 2013 Kia Forte | Engine |
| 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid | Engine |
| 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid | Engine |
| 2014 Kia Forte | Engine |
| 2014 Kia Soul | Engine |
| 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid | Engine |
| 2012 Kia Forte Koup | Engine |
| 2013 Kia Forte Koup | Engine |
| Units affected | 294,756 |
Year and model alone do not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
In recall 20V750, an engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury. Warning signs include a low oil light, fuel smell, burning smell, oil leaking, or smoke. If one appears, stop driving when safe and call a Kia dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2015 Kia Forte Koup, Soul, Forte, Sorento, Sportage, or Optima Hybrid is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free engine inspection, engine test, needed repairs, and Knock Sensor Detection System software update for the engine compartment fire risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Kia mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V750 when you call.
- Stop driving and contact the dealer if you smell fuel, see an oil leak, or see smoke before your appointment.
- Call Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 with questions about the repair or scheduling.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician inspects the engine compartment for fuel or engine oil leaks, runs an engine test, and makes the needed repair. That repair can include engine replacement when the test or inspection shows it is needed. The technician also updates the Knock Sensor Detection System software. The recall repair is free at a Kia dealer now, with parts and labor covered. Kia's general reimbursement plan covers repair expenses already incurred for this recall. Bring repair invoices or other documentation to the service desk, or contact Kia customer service about the reimbursement process.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 2, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 22, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| January 22, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 25, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| January 27, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V750?
Recall 20V750 covers 294,756 2011-2015 Kia Forte Koup, Soul, Forte, Sorento, Sportage, and Optima Hybrid vehicles where an engine compartment fire can occur while driving. Kia dealers will inspect for fuel or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test, make needed repairs, and update the Knock Sensor Detection System software for free.
What should I do if my 2011-2015 Kia Forte Koup, Soul, Forte, Sorento, Sportage, or Optima Hybrid is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V750. If it is, contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the engine inspection, engine test, needed repairs, and Knock Sensor Detection System software update. Reference Kia recall SC200 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the defect remedy at no cost, and Kia will perform the inspection, engine test, needed repairs, engine replacement if required, and Knock Sensor Detection System software update free of charge at any franchised Kia dealer.
Is it safe to drive with recall 20V750 open?
Recall 20V750 addresses an engine compartment fire that can occur while driving, which increases injury risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer inspection and repair promptly. If you smell fuel or oil, see smoke, or notice engine trouble, stop driving and call a Kia dealer about service.
What if I bought my Kia used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Kia is included, then contact a franchised Kia dealer and reference recall SC200 or NHTSA campaign 20V750.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V750000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V750 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V750000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - 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 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →