Recall 21V331 covers 440,370 2013-2015 Kia Optima and Sorento vehicles with HECU brake-fluid leaks. Park outside, away from structures. Free Kia dealer repair.
An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving. Park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is complete. Treat an ABS warning light, MIL, a burning or melting smell, or smoke from the engine compartment as a reason to stop using the vehicle and call a Kia dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 440,370 2013-2015 Optima and Sorento vehicles under recall 21V331 because brake fluid can leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit and cause an electrical short. The short increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving, so owners should park outside and away from structures until a Kia dealer completes the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit, or HECU, is part of the antilock brake and traction control system on 2013-2015 Kia Optima and Sorento vehicles. It manages brake pressure during hard braking or wheel slip, helping the brakes keep traction instead of locking a wheel.
In this recall, brake fluid leaks internally inside the HECU. Brake fluid belongs in the sealed hydraulic brake passages, not in the electronics area of the unit. When fluid reaches the wrong part of the module, it can create an electrical short. The replacement component is designed not to leak brake fluid.
Owners have warning signs to watch for before failure. The malfunction indicator light or ABS warning light can turn on, and a burning or melting smell or smoke from the engine compartment means the vehicle needs attention right away.
Who's affected?
Included vehicles span Optima and Sorento across the 2013, 2014, and 2015 model years, all tied to the hydraulic brake system.
| 2015 Kia Optima | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2015 Kia Sorento | hydraulic brake system |
| 2014 Kia Optima | hydraulic brake system |
| 2014 Kia Sorento | hydraulic brake system |
| 2013 Kia Optima | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 440,370 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving. Park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is complete. Treat an ABS warning light, MIL, a burning or melting smell, or smoke from the engine compartment as a reason to stop using the vehicle and call a Kia dealer. 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.
- Park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is complete.
- Contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free multi-fuse installation and HECU leak inspection that addresses the fire risk from a brake-fluid leak.
- Bring the recall notice if Kia mailed one, or reference recall number 21V331 when you call.
- Call Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 with questions about recall number 21V331.
What happens at the repair
Until the repair is complete, park outside and away from other vehicles and structures. At the dealer, a Kia technician installs a new multi-fuse, then inspects the HECU for brake fluid leaks and replaces the HECU if needed. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Kia's standard reimbursement plan covers repair expenses owners already paid before the recall repair. Bring receipts or other repair documentation to the service desk, or contact Kia customer service to start the reimbursement claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 10, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 28, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| June 28, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 2, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| July 2, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V331?
Recall 21V331 covers 440,370 2013-2015 Kia Optima and 2014-2015 Kia Sorento vehicles previously recalled under 20V-519. Brake fluid can leak inside the HECU and cause an electrical short. Kia dealers will install a new multi-fuse and inspect the HECU for leaks for free.
What should I do if my 2013-2015 Kia Optima or Sorento is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V331. If it is, park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the repair is complete. Call a franchised Kia dealer, reference recall 21V331 or Kia recall SC212, and schedule the free repair.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix the defect at no cost, and Kia's remedy says dealers will install a new multi-fuse, inspect the HECU for leaks, and replace the HECU if necessary free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 21V331?
The safety risk is fire. In recall 21V331, brake fluid can leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit and create an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire while the vehicle is parked or driving. Park outside and away from structures until the dealer completes the repair.
What if I bought my Kia Optima or Sorento used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner, so a used 2013-2015 Kia Optima or 2014-2015 Kia Sorento still qualifies if its VIN is included. Check your VIN, then call a franchised Kia dealer with recall 21V331 or SC212.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V331000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V331 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V331000 |
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 →