Kia is recalling 319,436 2016-2018 Optima, Optima PHEV, Optima Hybrid, and Rio vehicles for a cracked trunk latch. Free repair at any franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 319,436 2016-2018 Optima, Optima Hybrid, Optima PHEV, and Rio vehicles because the trunk latch base can crack and block the internal trunk release. A person trapped inside the trunk faces a higher injury risk, and Kia dealers will replace the trunk latch base free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The trunk lid latch assembly on affected 2016-2018 Kia Optima, Optima PHEV, Optima Hybrid, and Rio vehicles is the mechanism that holds the trunk closed and releases it when commanded. It also works with the internal trunk release lever, the safety handle meant to let someone open the trunk from inside. That release depends on the latch moving freely when the lever is pulled.
Inside the latch base is a small locking piece called a pawl. On affected vehicles, that part of the latch base can crack. When it cracks, the latch no longer responds correctly to the internal release lever, so the trunk does not open from the inside as required under NHTSA campaign 23V594.
Owners can notice the trunk opening or closing only intermittently before the latch fails. A trunk that sticks, refuses to latch, or needs repeated attempts to open or close is the warning sign Kia identified.
Who's affected?
Covers Optima, Optima PHEV, Optima Hybrid, and Rio sedans across the 2016, 2017, and 2018 model years, all tied to the trunk lid latch.
| 2017 Kia Optima | Latch |
|---|---|
| 2018 Kia Optima | Latch |
| 2018 Kia Optima PHEV | Latch |
| 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid | Latch |
| 2017 Kia Rio | Latch |
| 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid | Latch |
| 2016 Kia Optima | Latch |
| 2017 Kia Optima PHEV | Latch |
| 2016 Kia Rio | Latch |
| Units affected | 319,436 |
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?
A trunk latch that fails can trap a person inside the trunk compartment and increase the risk of injury. Intermittent trouble opening or closing the trunk is the warning sign Kia identifies for this recall. If your VIN is included, schedule the latch replacement and keep people away from the trunk until it is fixed. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2018 Kia Optima, Optima PHEV, Optima Hybrid, or Rio is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free trunk-latch-base replacement that restores the inside trunk release.
- Bring the recall notice if Kia mailed one. If not, reference recall number 23V594 and Kia recall SC278 when you call.
- Keep the trunk clear of people before closing it until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
The recall repair is available at Kia dealers. A Kia technician replaces the trunk latch base subassembly so the inside trunk release works as required. Parts and labor are free under the recall. If you've already paid out of pocket for a related trunk latch repair, Kia's standard reimbursement plan covers documented repair expenses already incurred. Bring receipts or repair paperwork to the service desk, or contact Kia customer service and ask how to submit the claim under recall SC278.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 24, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 16, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| October 16, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 16, 2023 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| October 19, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 19, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V594?
Recall 23V594 covers 319,436 2016-2018 Kia Optima, Optima PHEV, Optima Hybrid, and Rio vehicles with a trunk latch base that can crack and stop the trunk from opening from the inside. Kia dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2018 Kia Optima, Optima PHEV, Optima Hybrid, or Rio is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 23V594. If it is, contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the trunk latch base subassembly replacement. Reference Kia recall SC278 when you call. The repair is free.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Kia will replace the trunk latch base subassembly free of charge at any franchised Kia dealer.
What is the safety risk in Kia recall 23V594?
The safety risk is entrapment inside the trunk. If the trunk latch base cracks, the internal trunk release can fail, and a person inside the trunk compartment can become trapped, increasing injury risk. The free dealer repair replaces the latch base subassembly.
When were owners notified about Kia recall 23V594?
Kia mailed owner notification letters on October 19, 2023. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, check your VIN and call Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 or a franchised Kia dealer with recall SC278.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V594000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V594 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V594000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →