Vehicle recall R/2018/123

Kia Optima recall: High voltage battery system may malfunction and cause a sudden loss of power

DVSA recall R/2018/123 names the Kia Optima. It was launched 13 June 2018. It covers vehicles built 16 October 2015 to 11 September 2017.

Recall data updated 22 September 2026

Recall: R/2018/123
Launched: 13 June 2018
Issued by: KIA
Manufacturer reference: 181019
Vehicles: 398 across the lines below

What can go wrong

Incorrect operation of the Voltage Protection Device (VPD) may lead to the high voltage battery system intermittently switching off the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) motor whilst driving. If the fault occurs a warning light will be displayed on the dashboard and the vehicle could suffer a sudden loss of power.

The fix

Replace the Battery Management System (BMS) main and sub units and wiring loom

Models and build dates

As listed in the DVSA recall file. Vehicle numbers are DVSA figures for each line.
Model	Built	Vehicles
Kia Optima (OPTIMA PHEV)	16 October 2015 to 11 September 2017	398

Is a specific car affected? A recall lists models and build dates, not individual vehicles, so these pages cannot tell you whether one car is included. Enter the registration on the DVSA vehicle recall checker on GOV.UK, or give the vehicle identification number (VIN) to the manufacturer or one of its dealers. Buying used? Ask the seller for proof that any recall work was done.

Other recalls for these models

R/2019/259 The forward collision avoidance assist may fail to identify stationary vehicles 5 August 2019, Kia Optima
R/2013/055 Brake lights may malfunction 1 June 2013, Kia Sportage, Kia Sedona, Kia Optima and others
R/2023/255 The mesh filter inside the tandem pump may block causing insufficient oil supply and a risk of vacuum pump failure. If the pump fails there will be no vacuum assistance and the possibility of increased braking distance when applying the brake pedal. 29 September 2023, Kia Ceed, Kia Stonic, Kia Sportage and others
R/2023/266 Certain engines may have been produced with conditions that can cause premature wear of the connecting rod bearings 13 November 2023, Kia Optima
R/2024/465 Kia HECU Fuse Replacement 5 December 2024, Kia Carens, Kia Rio, Kia Picanto and others

Found one you might buy?

A recall is one part of the picture. See how often it fails its MOT at each age, or what the VetTheCar Buying Report tells you about a specific car.

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Source

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: DVSA vehicle recall records (RecallsFile.csv), recalls launched 1992 to 2026. Recall data updated 22 September 2026.

Recall wording is DVSA's, with capitals and punctuation tidied and American spellings such as tire, center and windshield given in British English. We list a recall when its make and model match a car or van family with at least 1,000 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2025, and when the maker of the vehicle issued it.

Not affiliated with or endorsed by DVSA. Methodology · Data sources