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NHTSA Recall 21V844000 — Kia Motors America

Official NHTSA recall 21V844000 covers 2 vehicle applications. Review the reported defect, safety consequence, remedy, and VIN-check next step.

Official identifiers and sources shown at claim level Data refreshed 8/28/2026

answer

What this official recall record says

NHTSA campaign 21V844000 was received on 2021-10-29 and is associated with 2 source rows covering 2 listed vehicle applications. The manufacturer shown in the record is Kia Motors America.

applications
2
campaign number
21V844000
potential units
10,731
manufacturer campaign number
SC218

SOURCES

safety

What the owner should do next

Check the VIN in the official recall lookup. If the campaign applies, contact an authorized dealer about the remedy; recall remedies are normally handled through the manufacturer program. If warning signs or unsafe operation are present, stop driving and arrange safe transport.

do not drive
No
park outside
No
vin check required
Yes
recommended channel
dealer

SOURCES

causes

Defect described in the recall record

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which can result in engine damage.

campaign number
21V844000
official record
NHTSA recall

safety

Safety consequence in the official record

A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

do not drive
No
park outside
No

repair options

Official remedy

Dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC218.

vin applicability required
Yes
dealer confirmation required
Yes

applicability

Vehicle applications listed for this campaign

The normalized NHTSA rows contain 2 applications across 1 makes and 1 model labels. This list describes campaign records, not confirmation that an individual VIN is open or unrepaired.

listed application count
2

components

  • ENGINE

applications

  • KIA
  • KIA

SOURCES

methodology

Limits of this database record

Campaign applicability and remedy completion are VIN-specific and can change. This page summarizes the official campaign record; it does not inspect the vehicle, determine whether a symptom is caused by the recalled defect, or replace current instructions from NHTSA or the manufacturer.

source rows
2
vin check required
Yes
individual vehicle verified
No