Recalls: Kia TF Optima
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Kia TF Optima
2011-14 Kia TF Optima: connecting rod bearing wear
In June 2017, a recall was issued for 2011-14 Kia TF Optima vehicles that had 2.4-litre petrol engines. Due to machining errors during the engine manufacturing process, the connecting rod bearings may experience premature wear. A worn connecting rod bearing would produce a cyclic knocking noise from the engine, cause the engine warning lamp to illuminate and/or cause the oil pressure warning lamp to illuminate. If these warnings were ignored and the vehicle continued to be driven, the bearing could fail and the vehicle could stall while in motion – this would pose an accident hazard to vehicle occupants and other road users. For the VINs of the recalled Kia TF Optima vehicles, please see PRA 2017/16128.
Problems and faults: Kia TF Optima
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
2010-13 Kia TF Optima: MDPS coupling and clicking noise from steering wheel
In August 2016, Kia Motors America issued Technical Service Bulletin CHA 072 for Kia TF Optima vehicles manufactured from 12 August 2010 to 18 December 2013. In these vehicles, the flexible coupling in the motor-driven power steering (MDPS) may prematurely wear and cause a ‘clicking’ noise to be heard when the vehicle is stationary and the steering wheel is turned. According to Kia, this condition mainly occurred in high humidity states adjacent to warm ocean waters.
To fix, the flexible coupling was to be replaced with a re-designed flexible coupling that had the part number 56315 2K000FFF; for identification purposes, the improved flexible coupling had ‘HNBR’ embossed on it.
2011-13 Kia TF Optima: front stabiliser link replacement
In May 2016, Kia Motors America issued technical service bulletin CHA 066 for Kia TF Optima vehicles manufactured prior to 16 August 2013. In these vehicles, the driver may experience an abnormal noise from the front of the vehicle when driving over bumps or uneven surfaces. To fix, the front stabiliser links were to be replaced with improved parts. For the Kia TF Optima, the part number for the improved stabiliser links was 54830 3Q000FFF.
