Kia Recalls Optima Vehicles For Second Time After Faulty Fuel Hose Deemed a Fire Risk

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Kia Optima Fuel Hose Recall Overview: 

• Who: Kia has issued a second recall for its 2013-2014 Kia Optima sedans. 
• Why: Kia is initiating the recall over concerns the vehicles’ can catch fire due to a malfunctioning low-pressure fuel hose. The recall is the second concerning the vehicles’ fuel hose since 2020.
• Where: The recall is nationwide.

Model year 2013-2014 Kia Optima sedans are once again being recalled due to an issue with the vehicles’ low-pressure fuel hose, for the second time since 2020.

The recall, which involves 72,484 vehicles, was initiated over concern by Kia that the low-pressure fuel hoses could malfunction and cause a fire to break out. 

The automaker found improper repairs stemming from the initial recall — which was made over concerns the vehicles’ fuel hose could crack — has led to the current recall, according to a recall notice published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

“​​The remedy for previous recall 20V100 may not have been properly performed in all cases by dealers,” Kia said. 

Dealers may not have properly used heat-protective tape to repair the low-pressure fuel hose previously, or, alternately, used tape to repair the hoses when they needed to be replaced entirely, according to Kia. 

The recall is being done following a total of 155 warranty claims, 12 customer complaints, and eight cases that were submitted directly to Kia’s internal-dealer support tech center, according to documents filed with the NHTSA. 

Kia says it has received no reports of fires, injuries, crashes, or deaths as a result of fuel-hose problems since the initial recall occurred. The automaker says that, this time around, dealers will be replacing the fuel hoses with a new, upgraded version at no cost to the vehicle owner. 

Kia Set To Begin Notifying Affected Owners by Mail on April 15

Kia says it will begin notifying drivers by mail beginning on April 15. Owners with affected vehicles can also contact Kia directly by phone at 800-333-4542. 

The apparent potential for fire danger is not a problem for Kia, which in May of last year had to warn drivers of certain Kia vehicles to park them outside and away from structures. 

Certain Kia Optima and Sorento vehicles were the ones in question in that case, with the company claiming the fire risk stemmed from potential brake fluid leaks. 

Kia, in a report released by the NHTSA, warned drivers to keep an eye out for smoke or a burning smell in order to detect an engine fire. 

Two months later, Kia — along with Hyundai — recalled around 37,000 vehicles over fire risk concerns caused by apparent fuel leaks. 

The vehicles affected in that recall were equipped with 2.5-liter turbocharged engines and included model year 2020-2021 Kia Sorento, Kia K5, Hyundai Sonata, and Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles. 

Earlier this year, Kia issued a recall for 410,000 of its car and minivans over concerns that the vehicles’ airbags may not properly deploy in the event of an accident. 

The vehicles’ affected in that recall included 2017-2019 Kia Sedona minivans, 2017-2018 Kia Forte sedans and coupes, and 2017-210 Kia Soul and Soul EV hatchbacks. 

Do you own a model year 2013-2014 Kia Optima sedan? Let us know in the comments! 

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