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 and engine failure
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.
2010-15 Kia TF Optima: HECU could remain live and short circuit
In October 2024, recall campaign 241144 was issued for 2010-15 Kia TF Optima vehicles. In these vehicles, the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) – which was responsible for the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system and Traction Control (TC) system – could remain live even when the vehicle was switched off. If moisture entered the HECU, an electrical short circuit could occur. This, in turn, could result in an engine compartment fire, posing a risk of injury to vehicle occupants or bystanders, and a risk of property damage. Kia recommended that until the vehicle was repaired, it should not be parked near flammable structures or in enclosed areas such as garages. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see REC-006108.
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.
2011-15 Kia TF Optima with 2.4-litre Theta II GDI engine: oil consumption and piston slap
For 2011-15 Kia TF Optima vehicles with 2.4-litre “Theta II” GDI naturally-aspirated petrol engines, there have been reports of:
- excessive oil consumption, i.e. more than 1 litre per 1000 km; and
- loud “knocking” or “tapping” noises from the engine, especially when cold (i.e. piston slap).
These symptoms were typically caused by cylinder bore scoring, where manufacturing defects enabled the piston skirts to rub against the cylinder walls, causing damage, increased clearances and oil to bypass the piston rings and enter the combustion chamber. If the engine lost oil pressure, it could seize.
To fix, the engine needed to either be rebuilt or have the cylinder block replaced. To verify this condition, Hyundai dealers require an oil consumption test where the dealer would seal the dipstick and monitor the oil level over 1,000 kilometres. Owners of these vehicles are encouraged to regularly check their oil levels.
Johnson Winter Slattery has initiated a class action against Kia in respect of these engines. See https://www.kiaiengineclassaction.com.au/ for details.
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.
