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Recall data is sourced from official U.S. government agencies (CPSC, FDA, NHTSA, USDA) and processed using AI to improve readability. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. Always refer to the original agency notice for authoritative information.

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Medium RiskNHTSA
Vehicles/Passenger Cars

Kia America, Inc.: Rio and Optima Vehicles Recalled for Failing Trunk Emergency Release

Agency Publication Date: August 24, 2023
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Summary

Kia America is recalling 319,436 vehicles including certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, and 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid models. The trunk latch base in these vehicles may crack, which can prevent the trunk from being opened from the inside using the emergency release handle. This defect means the vehicles do not meet federal safety standards for internal trunk releases, and Kia dealers will replace the latch base subassembly at no cost to owners.

Risk

If the trunk latch base cracks and fails, a person who becomes trapped inside the trunk compartment would be unable to open it from the inside, significantly increasing the risk of injury or death from heat or lack of air.

What You Should Do

  1. Identify if your vehicle is affected by checking if it is a 2016-2017 Kia Rio, a 2016-2018 Kia Optima, or a 2017-2018 Kia Optima Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid.
  2. Contact an authorized Kia dealership to schedule a free appointment to have the trunk latch base subassembly replaced.
  3. For further information or to check your VIN, contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 and reference recall number SC278.
  4. If you have additional questions, contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or visit www.nhtsa.gov.

Your Remedy Options

🔧Free Repair

Free replacement of the trunk latch base subassembly.

How to: Contact a Kia dealer to have the trunk latch base subassembly replaced free of charge.

Affected Products

Product: 2016-2017 Kia Rio
Product: 2016-2018 Kia Optima
Product: 2017-2018 Kia Optima Hybrid
Product: 2017-2018 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid

Additional Information

Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Recall ID: 23V594000
Status: Active
Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Sold By: Authorized Kia dealers
Units Affected: 319,436 vehicles(3195% estimated defective)
Park Vehicle: No
Park Outside: No
OTA Update: No
Product Type: Vehicle (V)
Recall Classification: Compliance (Federal Standard Violation)
Owner Notification Date: October 19, 2023
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Distributed To: Nationwide
Manufacturer Recall #: SC278
Agency Last Updated: June 6, 2024

Were You Affected by This Recall?

If you or a family member were harmed by this recalled product, you may have legal rights. Consider consulting a consumer protection attorney to understand your options for compensation.

Find an Attorney

This is general information, not legal advice. Go Backs is not a law firm and does not provide legal services.

AI-Enhanced Content: The summary, action steps, and risk assessment on this page were generated by AI from official government recall data to improve readability. This is not legal or medical advice. Always refer to the official agency sources below for authoritative information.

Sources: NHTSA Notice · Raw API Response