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Kia Connecting Rod Bearing Failure Prompts Optima Hybrid, Optima PHEV Recall
The Center for Auto Safety is the nation’s premier independent, member driven, non-profit consumer advocacy organization dedicated to improving vehicle safety, quality, and fuel economy on behalf of all drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration became aware of the failing connecting rod bearings on June 11th, 2018 when the Center for Auto Safety petitioned the federal watchdog to initiate a safety defect investigation into non-collision related fires.
By Mircea Panait
November 8, 2021
A problem that’s been affecting various Hyundai and Kia models for a long time, failing connecting rod bearings are present in the Optima as well. The South Korean automaker is recalling 10,731 vehicles in the U.S. over this problem, namely 2017 and 2018 hybrid and plug-in hybrid models equipped with the 2.0-liter GDi engine from the Nu engine family.