Kia Optima PHEV Recall R/2018/123: High Voltage Battery System May Malfunction And Cause A Sudden Loss Of Power, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 13 Jun 2018
- Launched
- 398
- vehicles in the UK
- 181019
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Kia recalled Optima PHEV vehicles built between 16 October 2015 and 11 September 2017. Incorrect operation of the Voltage Protection Device (VPD) may lead to the high voltage battery system intermittently switching off the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) motor whilst driving. The dealer will replace the Battery Management System (BMS) main and sub units and wiring loom. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
Incorrect operation of the Voltage Protection Device (VPD) may lead to the high voltage battery system intermittently switching off the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) motor whilst driving. If the fault occurs a warning light will be displayed on the dashboard and the vehicle could suffer a sudden loss of power.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY SYSTEM MAY MALFUNCTION AND CAUSE A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER Defect: Incorrect operation of the Voltage Protection Device (VPD) may lead to the high voltage battery system intermittently switching off the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) motor whilst driving. If the fault occurs a warning light will be displayed on the dashboard and the vehicle could suffer a sudden loss of power. Remedy: Replace the Battery Management System (BMS) main and sub units and wiring loom
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could lead to the high voltage battery system intermittently switching off the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) motor whilst driving.
The Fix
The dealer will replace the Battery Management System (BMS) main and sub units and wiring loom.
Are You Affected?
Optima PHEV built between 16 October 2015 and 11 September 2017 may be included. Kia estimates 398 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Kia, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Kia.
- Book with any franchised Kia dealer, quoting the campaign code 181019 or the DVSA reference R/2018/123. See how to get a Kia recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| EV6Kia EV6 HV battery cell misalignment | Urgent | R/2026/309 | |
| Ceed PHEVKia Ceed PHEV HCA fuse replacement | Urgent | R/2025/058 | |
| EV9, Niro SG2Kia EV9 and Niro SG2 gear drive unit recall | Urgent | R/2024/276 | |
| PicantoKia Picanto EGR valve | Urgent | R/2024/317 | |
| StingerKia Stinger high pressure fuel pump recall | Urgent | R/2024/253 |
This is one of 87 Kia recalls in DVSA’s data. The Kia recall launched before it was R/2018/120 on 11 May 2018, for child locks on the rear doors may not operate. The one launched after it was R/2018/207 on 14 Aug 2018, for burrs in the inner hydraulic clutch actuator housing can cause damage to the oil seal. You can also see every Kia recall, all recalls launched in 2018 and high-voltage battery recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2018/123, launched 13 June 2018. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.