WTY004DEALERPSM

June 6, 2016
Attention:
All Dealer Parts and Service Managers
IMPORTANT: NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION
2011-2014 OPTIMA VEHICLES WITH 2.4L GDI or 2.0L TURBO GDI ENGINES
Effective immediately, Kia Motors America, Inc. has extended the warranty coverage of the Kia New Vehicle Limited
Warranty for the short block assembly (engine block, crankshaft and bearings, connecting rods and bearings and
pistons) on all 2011-2014 model year Optima vehicles with 2.4L GDI or 2.0L Turbo GDI engine to 10 years
starting from the date of first service or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first, regardless of whether the
vehicle owner is an original or subsequent vehicle owner. The purpose of this warranty extension is to address
issues with connecting rod and bearing wear that can lead to engine failure. Optima Hybrid vehicles are not included
in this warranty extension program.
If the connecting rod and bearing are worn, the engine will develop a knocking noise, which is readily detectable, as
the noise increases in frequency as the engine RPM’s increase. If the vehicle continues to be driven with a worn
connecting rod and bearing, the bearing can fail and cause engine failure. While Kia’s research with its suppliers has
shown that the great majority of Optima vehicles will never experience this condition, Kia wants all Optima vehicle
owners whose vehicles develop a knocking noise to contact their Kia dealers and have engines with a knocking noise
repaired as soon as possible.
However, this is not a service campaign that requires mandatory repair. If the engine does not exhibit
the knocking noise concern, the short block should not be replaced under this extended warranty
program.
Short block assembly (engine block, crankshaft and bearings, connecting rods and bearings and pistons) failures as a
result of inadequate maintenance are not eligible for this program. Short block assembly replacements must be
authorized via the Techline Warranty Authorization Program as described in Section 7.9 of the Kia Service Policy and
Procedure Manual. If an engine is replaced when the repair is not needed, the warranty claim may be
charged back to the dealership. For any other engine issues, please consult with your District Parts and
Service Manager.
Kia will notify owners of the warranty extension on June 10, 2016.
LEGAL PRIVACY LIABILITY NOTICE: Pursuant to the terms of the Dealer Sales and Service Agreement and the
Gramm-Leach-Bliley federal consumer privacy act, you are required to keep confidential any and all information and
documents provided to you by Kia Motors America, Inc. or generated by you in the conduct of carrying out work under
that Agreement regarding Kia vehicle purchasers and owners, including but not limited to warranty claim information.
If you have any questions, please contact your Kia District Parts & Service Manager.
Sincerely,
Neem Van der Reest
Quality Analysis Manager
WTY004