VPI1803_DP

October 25, 2018
Attention:
All Kia Dealer Principals
Kia is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to
protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage. The affected vehicles include:
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All 2011-2013 MY Optima vehicles equipped with the 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) and 2.0L
Turbocharged GDI (T-GDI) engines produced from August 12, 2010 through September 27, 2013;
All 2014 MY Optima vehicles equipped with the 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) and 2.0L Turbocharged
GDI (T-GDI) engines produced at KMMG from August 28, 2013 through May 15, 2014, with engines supplied
by Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama;
All 2012-2014 MY Sorento vehicles equipped with the 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines produced
from April 19, 2011 through February 10, 2014; and
All 2011-2013 MY Sportage vehicles equipped with the 2.0L Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection (T-GDI) engines
produced from December 30, 2010 through August 30, 2013.
Kia recently developed a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) that detects vibrations indicating the onset of
excessive connecting rod bearing wear. The KSDS is designed to alert the driver at an early stage of bearing wear
before the occurrence of severe engine damage, including engine failure. If vibrations caused by bearing wear
start to occur, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
placed in Limp Home Mode.
will blink continuously, and the vehicle will be
The Technical Service Bulletin that provides vehicle repair procedures, affected VIN production range, and
warranty claim information will be posted on the Kia Global Information System (KGIS) at www.kiatechinfo.com
and the campaign documents will be posted on kdealer.com in the week of October 29, 2018.
LIFETIME WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THIS ISSUE. Upon completion of this Product Improvement
Campaign, Kia will provide lifetime engine warranty coverage for this issue only (DTC P1326), to both new and
used vehicle owners of the affected vehicles identified above, for engine long block assembly repairs needed due
to resulting bearing damage.
What Should You Do
Please make certain the appropriate personnel in your dealership are familiar with the details of this Product
Improvement Campaign to ensure proper responses to customer inquiries and requests to have the
campaign performed on their vehicles. Kia will notify owners beginning on October 26, 2018.
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. Kia dealers may use such owner information for the sole purpose of conducting
and performing this product improvement campaign, and for no other purpose.
Your prompt attention in completing this repair is appreciated. If you have any questions, please contact your
Kia District Parts & Service Manager.
Sincerely,
Neem Van der Reest
Manager, Technical Services & Engineering
Enclosures
PI1803