VPI1803_DSM

October 25, 2018
Attention:
All Kia Dealer Service Managers
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:
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.
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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)
will blink continuously, and the vehicle will
be placed in Limp Home Mode. This will reduce further damage to the engine and ensure that the vehicle
occupants are not exposed to the risk of a more severe engine failure. At that time, Diagnostic Trouble Code
(“DTC”) P1326, specific to the KSDS, will be recorded in the ECU. The vehicle can continue to be operated for a
limited time in Limp Home Mode, but it will accelerate slowly and have a reduced maximum speed. Also, engine
RPMs will be limited to approximately 1800-2000 RPM.
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.
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.
A copy of the owner notification letter and a Q&A Guide for campaign questions, both of which describe the issue
will be made available in the week of October 29, 2018. A list of retail Kia Sorento, Optima and Sportage vehicle
owners affected by this campaign can be accessed on WEBDCS after the date of the owner notification.
NOTE: Kia will begin the owner notification mailing for the affected vehicles as follows:
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2014
2013
2013
2011
2012
MY
MY
MY
MY
MY
Sorento & Optima:
Sorento & Sportage:
Optima:
Optima & Sportage:
Sorento, Optima & Sportage:
October 26, 2018
October 30, 2018
Around November 2, 2018
Around November 6, 2018
Around November 9, 2018
Customers are being strongly encouraged to have the repair completed within 45 days from the date of
receipt of the owner notification. We appreciate your support in encouraging customers to have this
Product Improvement Campaign completed as quickly as possible.
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Please start performing the repairs on any affected vehicles currently in your inventory to
ensure that the Product Improvement Campaign has been completed prior to delivery.
Please make certain the appropriate personnel in your dealership are familiar with the details of this campaign to
ensure proper responses to customer inquiries and requests to have the campaign performed on their Sorento,
Optima and Sportage vehicles. Be sure to remind your customers of the importance of following the vehicle’s
maintenance schedule and keeping maintenance records.
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 campaign 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
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