PI2106_DPSM

October 5, 2021
ATTENTION: ALL DEALER PARTS & SERVICE MANAGERS
Kia America, Inc., 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 on 2017-2018 MY Kia Forte vehicles equipped
with 2.0-liter Nu GDI engines, manufactured from May 19, 2016 through May 7, 2018.
Kia has 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 into 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.
Kia will perform the software update on the Engine Control Unit (“ECU”) to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod
bearing damage. Upon completion of the KSDS software update, Kia will warrant any engine long block assembly repairs
needed due to connecting rod bearing damage for 15 years/150,000 miles starting from the date the vehicle was first put into
service, whichever occurs first, for both new and used vehicle owners.
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 5, 2021. A list of retail Kia Forte vehicle owners affected by this
campaign can be accessed on WEBDCS after the date of the owner notification.
Kia will begin the owner notification mailing for the affected 2017-2018 MY Kia Forte vehicles on October 8, 2021. We
appreciate your support in encouraging customers to have this Product Improvement Campaign completed as quickly
as possible.
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 Kia Forte 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 GrammLeach-Bliley federal consumer privacy act, you are required to keep confidential any and all information and documents
provided to you by Kia 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 safety recall campaign, and for no other
purpose.
Your prompt attention in completing this update is appreciated. If you have any questions, please contact your Kia District
Parts and Service Manager.
Sincerely,
Kia Service Department
Enclosures
PI2106