Wednesday 19 October 2016

2015-16 Kia Optima recalled in US for driveshaft fix, Australian models affected

James Wong

Journalist

Kia has issued a recall in the US for 12,214 of its 2015 and 2016 model-year Optima sedans equipped with the 2.4-litre petrol engine, over concerns the right-front axle driveshaft could crack.

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Vehicles with a cracked driveshaft may not be able to move forward, or could roll away even when the parking brake is engaged.

The 12,214 affected Optima sedans in the US were built from 13 November 2015 through to 23 April 2016, equipped with the 2.4-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine.

In the States, the Optima is also available with turbocharged 1.6- and 2.0-litre powerplants, but vehicles with these engines are not affected by the recall.

Australia

Kia’s local arm has confirmed that the recall in the US will have an impact locally, with 42 Optimas subject to a product recall in Australia.

However, the full details of the recall are still to be confirmed as Kia Australia is waiting for official product notification from the company’s Korean headquarters.

Here, the 2.4-litre engine is exclusively fitted to the entry-level Optima Si, while the flagship Optima GT is fitted with the 2.0-litre turbocharged unit.