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Service bulletins for the 2018 Kia Optima

A bulletin is a manufacturer's communication to its dealers, as NHTSA indexes it. The summary is NHTSA's. The document is the manufacturer's: read it at NHTSA. A bulletin is not a recall, and listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned.

170 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.

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Bulletins, newest first
PS6002019-06-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR. PITSTOP: OUTSIDE MIRROR GLASS CONTROL INOPERATIVE - This Pitstop provides information on the repair procedure for an inoperative mirror glass on the outside door mirrors for 2016-2019MY Optima (JFa) and Sorento (UMa) vehicles.
TSBENG178_R22019-05-08. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. TSB: DATA COLLECTION: EXTRACT CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS DATA FROM ECU (DC18) - This bulletin provides information related to extracting "in use performance tracking" emissions data from the Engine Control Unit (ECU) of certain vehicles sold in California. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) requires the emissions data from vehicles with a minimum of 3,000 accumulated miles without reprogramming or resetting.
TSBENG205_R12019-04-30. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. TSB: SERVICE ACTION: WIRING SIGNAL INTERFERENCE CHECK & ENGINE NOISE INSPECTION (SA379) - This bulletin provides information related to an expanded diagnostic test that is now required on a number of vehicles previously diagnosed with Diagnostic Trouble Code ("DTC") P1326. Using the procedures published in TSB PI1802W/X and PI1803W/X, the subject vehicles were diagnosed and determined to require an engine replacement and are currently being held at dealers pending repair. As a result of additional field data collection and analysis, the initial diagnosis method has been updated to improve test result accuracy. Prior to performing an engine replacement on any of the VINs affected by this Service Action, the engine condition needs to be re-assessed utilizing an updated/expanded diagnostic process.
TSBENG2052019-04-30. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. TSB: SERVICE ACTION: WIRING SIGNAL INTERFERENCE CHECK & ENGINE NOISE INSPECTION (SA379) - This bulletin provides information related to an expanded diagnostic test that is now required on a number of vehicles previously diagnosed with Diagnostic Trouble Code ("DTC") P1326. Using the procedures published in TSB PI1802W/X and PI1803W/X, the subject vehicles were diagnosed and determined to require an engine replacement and are currently being held at dealers pending repair. As a result of additional field data collection and analysis, the initial diagnosis method has been updated to improve test result accuracy. Prior to performing an engine replacement on any of the VINs affected by this Service Action, the engine condition needs to be re-assessed utilizing an updated/expanded diagnostic process.
PI1802WX_TSB_R52019-04-30. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. TSB: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802W/X) - This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in July 2018 (PI1802, Rev 6, 01/31/2019) titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement". Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the subject vehicles below returns to the dealer with Diagnostic Trouble Code ("DTC"), P1326.
PI1802WX_TSB_R42019-04-30. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. TSB: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802W/X) - This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in July 2018 (PI1802, Rev 6, 01/31/2019) titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement". Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the subject vehicles below returns to the dealer with Diagnostic Trouble Code ("DTC"), P1326.
VPI1802WX_TSB_R32019-03-18. Service bulletin. ENGINE. VEHICLE PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802W/X)- This bulletin has been revised to include additional information This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in July 2018 (PI1802, Rev 6, 01/31/2019) titled ?Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement?. Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the subject vehicles below returns to the dealer with Diagnostic Trouble Code (?DTC?), P1326..
VPI1802WX_TSB_R22019-02-19. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802W/X) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in July 2018 (PI1802, Rev 5, 12/20/2018) titled ?Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement?. Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the subject vehicles below returns to the dealer with Diagnostic Trouble Code (?DTC?), P1326.
VPI1802_TSB_R62019-02-19. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN:KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM - ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1802) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin provides information related to a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to install the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) in order to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage.
TSBENG083_R12019-02-19. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. TSB: SPECIAL SERVICE INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS FOR GDI HIGH PRESSURE FUEL SYSTEM - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information relating to all Kia vehicles equipped with Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines. In these engines highly pressurized gasoline is injected via a common fuel rail and injectors that deliver fuel directly into the combustion chamber of each cylinder. In comparison, in a conventional Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) engine, the gasoline is injected into the intake port of each cylinder at a relatively low pressure. Due to high fuel pressure in a GDI system, servicing the GDI system requires special attention and handling procedures. This bulletin provides special service information and specifications for the GDI fuel system components.
TSBCHA084_R12019-02-19. Service bulletin. STEERING. TSB: REPLACEMENT OF C-MDPS MOTOR AND/OR ECU - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Motor and/or Electronic Control Unit (ECU) on the listed Kia models with a column mounted C-MDPS unit.
PS5872019-02-19. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. PITSTOP: P/HEV NO START ? SHIFT BEFORE READY - This Pitstop provides information regarding possible customer complaint of intermittent ?No-Start?.
VPI1802_OWNER_OP2019-02-19. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Dear Kia Optima Owner: Kia Motors America, Inc. is conducting an important Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update on all 2016-2018 MY Optima vehicles equipped with 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection (?GDI?) and 2.0L Turbocharged GDI (?T-GDI?) engines to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage. The update will be done free of charge and will only involve the addition of newly developed computer software for the Engine Control Unit (?ECU?).
VPI1802_TSB_R52019-02-19. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information related to a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to install the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) in order to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage.
TSBCHA0842018-12-17. Service bulletin. STEERING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. TSB: REPLACEMENT OF C-MDPS MOTOR AND/OR ECU - This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Motor and/or Electronic Control Unit (ECU) on the listed Kia models with a column mounted C-MDPS unit. Follow the procedure outlined in this bulletin.
PS5812018-12-17. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. PITSTOP: HYBRID HV BATTERY SOC GAUGE (PS581) - This Pitstop provides information regarding the State of Charge (SOC) gauge on all Kia Hybrid P/HEV) vehicles. Normal operation of the HEV SOC gauge is between 40-60%. This is to allow for regeneration and degeneration of the HEV battery.
PS5602018-10-09. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC. PITSTOP - INTEGRATED BRAKE ACTUATOR UNIT (IBAU) HONK NOISE - This Pitstop provides information regarding the 2017-2018MY Niro (DE P/HEV) and Optima Plug-in/Hybrid (P/HEV) vehicles, which may exhibit an intermittent ?squeaking? and/or ?honking? noise when applying the brakes rapidly. The ?Integrated Brake Actuator Unit? (IBAU) should NOT be replaced for this concern. An IBAU brake bleed should be performed.
PS299_R32018-10-09. Service bulletin. VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD; VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER. PITSTOP - CORRECT PROCEDURE FOR RAISING WINDSHIELD WIPERS - When servicing the windshield wipers on the listed vehicles below during PDI, make sure to use the procedure outlined below to raise the wiper arms to the fully vertical position in order to avoid damaging the paint on the rear edge of the hood. It is important to note that the wipers on these vehicles are recessed under the hood to provide better appearance and reduced wind noise characteristics. This procedure applies to both key start and SMK type ignition systems.
VPI1802_QA2018-08-06. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ENGINE; POWER TRAIN. Q & A - This document is the Q & A for the new Product Improvement Campaign to provide information regarding a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage.
VPI1802_DSM2018-08-06. Service bulletin. ENGINE; POWER TRAIN; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. DEALER SERVICE MANAGER NOTICE - This notice advised the dealer service manager of the new Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage.
VPI1802_DP2018-08-06. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ENGINE. DEALER PRINCIPAL NOTICE - This notice advised the dealer principal of the new Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage.
PS299_R22018-08-06. Service bulletin. VISIBILITY; VISIBILITY/WIPER. PITSTOP - CORRECT PROCEDURE FOR RAISING WINDSHIELD WIPERS - When servicing the windshield wipers on 2015MY~ K900 (KH), 2016MY~ Optima (JFa/JF), and 2018MY~ Stinger (CK) vehicles during PDI, make sure to use the procedure outlined below to raise the wiper arms to the fully vertical position in order to avoid damaging the paint on the rear edge of the hood. It is important to note that the wipers on these vehicles are recessed under the hood to provide better appearance and reduced wind noise characteristics.
PS5642018-06-18. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT. PITSTOP - CLOCK CONCERNS ON UVO eSERVICES (UVO 3.0) - This Pitstop contains information regarding possible concerns with the clock on UVO eServices (UVO 3.0) head units installed on 2017-2018MY vehicles.
TSBENG178_R12018-05-14. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM. TSB - DATA COLLECTION: EXTRACT CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS DATA FROM ECU (DC18) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information related to extracting ?in use performance tracking? emissions data from the Engine Control Unit (ECU) of certain vehicles sold in California.
TSBENG177B_R1CLO2018-04-16. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. TSB - SERVICE ACTION: 2.4L SHIFT QUALITY & WAKE-UP LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA316B) - This bulletin has been CLOSED and superceded by TSB-ENG177C R3.

The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.