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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
TSB_ELE1922020-05-05. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: BMS/OPU/MCU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA411) - This bulletin provides the procedure to improve the logic of the Battery Management System (BMS), Oil Pump Control Unit (OPU) and Motor Control Unit (MCU) on some 2017-2019MY Optima (JF P/HEV) vehicles, produced from August 25, 2016 through September 13, 2018 (refer to page 8) in order to improve the BMS diagnosis logic, OPU judgment logic for DTC P1B77 (High Voltage Battery Pre-Charging fault) and MCU communication logic.
PI1802YZ_TSB_R12020-05-05. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802Y/Z) - 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 10, 03/16/2020) 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 return to the dealer with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1326 (Knock Signal Range/Performance).
PI1802WX_TSB_R7C2020-05-05. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: TSB_R7 - ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802W/X) - CLOSED - SUPERSEDED BY PI1802Y/Z.
PI1802YZ_TSB2020-04-07. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: TSB - ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802Y/Z) - 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 10, 03/16/2020) 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 return to the dealer with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1326 (Knock Signal Range/Performance).
PI1802_TSB_R102020-04-07. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: TSB - REV 10 - 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.
TSB_CHA098_R22020-04-07. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: IBAU SYSTEM REPAIR FOR NOISE AND AIR BLEEDING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides the repair procedure for the Integrated Brake Actuation Unit (iBAU) system on some 2014-2019MY EV/Hybrid/Plug-In Hybrid vehicles listed (see table), which may exhibit a “Honking” (Hissing) noise due to air remaining in the brake fluid system.
PI1802_TSB_R92020-03-05. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. TSB - PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN - KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM - ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1802) Rev.9 - 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.
TSB_TRA0882020-03-05. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION CONTROL UNIT (TCU) GEAR SHIFT LOGIC IMPROVEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to improve the gear shift logic of the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) on some 2018MY Optima (JF, JFa) vehicles produced from April 18, 2017 through July 11, 2018, equipped with 2.0L T-GDI and 2.4L GDI engines, which may harsh downshifts (including 2-1 gear change).
TSB_ELE1482020-02-04. Service bulletin. EXTERIOR LIGHTING. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HALOGEN HEAD LAMP LOW BEAM BULB CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information regarding the procedure to repair the bulb connector on some 2010MY~ vehicles listed on the table below, which may exhibit a bulb connector concern. To correct this concern, replace the connector with a new and improved part.
PI1802WX_TSB_R72020-02-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING. 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 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.
PI1802_OWN#3_OPT2020-01-04. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Owner Letter - PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN (PI1802) **THIRD NOTICE** - Dear Kia Optima Owner: Kia Motors America, Inc. is conducting an important Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update on some 2014 MY Optima vehicles equipped with 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection ("GDI") engines, and all 2015-2018 MY Optima vehicles equipped with 2.4L 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").
PS6382020-01-04. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. PITSTOP 638: HVAC TEMPERATURE BLEND DOOR INOPERATIVE, TICKING AND/OR MAKING A POPPING NOISE - This Pitstop provides information regarding an inoperative, or clicking and popping noise concern from the heater box blend door.
PI1802WX_TSB_R62019-12-09. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN PI1802W/X (Rev 6) - PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN - ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS - 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.
TSBCHA084_R42019-12-09. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; STEERING. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - 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, Electronic Control Unit (ECU) or Steering Column Housing on some 2010MY~ Kia models listed on page 5 equipped with a Column Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) unit. Follow the MDPS Flowchart (page 2) along with the MDPS DTC Table (page 3) procedure outlined in this bulletin before replacing the C-MDPS Motor, ECU or Steering Column Housing.
PI1802_TSB_R82019-12-09. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. TSB - 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.
TSBCHA084_R32019-11-07. Service bulletin. STEERING. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TSB084_R3: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - 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, Electronic Control Unit (ECU) or Steering Column Housing on some 2010MY~ Kia models listed on page 5 equipped with a Column Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) unit.
PS6162019-11-07. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. PITSTOP: LOWER ENGINE SERVICE COVER BOLT LOCATIONS - This Pitstop provides information on the correct bolt location of the lower engine service cover on 2016-2020MY Optima 2.4L and 2.0L equipped vehicles. The lower engine service cover is secured by seven (7) retaining bolts. Installation of the two (2) long bolts in the incorrect location may cause puncture or damage to the oil pan in the event that the vehicle is bottomed out while driving. If the oil pan is damaged or punctured, the engine oil may leak, possibly causing engine damage. This
PI1802_TSB_R72019-10-03. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN - KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM - ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1802) - 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. The KSDS detects vibrations indicating the onset of excessive connecting rod bearing wear. It 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.
TSBCHA0982019-09-06. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL. TSBCHA098: IBAU SYSTEM REPAIR GUIDE FOR NOISE AND AIR BLEEDING - This bulletin provides the repair guide for the Integrated Brake Actuation Unit (iBAU) system on some 2014-2019MY Kia EV/Hybrid/Plug-In Hybrid vehicles listed (see table), which may exhibit a “Honking” (hissing) noise due to air remaining in the brake fluid system.
TSBCHA098_R12019-09-06. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC. TSBCHA098_R1: IBAU SYSTEM REPAIR FOR NOISE AND AIR BLEEDING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides the repair procedure for the Integrated Brake Actuation Unit (iBAU) system on some 2014-2019MY EV/Hybrid/Plug-In Hybrid vehicles listed (see table), which may exhibit a "Honking" (Hissing) noise due to air remaining in the brake fluid system.
TSBENG178_R32019-08-07. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. 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.
PI1802_OWNR2_OPT2019-07-04. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. PI1802_OWNR2_OPT: Kia Motors America, Inc. is conducting an important Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update on some 2014 MY Optima vehicles equipped with 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection ("GDI") engines, and all 2015-2018 MY Optima vehicles equipped with 2.4L 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").
TSBTRA0782019-07-04. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. TSB: TRANSMISSION LOGIC IMPROVEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to optimize the logic of the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) on 2017-2018MY Soul (PS) and Forte (YDm) and 2016-2018MY Optima (JFa) vehicles equipped with 1.6T GDI that have one of the following three components replaced: Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) assembly; Transmission Control Unit (TCU), and Double Clutch Set.The friction material of the double clutch set has been changed and a TCU logic optimization must be performed in order to prevent initial shift shock.
TSBCHA084_R22019-07-04. Service bulletin. STEERING; STEERING:COLUMN. TSB: REPLACEMENT OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - 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, Electronic Control Unit (ECU) or Steering Column Housing on the Kia models listed on the chart below with a column mounted C-MDPS unit.
TSBELE1632019-06-04. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK; LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. TSB: PARASITIC DRAW INSPECTION AND REAR DOOR LATCH REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to inspect for a parasitic draw and, if necessary, replace one or both rear door latches on some of the following vehicles which may experience a discharged 12v battery.

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