Vehicle recall 04V180000 · April 12, 2004
2002-2003 Kia Optima
Some passenger vehicles may contain a fuel tank assembly valve that may not close properly.
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- Summary
- Some passenger vehicles may contain a fuel tank assembly valve that may not close properly. If a vehicle with a fuel tank assembly valve that is not properly closed were to roll over, fuel spillage may occur.
- Consequence
- Fuel spillage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install an additional fuel tank assembly valve. Owner notification began June 25, 2004. Owners should contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542.
- Notes
- Kia recall no. SCO38.CUSTOMERS can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 04V180000
- Reported to NHTSA
- April 12, 2004
- Filed by
- KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
- Manufacturer campaign
- SC038
- Owner notification
- June 25, 2004
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 25,803
- Initiated by
- the manufacturer
- Components
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
- Kia Optima (2002-2003): 2003, 2002
Has your Kia been repaired?
Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.
NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A Kia dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.