Vehicle recall 20V519000 · August 27, 2020
Kia Optima and Sorento
Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
Park affected vehicles outside, away from buildings, until they are repaired. This is the manufacturer’s safety advisory for this recall.
- Summary
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
- Consequence
- If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
- Remedy
- Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. The recall began October 20, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC197.
- Notes
- Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 20V519000
- Reported to NHTSA
- August 27, 2020
- Filed by
- Kia Motors America
- Manufacturer campaign
- SC197
- Owner notification
- October 20, 2020
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 440,370
- Initiated by
- NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation
- Components
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
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 (2013-2015): 2015, 2014, 2013
- Kia Sorento (2014-2015): 2015, 2014
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.