2013–2015 Kia Optima, 2014–2015 Kia Sorento Recall: Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU)…
NHTSA campaign 21V331000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · filed May 10, 2021 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
The risk
An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →The fix — what to do
Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will install a new multi-fuse, and inspect the HECU for leaks, replacing the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 2, 2021. This recall supersedes previous NHTSA recall number 20V-519. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC212.
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.
Affected vehicles
Related recalls
More Kia Optima recalls
- 2010–2019 Kia Borrego and 11 other models — Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an…
- 2016–2018 Kia Optima and 3 other models — Trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the…
- 2012–2013 Kia Optima — Right and left headliner plates may not be secured…
- 2013–2014 Kia Optima — Low pressure fuel hose may be damaged, or missing…
- 2013–2015 Kia Optima and 1 other model — Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic…
Other campaigns involving Kia vehicles
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 21V331000 (manufacturer number SC212). Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.