NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V705
Manufacturer Kia
Motors America
Components POWER TRAIN
Potential Number of Units Affected 12,214
Right Front Axle Driveshaft may Fail
If the driveshaft cracks and separates from the vehicle, it will not be able to move forward. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied upon exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll. Either scenario can increase the risk of a crash.
Summary
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Optima vehicles manufactured November 13, 2015, to April 23, 2016 and equipped with a 2.4l engine.
The right front axle driveshaft may crack and fail.
Remedy
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle driveshaft, free of charge.
The recall began November 2016.
Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.
Kia’s number for this recall is SC139.
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.
Check if your Kia has a Recall
| GROUP | MODEL | |
| Safety Recall Campaign | 2016MY Optima (JFa) | |
| NUMBER | DATE | |
| SC139 | November 2016 | |
| SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN | ||
| SUBJECT: RIGHT FRONT AXLE DRIVESHAFT REPLACEMENT (SC139) | ||
This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the right front axle driveshaft on certain 2016MY Optima (JFa) vehicles, produced from November 13, 2015 to April 23, 2016, which may exhibit a crack in the area of the stub at the wheel end of the driveshaft. When moving from a stopped location, the crack can lead to a separation of the shaft, causing a loud noise. The vehicle would then lose motive power. In addition, if the driver fails to engage the parking brake when the vehicle is parked on an incline, it may roll. In either case, a crash could result. Follow the procedure outlined in this bulletin to replace the right front axle driveshaft. Before conducting the procedure, verify the vehicle is included in the list of affected VINs.
NOTICE
There is no charge to the vehicle owner for this repair. Under applicable law, you may not sell or otherwise deliver any affected vehicle until it has been repaired pursuant to the procedures set forth in this bulletin.
NOTICE
To assure complete customer satisfaction, always remember to refer to WebDCS Warranty Coverage (validation) Inquiry Screen (Service → Warranty Coverage → Warranty Coverage Inquiry) for a list of any additional campaigns that may need to be performed on the vehicle before returning it to the customer.
Service Procedure:
- Remove the right front driveshaft by referring to “Driveshaft and axle → Driveshaft Assembly → Front Driveshaft → Repair procedures” chapter in the applicable Workshop Manual on KGIS.
- Remove the tripod joint circlip (A).
- Remove both boot bands (B) securing the tripod boot to the driveshaft and tripod housing.
- Slide the tripod boot (C) away from the tripod housing (D) in the direction of the arrow.
- Remove the tripod housing circlip (E).
- Remove the tripod housing (F).
NOTICE
Do NOT discard the tripod housing as it will be reused.
- Remove the three (3) rollers from the driveshaft and wipe off old grease.
NOTICE
Do NOT discard the rollers as they will be reused.
- Install the new smaller boot band (G) provided onto the new driveshaft.
NOTICE
The boot band must be installed first before proceeding.
- Install the tripod boot (H) onto the new driveshaft and apply 2.5oz of the grease provided into the boot.
Click here to see a video of the smaller boot and tripod boot installation.
- Lubricate the three (3) rollers removed in step 8 with a small amount of the grease provided and install the rollers onto the new driveshaft.
- Apply 4oz of the grease provided into the tripod housing and install the tripod housing (I) onto the new driveshaft.
- Install the new tripod housing circlip (J) provided.
- Attach the tripod boot to the tripod housing.
- Place the smaller boot band (K) installed in step 9 onto the boot and secure using SST 09495 3K000.
Clearance of crimp: 0.08in (2.0mm) or less
NOTICE
Ensure the smaller band closure is aligned with the opposite side smaller band closure.
- Install the new larger boot band (L) onto the boot and secure using SST 07600 10100.
- Install the new tripod joint circlip (M) provided.
- Reinstall all removed components in the reverse order of removal.
- Road test vehicle to ensure no noises are present and confirm proper operation.
AFFECTED VEHICLE RANGE:
| Model | Production Date Range |
|---|---|
| Optima (JFa) | November 13, 2015 to April 23, 2016 |
REQUIRED PARTS:
| Part Name | Part Number | Figure |
|---|---|---|
| Shaft Assy-Drive RH | 49503 D4250QQK |  |
REQUIRED TOOL:
| Part Name | Part Number | Figure | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| SST: Band Installer | 09495-3K000A |  | Currently in SST Cabinet Drawer 1 |
| SST: CV Boot Clamp Pliers | 07600-10100 |  | Auto-shipped to Dealer. For additional CV Boot Clamp Pliers, contact Snap-On Business Solutions at 888-542-1011 |
WARRANTY INFORMATION:
| Claim Type | Causal P/N | Qty. | N Code | C Code | Repair Description | Labor Op Code | Op Time | Replacement P/N | Qty. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R | 49501
D4250 | 0 | N99 | C99 | (SC139)
Right Front Replacement | 161099R0 | 0.8 M/H | 49503 D4250QQK | 1 |
NOTICE
To assure complete customer satisfaction, always remember to refer to WebDCS Warranty Coverage (validation) Inquiry Screen (Service → Warranty Coverage → Warranty Coverage Inquiry) for a list of any additional campaigns that may need to be performed on the vehicle before returning it to the customer.
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
(NHTSA Recall Number: 16V705)
This notice applies to your vehicle: (Insert VIN)
November 21, 2016
Dear Kia Optima Owner:
Kia has identified a defect in your vehicle which relates to motor vehicle safety.
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Kia
Motors has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 2016 MY Optima vehicles with the 2.4-liter engine. Our records indicate that you own or lease one of the potentially affected vehicles.
What Is The Problem?
The right front axle driveshaft in your vehicle could crack and then later separate while attempting to move from a stopped position. This would cause a loud noise and the loss of the ability to move your vehicle. In addition, if the driver fails to engage the parking brake on an incline, a vehicle with this condition can roll. In either case, a crash could result.
Kia Will Replace the Right Front Axle Driveshaft At No Cost For Parts Or Labor To You.
Kia has advised its authorized Kia dealers to replace the right front axle driveshaft. The work will be performed at Kia’s expense at no cost to you.
What Should You Do?
- When parking the vehicle on an incline, make sure to engage the parking brake in accordance with the instructions contained on page 6-30 ~ 6-33 of your owner’s manual.
- In the interest of the safety of your passengers and the occupants of other vehicles, as well as your own safety, please immediately contact your Kia dealer to arrange for the recall repair to be conducted. You would not receive any indication of the crack developing before the shaft might separate.
- The estimated time which will be required to repair your vehicle is approximately one hour. However, the actual time required to repair your vehicle depends on the dealer’s work schedule; therefore, we recommend scheduling a service appointment to minimize inconvenience.
- To find your nearest dealer, visit kia.com and click the “Find Dealer” button in the upper right corner (“Dealers” on a mobile device). You can also use the QR code below with your mobile device to access this information (see the bottom of this letter for more information about QR code use):
What If You Have Already Paid To Have This Situation Corrected?
If you have incurred expense to remedy this issue prior to the date of this notice, you may have the opportunity to obtain reimbursement for that expense. Please contact the Kia Consumer Assistance number listed below for assistance in submitting your claim, or mail your receipts with a cover letter directly to Kia for review and consideration:
Consumer Assistance Center Kia Motors America, Inc.
P.O. Box 52410
Irvine, CA 92619-2410
1-800-333-4542
Pursuant to the General Reimbursement Plan issued by Kia pursuant to Federal Regulation 49 CFR 573.13, Kia will use its best efforts to respond to your claim within sixty (60) days of receipt and at that time Kia may either accept or reject that claim or it may request more information to evaluate the claim.
Have You Changed Your Address Or Sold Your Kia?
If you have changed your home address, sold your Kia vehicle, or no longer own your vehicle, please complete the attached prepaid “Change of Address/Ownership” card and mail it to us. You can also contact the Consumer Assistance Center phone number listed above.
What If You Are A Vehicle Lessor?
| Federal regulation requires that any vehicle lessor receiving this recall notice must forward a copy of this notice to the lessee within ten days. |
What If You Have Other Questions?
If your dealer does not respond to your service request in a timely manner, we suggest that you call Kia’s Consumer Assistance Center at 1-800-333-4542. This number has TTY capability. If you still are not satisfied that we have remedied this situation without charge and within a reasonable amount of time, you may submit a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E., Washington, DC 20590; or call the toll free Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); or go to https://www.safercar.gov.
This action has been taken in the interest of your safety, and we regret any inconvenience this situation may cause you.
Sincerely,
Consumer Affairs Department
QR Code Use:
|
SC139 – 2016 MY KIA OPTIMA RIGHT FRONT AXLE DRIVESHAFT
SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN
Q & A
November 07, 2016
Q1. What type of campaign is Kia conducting?
A1. Kia Motors America, Inc., pursuant to the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, is conducting a safety recall campaign to replace the right front axle driveshaft on certain 2016 MY Kia Optima vehicles.
Q2. What vehicles are affected by the recall?
A2. Certain 2016 MY Kia Optima vehicles, manufactured from November 13, 2015 through April 23, 2016.
Q3. How many customer vehicles are affected by this recall?
A3. Approximately 12,214.
Q4. What is the concern with the Right Front Axle Driveshaft?
A4. The right front axle driveshaft may develop a crack and then later separate while attempting to move from a stopped position. This would cause a loud noise and the loss of the ability to move the vehicle. In addition, if the driver fails to engage the parking brake on an incline, a vehicle with this condition can roll. In either case, a crash could result.
Q5. Can you describe the recall campaign and fix?
Kia has advised its authorized Kia dealers to replace the right front axle driveshaft. The work will be performed at Kia’s expense at no cost to the customer.
Q6. How was the issue discovered?
A6. Through the regular monitoring of field information.
Q7. What should vehicle owners do when they receive the notification?
A7. Owners are to contact their Kia dealer to arrange for the repair to be performed.
In addition, owners are being asked to make sure to engage the parking brake when parking on an incline in accordance with the instructions contained on page 6-30 ~ 6-33 of the owner’s manual.
Q8. Have there been any deaths or injuries as a result of this condition?
A8. No.
Q9. Has Kia had any litigation regarding this condition?
A9. No.
Q10. Will this cost vehicle owners any money?
A10. No. The replacement of the right front axle driveshaft will be at no cost to the customer.
Q11. What about customers who may have already paid to have the right front axle driveshaft replaced?
A11. Owners who have incurred expense to remedy this issue prior to the date of this notice may have the opportunity to obtain reimbursement for that expense. Please mail your receipts with a cover letter directly to Kia for review and consideration at the following address:
Consumer Assistance Center
Kia Motors America, Inc.
P.O. Box 52410
Irvine, CA 92619-2410
1-800-333-4542
Q12. How long will the repair take?
A12. The estimated time required to complete the repair is approximately one (1) hour. The actual time, however, can vary depending on the dealer’s work schedule. Therefore, scheduling an appointment is recommended.
Q13. How will owners of the affected vehicles be notified?
A13. Kia will be notifying owners of the affected vehicles by first-class mail on November 21, 2016.
Q14. Are there any restrictions on an owner’s eligibility?
A14. No.
Q15. If a customer has an immediate question, where can they get further information?
A15. The customer can contact their local Kia dealership or call Kia’s Consumer Assistance Center at 1800-333-4KIA (4542), Monday through Friday, 5 AM to 6 PM Pacific Standard Time, or via the internet @ www.kia.com (Owner’s Section).
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