Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module (Kia)
Vehicle recall 20V-519. NHTSA received Kia Motors America’s report on Aug 27, 2020.
- NHTSA: park outside
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The short answer
NHTSA received Kia Motors America’s report on Aug 27, 2020. Copied from NHTSA on Oct 21, 2026.
- Park outside NHTSA’s advice to owners (needs attention)
- 440,370 vehicles potentially involved, by NHTSA’s count
Every line below is in NHTSA’s own words, with its source beside it.
What’s wrong with it?
If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
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.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file. Released Oct 21, 2026. Updated daily.
- NHTSA’s part: Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module.
What should you do?
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.
NHTSA’s advice: Park outside
NHTSA, Recalls flat file. Released Oct 21, 2026. Updated daily.
- How to reach the firm: 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 a vehicle by its VIN at NHTSA: the recalls still open on it are listed there.
Which ones are recalled?
NHTSA counts 440,370 vehicles potentially involved, across everything this recall names.
Each model year opens its own page: every recall naming it, its owner complaints and its crash ratings.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file. Released Oct 21, 2026. Updated daily.
Who is recalling it?
- Made by Kia Motors America.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file. Released Oct 21, 2026. Updated daily.
What the record doesn’t say
- NHTSA’s recall file doesn’t say whether anyone was hurt. Owners’ complaints are counted on each vehicle’s page.
- Whether one vehicle or seat has been fixed: only its maker, or NHTSA’s lookup with a VIN, can say.
- How many have been returned or fixed isn’t in the notice.
Hearth Record wrote these lines.
Sources
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National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Recalls flat file (FLAT_RCL_POST_2010).
Released Oct 21, 2026 and checked Oct 21, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
Vehicle, car seat, tire and vehicle equipment recalls, owner complaints and crash ratings are from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Copied on Oct 21, 2026.