Having world-class technology and a wide variety of safety features do not make cars immune from having defective components and software issues. Such is the case for the updated 2019 Kia Optima despite its advanced standard tech that includes a driver attention monitor, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and lane departure warning.
The Korean automaker recently announced it is recalling 11,423 units of the 2019 Kia Optima sedan with build dates between May 21, 2018 and May 29, 2019. Some of the affected models are powered by the brand’s turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four engine, while other are equipped with a 2.0-liter turbo inline- four engine. Sedans with 2.4-liter inline-four engines, however, are exempted from the recall.
According to Kia, a software error was detected in the Optima’s forward collision warning system. The problem may cause a failure for the car to detect stationary vehicle instead of emitting a warning signal to the driver and applying the brakes if necessary. This increases the risk of a crash if the brake assist function does not work.
The company found out about the problem when one of its suppliers identified a software error that may have been installed on the Optimas released for the 2019 model year.
After detecting the problem, Kia commenced a 10-day long investigation and conducted duplication testing for two weeks before officially issuing the recall.
Kia, however, has clarified that it is not aware of any injuries or accidents that may have been caused by the software issue.
Owners of 2019 Kia Optimas are advised to take their cars to their respective dealers where a software patch will be applied to the affected vehicle at no cost. The software patch ensures that the car’s autobrake system works as intended. Meanwhile, cars that were rolled out of the factory from May 30 onwards were already installed with a software patch.
Kia is scheduled to send out recall notifications beginning August 27.
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