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P0445 on KIA OPTIMA

EVAP System Purge Control Valve A Circuit Shorted

NHTSA Reports
2
Severity
Medium
Most Affected
2012, 2013
Crashes / Fires
0 / 1
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database · SAE J2012

What P0445 Means on Your KIA OPTIMA

P0445 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: EVAP System Purge Control Valve A Circuit Shorted. This code relates to the emission controls system. The vehicle's computer detected a condition outside normal operating parameters and stored this code.

2 KIA OPTIMA owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2012-2013. Most reports come from the 2012, 2013 model years. The most commonly reported component is Electrical System (50.0% of reports).

Real KIA OPTIMA Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"Vehicle is under recall 23V652 for HECU short circuit issue. Vehicle was running fine, driven to local mechanic for routine oil change and inspection. MIL was on with P0445 indicating a short circuit on Purge control valve."

— 2012 KIA OPTIMA owner · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · Filed 12/05/2023

"The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for routine maintenance, and it was determined the failure was linked to DTC code: P0445, indicating an issue with the purge control valve in the evaporative emission control (EVAP) system."

— 2013 KIA OPTIMA owner · ENGINE,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE · Filed 01/01/2015

All reports filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

1
'12
1
'13

Common Causes on KIA OPTIMA

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 50%
ENGINE,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 50%

What To Do Next

  1. 1
    Check for recalls on YOUR VIN

    Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. If your vehicle is covered, repairs are free.

  2. 2
    Get a proper diagnosis

    A code alone doesn't tell you the exact failed part. A diagnostic at a shop ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause before you spend money on parts.

  3. 3
    Compare repair quotes

    Get 2–3 quotes. Dealer vs. independent shop prices often differ 30–50% for the same repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does P0445 mean on a KIA OPTIMA?
P0445 indicates: EVAP System Purge Control Valve A Circuit Shorted. This is a emission controls code. 2 KIA OPTIMA owners have reported this to NHTSA.
What are the most common causes of P0445 on KIA OPTIMA?
Based on 2 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Electrical System, Engine,Fuel System, Gasoline. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.
Is P0445 a safety concern on KIA OPTIMA?
Of 2 NHTSA reports for P0445 on KIA OPTIMA, 1 involved a fire. Always consult a qualified mechanic for any diagnostic trouble code.
What should I do if my KIA OPTIMA shows P0445?
1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare.

P0445 on Other Vehicles