While driving a 2020 Kia Forte on the expressway at normal speed, the vehicle was operating normally with no prior warning lights or known issues. Suddenly, the brakes began to feel weak, as if they were failing. Immediately after, a popping sound was heard from the vehicle, followed by smoke coming from the side/underneath area. Within moments, the smoke intensified and the vehicle caught fire. The driver pulled over to the side of the road as quickly as possible. The fire spread rapidly, and within approximately 1–2 minutes the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames. There were no prior warning indicators, messages, or symptoms before the incident. The cause of the fire is currently unknown. The vehicle is available for inspection by insurance or manufacturer if needed. The incident created an immediate safety hazard due to loss of braking performance and rapid fire spread while driving at highway speed.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11726147 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Steering wheel is turning completely around and made a noise. I noticed my steering wheel is loose it has been like that for time. But yesterday was the first time it turned completely around were I could not control it.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11743305 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bags warning light illuminated and then went off. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the air bag warning light was again illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,900.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11759556 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Kia is lying to a judge in Lancaster county PA and federal court by stating I did not opt out of class action when they know I opted out end of 2023. Kia also knows these cars are still being stolen and have taken no action to prevent thefts or damage to vehicles. The "upgrade" does not work. My car sustained 7000.00 of damage in May 2025 and had the "upgrade" installed. On the same night, the same people stole multiple other kias and caused severe damage to numerous other vehicles within a 20 mile radius. My report was made to pa state police. The only reason why they didnt actually steal my car was because on same night they tried to also steal my neighbors sorrento at same time. When they attacked her car, her alarm went off and the group fled in 2 sedan type vehicles. Kia has done absolutely nothing to prevent thefts or damage to these vehicles and now have lied to judges in my case. They are trying to force me back into the class action as they dont want to pay me for damages they caused and the class action settlement is a joke. That is why I opted out almost 2 years ago now. Kia are liars.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11679654 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov