The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·20V459000·Announced 2020-08-05

Kia Recalls 2019 Forte Vehicles Due to Axle Driveshaft Defect

Kia is recalling 2019 Forte vehicles because the left front axle driveshaft may not have been heat-treated, which can cause it to break and increase crash risk.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (axle driveshaft) that can cause a sudden loss of drive power and increase the risk of a crash, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

Kia Motors America is recalling certain 2019 Kia Forte vehicles. The recall addresses a defect where the left front axle driveshaft may not have been heat-treated. This lack of heat treatment can cause the driveshaft to break.

A broken driveshaft can result in a sudden loss of drive power, which increases the risk of a crash. The recall began on September 2, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 or visit www.safercar.gov for more information.

Dealers will inspect the left front axle driveshaft for a heat treatment verification code. If the code is missing, the dealer will replace the driveshaft free of charge. Kia's number for this recall is SC195.

The recalled product

Product
KIA FORTE
Brand
KIA
Manufacturer
Kia Motors America
Category
Vehicle — Axle Assembly
Hazard
Affected units
834

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (1)

  • FORTE

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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