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Kia Forte front driveshaft can break and lose power

NHTSA campaign 20V459000 · Reported 2020-08-05 · Kia Motors America

high How serious is it? About this label

Losing drive power without warning is serious; the notice does not tell owners to stop driving, but have the shaft inspected promptly, especially before highway trips.

What's wrong, in plain English

On certain 2019 Kia Fortes, the left front driveshaft, the bar that sends engine power out to the front wheel, may have missed the heat-treating step that makes the metal strong. A shaft that was not treated can snap. If it breaks while you are driving, the car suddenly stops pulling and you cannot accelerate, which is dangerous in traffic or when merging. Dealers look for a stamped code proving the shaft was treated, and replace it if the code is missing.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm recall 20V459000 covers your car (Kia's number SC195).
2. Call your Kia dealer or Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 to schedule the driveshaft inspection.
3. Let the dealer inspect and, if needed, replace the driveshaft free of charge.

Affected vehicles (1)

Who to contact

Kia — official Kia recall lookup

Customer service: 1-800-333-4542

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Official notice

Component
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
Summary
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Forte vehicles. The left front axle driveshaft may not have been heat-treated, which can cause it to break.
Safety risk
A broken driveshaft can result in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left front axle driveshaft for a heat treatment verification code, and replace it if the code is missing, free of charge. The recall began September 2, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC195.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.