Kia Forte brake failure problems

Filed Jul 2, 2026 · Brakes · IL

My vehicle is a 2012 Kia Forte EX. The vehicle experienced a corrosion-related brake line failure that affected braking performance and created a safety concern. The brake pedal became soft/sank, and the vehicle had unsafe braking behavior, requiring repair at a Kia dealership. The failed component was a brake line, which is a safety-critical part of the braking system. The repair was completed at customer expense after Kia declined goodwill or reimbursement assistance. Kia Customer Care case number: 2622663. My concern is that this does not appear to be ordinary wear only. This vehicle had prior Kia underbody corrosion campaign history under SC141, titled “Application of Additional Anti-Corrosion Material.” Kia confirmed to me that SC141 involved applying additional anti-corrosion/undercoating/cavity wax material to certain underbody components to help protect against corrosion. Kia also confirmed that SC141 was completed on my vehicle before the brake-line repair. Kia’s position is that SC141 did not cover brake lines or brake replacement, and that brake-line corrosion is normal maintenance/customer-pay because the vehicle is out of warranty. I understand Kia’s warranty position, but my complaint is about the safety issue and possible design-related corrosion vulnerability. The failed brake line appears to be routed in an underbody area exposed to corrosion risk, possibly near hardware, brackets, covers, or areas where salt/water can collect. In my view, this may represent a corrosion-trap design issue involving the routing/location of a safety-critical brake line, rather than simple routine maintenance. I am filing this complaint because corrosion-related brake line failure can result in reduced braking ability or loss of braking, and I believe this issue should be documented and reviewed for potential safety-defect trends involving this vehicle/platform.

Filed Mar 22, 2026 · FL · fire

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.

Filed Jan 9, 2026 · Brakes · 159,000 miles · NM · crash · 2 injuries

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the brake pedal failed to operate as needed and depressed to the floorboard without warning. As a result of the brake failure, the contact crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The contact stated that both front driver and front passenger seat belts failed to retract as both she and her son were violently jerked forward upon impact. The air bags deployed upon impact. A police report was filed. Both the contact and her son were treated for minor pain and bruising at a local hospital. The whereabouts of the other driver are unknown. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic, where the contact was given an estimate for the repair. Neither the manufacturer nor the dealer had yet been notified of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that there were two recalls on the vehicle, the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V773000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics) and the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics). The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the independent mechanic, where it could be salvaged. The failure mileage was approximately 159,000.

Filed Oct 21, 2025 · Brakes · NY

I have been trying to have my brakes line repair for a recall for over a year with the local Kia dealer as they refused to see me for over a year due to not buying vehicle there. I lost my brakes due to the recall on the lines and not being able to get an appointment. I almost died when my brakes went out. I called the local Kia dealer was told again I had to wait and that no promises could be months before touch the car. I had to fix it so I had it brought to an outside shop and submitted for reimbursement it has been over 60days no updates and no communication with the Kia claims department. I was told my claim would take about 30 days now we are almost at 60 with no updates when I call they say Derrick will call me back. No return emails or calling. My claim number is XXX with rental I paid almost $1800 for repairs that should have been covered along with a rental. No one can give me a status I call daily to be told that they can’t answer any questions only Derrick can but he does not take calls he will call me back in 24 to 48 hours. I email I get an auto response. I am running in circles for money I need to pay my bills. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 25, 2025 · Brakes · GA

I was driving today and upon braking trying to come to a four way stop, the brake pedal went to the floor with no stopping. My vehicle went through the 4 way stop endangering me and my passengers. The piston blew out where all fluid leaked over the place. This is dangerous.

Filed Nov 23, 2024 · Brakes, Visibility · OH · crash

On November 23, 2024, the brakes gave out on my 2017 Kia Forte5 EX. I found several recalls for my car regarding the brakes, trunk, engine and airbags. However, my son was in an accident and I was unaware of any recalls, as the car was purchased used. Would I still be able to get my car repaired under these recalls, or do I need to contact Kia?

Filed Jun 27, 2024 · Brakes · 56,334 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving at approximately 5 MPH, the brakes failed to respond while the brake pedal was being depressed. The contact was able to come to a stop by engaging the parking brake. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake lines needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,334.

Filed Apr 23, 2024 · Brakes, Engine · MO · crash

I was attempting to park in a parking spot that I use regularly at Dollar General. As it was coming to a stop, the brakes failed. I was pushing the brake pedal down. The car started to rev up and speed forward on it's own. It lunged forward jumping the curb and into the pillar. It wouldn't stop going forward. So I had to put it in reverse. As I did that, I put the brakes on as well as the ebrake. It was wanting to speed in reverse for a second. So I threw it into park and turned it off. My family and I went into the store to let the car settle down. Then we was able to drive it home and park it. So it's currently sittling in our driveway here at home.

Filed Mar 10, 2023 · Brakes · AL

The vehicle lost braking ability while being operated on the roadway. The brake pedal went to the floor, and the brake warning light came on. The operator was able to push hard on the brake pedal enough to eventually bring the vehicle to a safe stop. Upon inspection it was determined that the brake system had lost all brake fluid due to corrosion of one of the rear brake lines at the site of the retainer clip. There is also advanced corrosion on the other rear brake line at the site of the retainer clips. KIA already initiated a voluntary recall for this issue on KIA Forte’s 2010-2013, but the problem obviously exists for later model KIA Forte vehicles. This vehicle was only operated in NY during winter months for two years, in 2018 and 2019, so this level of corrosion on the brake lines should not have occurred. This brake failure could have easily caused a serious accident and injury.

Filed Sep 5, 2020 · Acceleration, Brakes · 5,000 miles · GA · crash

My 18 year old daughter was the driver. The car was parked on a residential street, facing the direction she wanted to go. The street went downhill in front of her. She started the car. When she began to drive, the steering felt very stiff, she could barely steer. She started driving anyway. Then the brakes did not work. In fact, she said that pressing the brake seemed to make the car go faster (or this could have just been the effect of the hill). So she accelerated down a substantial hill with no braking power. At the bottom of the street (approx. 1/4 mile) is a t-intersection. She crossed the street, the car went up onto the curb opposite, proceeded through some bushes, knocked down a fence as it went between a tree and a brick wall, ran into a bird bath, and then came to a stop in someone's yard. Fortunately the car stopped before it got to the house itself. Damage included: both bumpers, both driver-side tires/wheels/hubcaps, and extensive damage underneath including transmission.driver and passenger were (amazingly) not injured.