The vast majority of these complaints stem from NHTSA recall 22V051000 for a hydraulic brake system defect. Owners received recall notifications but discovered the repair parts were not in stock at dealers, and Kia failed to deliver parts within any reasonable timeframe. Many owners explicitly state the manufacturer exceeded acceptable timelines for parts availability. One case was fixed by October, and another owner eventually had the work done, but the rest remain unrepaired.
A few owners reported symptoms before or outside the recall context. One driver experienced excessive stopping distance and lengthy braking time at 23,000 miles; the dealer diagnosed rear brake pad and caliper failure but did not complete repairs. Another owner reported burning odor from the engine bay on multiple occasions while the vehicle was parked and driven.
Most notably, one owner at 154,000 miles reported the vehicle caught fire under the hood while driving 55 MPH. The fire self-extinguished, but an independent mechanic found the engine completely destroyed despite no visible fire damage. The owner connected this to the recall defect, though did not notify Kia directly.
The overarching issue is a parts shortage preventing recall completion and leaving owners with an unresolved safety defect.
Failure modes owners describe
Hydraulic Brake System Defect (Recall 22V051000)
Master cylinder or brake line issue linked to NHTSA Campaign 22V051000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The recall repair part has been chronically unavailable since the recall was issued, leaving owners unable to get the safety defect corrected.
When: Varied; owners received recall notices but repair timeline extended months beyond reasonable timeframe
Symptoms owners cite: Burning odor from engine compartment while driving and parked; Grayish smoke from under the hood; Vehicle fire under the hood (one case at 154,000 miles)
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 22V051000
Repairs/costs cited: Recall repair parts unavailable; no repairs completed except one case noted as fixed in October. Owners report dealers confirm parts out of stock.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 22V051000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). Manufacturer confirmed parts not yet available; multiple owners report manufacturer exceeded reasonable timeframe for parts availability and recall completion.
Rear Brake Pad and Caliper Failure
Rear brake pads and calipers wear prematurely or fail, causing excessive stopping distance and reduced braking function at highway speeds.
When: Approximately 23,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive stopping distance when brake pedal depressed; Vehicle takes excessive time to come to complete stop
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer (Dutch Miller Kia, Charleston, WV) diagnosed need for rear brake pad replacement; consumer notes indicated rear brake calipers failed. Repair not completed.
Engine Fire or Severe Engine Damage
One owner reported vehicle caught fire under the hood while driving at highway speed; fire self-extinguished. Independent mechanic found no fire damage on inspection but engine was completely destroyed. Related to brake hydraulic recall 22V051000.
When: Approximately 154,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Fire visible underneath hood while driving at 55 MPH; Engine completely destroyed despite no visible fire damage
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 22V051000
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to independent mechanic; engine replacement/rebuild would be required. No fire department report filed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner related failure to NHTSA Campaign 22V051000 but did not notify manufacturer directly.
Synthesized from 33 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.