A small number of 2023 Kia Forte vehicles could experience a loss of steering control due to a manufacturing problem at the supplier.
The problem was first discovered in late October 2022 when a front left steering knuckle was found broken in a 2023 Kia Forte at one of their manufacturing plants. Kia worked with the supplier to investigate the cause of the knuckle crack and revealed a manufacturing procedure that was not followed by a worker at the knuckle supplier. Although a field analysis of data finds no customer complaints or warranty claims for loss of steering due to knuckle crack or fracture, Kia decided to recall certain 2023 Kia Forte vehicles.
According to the defect report, a manufacturing issue at the supplier of the front left steering knuckle installed in the subject vehicles may have been cast improperly. An improperly cast knuckle can fracture and may result in the loss of steering control.
All owners of the affected vehicles will be notified by first-class mail with instructions to bring their vehicles to a Kia dealer to have the left front steering knuckle inspected. If the knuckle is identified as being part of the affected production lot, the knuckle will be replaced with a new one. Kia’s number for this recall is SC259 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-907.
Kia will also be contacting the owners of certain 2020 Niro EVs because of a problem with the Electric Power Control Unit (EPCU). In November 2022 Kia became aware of Niro EVs in the European market involving complaints loss of motive power. An investigation identified seven warranty claims in the US, involving loss of motive power for the same reasons.
According to the defect report, the Electric Power Control Unit (EPCU) assembly in the affected vehicles may have been produced by the supplier with improper sealing. The EPCU could leak coolant internally and contact the EPCU circuit board. If coolant contacts the EPCU circuit board, the vehicle could unexpectedly stall. Drivers may notice a “Check Electric Vehicle System” warning light.
Dealers will inspect and replace the EPCU as necessary. Kia’s number for this recall is SC258 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-897.
