Left Front Axle Driveshaft Inspection And/Or Replacement (SC195) – 2019 Kia Forte

August 5, 2020 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V459000

Left Front Axle Driveshaft May Break

A broken driveshaft can result in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V459

Manufacturer Kia Motors America

Components POWER TRAIN

Potential Number of Units Affected 834

 

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.

 

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.

 

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

 

Check if your Kia has a Recall

 

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		GROUP	MODEL
		Safety Recall Campaign	2019MY Forte (BDm)
		NUMBER	DATE
		SC195	August 2020
SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN
SUBJECT:	LEFT FRONT AXLE DRIVESHAFT INSPECTION AND/OR REPLACEMENT (SC195)

 

This bulletin provides information to inspect and, if necessary, replace the left front axle driveshaft assembly on some 2019MY Forte (BDm) vehicles produced from April 26, 2019 through May 22, 2019.  The left front axle driveshaft may not have been heat-treated.  A driveshaft that has not been heat-treated is more susceptible to breaking.  A broken driveshaft can result in a sudden loss of motive power, thus increasing the risk of a crash. Before conducting the procedure, verify that the vehicle is included in the list of affected VINs.

 

NOTICE

There is no charge to the vehicle owner for this repair. Under applicable law, you may not sell or otherwise deliver any affected vehicle until it has been repaired pursuant to the procedures set forth in this bulletin.

 

NOTICE

To assure complete customer satisfaction, always remember to refer to WebDCS Warranty Coverage (validation) Inquiry Screen (Service → Warranty Coverage → Warranty Coverage Inquiry) for a list of any additional campaigns that may need to be performed on the vehicle before returning it to the customer.

 

Printed TSB copy is for reference only; information may be updated at any time. Always refer to KGIS for the latest information.

 

Inspection Procedure:

1. Remove the left front driveshaft assembly (A) by referring to the “Driveshaft and axle → Drive Shaft Assembly → Front Driveshaft → Repair procedures” chapter in the applicable Shop Manual on KGIS.

 

NOTICE 

Universal Axle Puller tool is required to push axle tip out of wheel hub bearing.

 

IMPORTANT 

Ball Joint Puller SST 09568 1S100 is NOT available as an essential Kia tool. INSTEAD, remove the pinch bolt and pry down the lower control arm, after stabilizer link has been removed.

 

2. Remove the TJ housing (B) by referring to the “Driveshaft and axle → Drive Shaft Assembly → TJ Joint → Repair procedures” chapter in the applicable Shop Manual on KGIS.

 

NOTICE 

Band Clamp Pliers SST 09495 39100 is required.

 

IMPORTANT 

Be sure to make alignment mark(s) on the following parts:

 

1. Shaft Splined shaft

2. Spider Assembly boot

3. TJ Housing

 

Be sure to save grease, do NOT clean or discard from the TJ Housing, the TJ boot will be reused with a new band clamp. Take care not to damage the boot.

 

3a. Inspect the end of the shaft spline and confirm if the heat treatment stamping is present.

3b. If the stamping is present (OK), take photo, no further action is required. Proceed to step 4.

3c. If the stamping is not present (NG), take photo, proceed to the ‘Repair Procedure’ at the bottom of this page.

 

IMPORTANT 

KVID photo is required for Step 3b and 3c and must be supplied with submission of the Warranty claim.

 

4. Follow the reassembly instruction for the TJ housing outlined on KGIS. Be sure to properly re-align the TJ housing to the  marking on the boot.

 

5. Reinstall all removed parts in the reverse order of removal.

 

NOTICE

Install a new TJ boot band using the Band Installer SST 09495 39100. Reuse grease and install a new driveshaft lock hub nut and torque to specifications, then chalk and lock in place.

 

Note: Wheel Alignment check is not necessary.

 

Repair Procedure:

1. Replace the left front driveshaft assembly (A) by referring to the “Driveshaft and axle → Drive Shaft Assembly → Front Driveshaft → Repair procedures” chapter in the applicable Shop Manual on KGIS.

 

NOTICE

Install a new driveshaft lock hub nut and torque to specifications, then chalk and lock in place.

 

Torque specifications for nut:

202.5 – 217.0 lb. ft (274.6 – 294.2 N.m., 28.0 – 30.0 kgf.m)

 

Note: Wheel Alignment check is not necessary.

 

AFFECTED VEHICLE RANGE:

Model	Production Date Range
Forte (BDm)	April 26, 2019 to May 22, 2019

 

REQUIRED TOOLS:

Tool Name	SST P/N	Figure	Comments
Axle Puller	N/A		Refer to Snap On Tools or equivalent tool
Band Clamp Pliers	09495 39100		Drawer #5

 

REQUIRED PART:

Part Name	Part Number	Figure	Qty.
Left Front Driveshaft Assembly	49500 M7200QQK		1
Castle Nut	49551 3X000QQK		1
TJ Boot Band	81622 ST102QQK		1

 

WARRANTY INFORMATION:

N Code: N99   C Code: C99

Claim Type	Causal P/N	Qty.	Repair Description	Labor Op Code	Op Time	Replacement P/N	Qty.
R	49500 M7200	0	(SC195) Left Front Driveshaft Inspection	200M08R0	1.0 M/H	81622 ST102QQK	1
						49551 3X000QQK
			(SC195) Left Front Driveshaft Inspection and Replacement	200M08R1	1.0 M/H	49500 M7200QQK	1
						49551 3X000QQK

 

Note: Refer to Warranty Bulletin 2020-20 for claim submission procedures.

 

NOTICE 

VIN inquiry data for this repair is provided for tracking purposes only. Kia retailers should reference SC195 when accessing the WebDCS system.

 

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IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL

(NHTSA Recall Number: 20V-459)

This notice applies to your vehicle: (Insert VIN)

 

September 2, 2020

 

Dear Kia Forte Owner:

 

Kia has identified a defect in your vehicle that relates to motor vehicle safety

 

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.   Kia Motors has decided that a defect that relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 2019 MY Kia Forte vehicles.  The defect can cause the vehicle’s driveshaft to break, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.  Our records indicate that you own or lease one of the potentially affected vehicles.

 

What Is The Problem?

The left front axle driveshaft may not have been heat-treated due to a supplier error.  A driveshaft that has not been heat-treated is more susceptible to breaking.  A broken driveshaft can result in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

 

Kia Will Inspect, And If Necessary, Replace the Left Front Axle Driveshaft Free Of Charge At No Cost For Parts Or Labor To You.

 

Kia has advised its authorized Kia dealers to inspect the left front axle driveshaft for a heat treatment verification code.  If the heat treatment verification code is missing, the driveshaft will be replaced with a new one.  The repair work will be performed at Kia’s expense at no cost to you.  The estimated time required to repair your vehicle is approximately 1-2 hours.  However, your vehicle may be needed longer; therefore, we recommend scheduling a service appointment to minimize any inconvenience.

 

What Should You Do?

• If you hear a loud noise coming from the front wheel area and/or experience a loss of drive power, please immediately stop driving your vehicle and contact Kia Roadside Assistance at 800-333-4Kia (4542) to request that your vehicle be towed to the nearest Kia dealer for inspection and repair as soon as possible.

 

• In the interest of the safety of your passengers, as well as your own safety, please immediately contact your Kia dealer to arrange for the recall repair to be conducted.

 

• To find your nearest dealer, visit kia.com and click the “Find Dealer” button in the upper right corner (“Dealers” on a mobile device). You can also use the QR code below with your mobile device to access this information (see the bottom of this letter for more information about QR code use):

 

What If You Have Already Paid To Have This Situation Corrected? 

If you have incurred expense to remedy this issue prior to the date of this notice, you may have the opportunity to obtain reimbursement for that expense.  You may submit your receipts online to Kia via the Owners section of www.kia.com or mail your receipts with a cover letter directly to Kia for review and consideration:

Consumer Assistance Center
Kia Motors America, Inc P.O. Box 52410
Irvine, CA  92619-2410
1-800-333-4542

 

The Kia Consumer Assistance Center is available at the number listed above if you have any questions or require assistance in submitting your claim.

 

Pursuant to the General Reimbursement Plan issued by Kia pursuant to Federal Regulation 49 CFR 573.13, Kia will use its best efforts to respond to your claim within sixty (60) days of receipt and at that time Kia may either accept or reject that claim or it may request more information to evaluate the claim.

 

Have You Changed Your Address Or Sold Your Kia? 

If you have changed your home address, sold your Kia vehicle, or no longer own your vehicle, please complete the attached prepaid “Change of Address/Ownership” card and mail it to us.  You can also contact the Consumer Assistance Center phone number listed above.

 

What If You Are A Vehicle Lessor? 

Federal regulation requires that any vehicle lessor receiving this recall notice must forward a copy of this notice to the lessee within ten days.

 

What If You Have Other Questions?

If your dealer does not respond to your service request in a timely manner, we suggest that you call Kia’s Consumer Assistance Center at 1-800-333-4542. This number has TTY capability.  If you still are not satisfied that we have remedied this situation without charge and within a reasonable amount of time, you may submit a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E., Washington, DC 20590; or call the toll free Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); or go to https://www.safercar.gov.

 

This action has been taken in the interest of your safety, and we regret any inconvenience this situation may cause you.

 

Sincerely,

 

Consumer Affairs Department

 

QR Code Use: 

• A QR Code is a square, 2-dimensional barcode that can be read by mobile devices loaded with an appropriate barcode or QR Code Reader App. The app reads the barcode image and then launches/uploads the specific information the code contains, such as URLs, text, photos, videos. 

• With a mobile device, download a QR Code Reader App. With many devices, you can do this through an app store or marketplace.

• Open the QR Code Reader App on your mobile device. The app will utilize your device’s camera.  Center the code in the camera viewing area.  With some apps, the URL or other information will automatically load when the code is recognized.  For others, you may have to snap or take a picture of the QR code.  Refer to the QR Reader Code App instructions. 

 

SC195

 

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SC195 – 2019 MY KIA FORTE DRIVESHAFT SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN Q & A

August 26, 2020

 

Q1. What type of campaign is Kia conducting?

Kia Motors is conducting a safety recall on some 2019 MY Kia Forte vehicles to inspect, and if necessary, replace the left front axle driveshaft.

 

Q2. What vehicles are affected by the recall?

Some 2019 MY Kia Forte vehicles manufactured from April 26, 2019 through May 22, 2019.

 

Q3. How many customer vehicles are affected by this recall?

 Approximately 834 vehicles are affected by this recall.

 

Q4. What is the concern with the Driveshaft Assembly?

Due to a supplier error, the left front axle driveshaft may not have been heattreated.  A driveshaft that has not been heat-treated is more susceptible to breaking. A broken driveshaft can result in a sudden loss of motive power, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

 

Q5. Can you describe the recall campaign fix?

Kia will instruct authorized dealers to inspect the left front axle driveshaft for a heat treatment verification code.  If the heat treatment verification code is missing, the driveshaft will be replaced with a new one.   Kia will reimburse owners for repair expenses already incurred pursuant to Kia’s General Reimbursement Plan filed May 11, 2020.

 

Q6. How was the issue discovered?

Through the regular monitoring of field information.

 

Q7. What should vehicle owners do when they receive the notification?

In the interest of the safety of their passengers, as well as their own safety, customers should immediately contact their Kia dealer to arrange for the recall repair to be conducted.

If, prior to the recall repair is performed, the customer hears a loud noise coming from the front wheel area and/or experiences a loss of drive power, the customer should immediately stop driving the vehicle and contact Kia Roadside Assistance at 800-333-4Kia (4542) to request that the vehicle be towed to the nearest Kia dealer for inspection and repair as soon as possible.

 

Q8.Will this cost vehicle owners any money?

No. Kia will perform the recall repair at no cost to the customer.

 

Q9.What about customers who may have already paid to have this issue remedied?

If the customer has incurred expense to have this issue remedied prior to the date of this notice, the customer may have the opportunity to obtain reimbursement for that expense.  Customers may submit their receipts online to Kia via the Owners section of www.kia.com or mail their receipts with a copy of the attached Request for Reimbursement form directly to Kia for review and consideration:

Consumer Assistance Center
Kia Motors America, Inc.
P.O. Box 52410
Irvine, CA  92619-2410
1-800-333-4542

 

Q10. How long will the repair take?

The estimated time required to perform necessary work will be approximately one to two hours.  However, the vehicle may be needed longer; therefore, it is recommended that the customer contact the dealer for an estimate of how long they may need the vehicle and schedule a service appointment to minimize inconvenience. (Most Kia dealers have online appointment scheduling via their dealership web sites to maximize convenience).

 

Q11. How will owners of the affected vehicles be notified?

Kia will be notifying owners of the affected vehicles by first-class mail beginning on September 2, 2020.

 

Q12. Are there any restrictions on an owner’s eligibility?

No.

 

Q13. If a customer has an immediate question, where can they get further information?

The customer can contact their local Kia dealership or call Kia’s Consumer Assistance Center at 1-800-333-4KIA (4542), Monday through Friday, 5 AM to 6 PM Pacific Standard Time, or via the internet @ www.kia.com (Owner’s Section). 

 

 

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2019MY Forte Driveshaft Chronology
Basis of Safety Defect Determination 573.6(c)(6)

 

June 05—June 17, 2020

On June 05, 2020, Kia Motors America, Inc., sends Kia Motors Mexico (KMM) a warranty-returned left front axle driveshaft.  On June 10, 2020, KMM receives warranty-returned part and sends part to supplier for further investigation.  Supplier conducts investigation and on June 17, 2020 confirms that returned part was not heat treated. Supplier advises KMM of findings.

 

June 18—June 22, 2020

Supplier checks production records and identifies potentially affected lots and confirms certain drive shafts manufactured on 4/15/2019 were not heat treated. Supplier advises KMM.

 

June 23—June 28, 2020

KMM conducts durability testing and confirms that the front driveshaft can break if not heat treated.  KMM advises Kia Motors Corporation (KMC) of test results.

 

June 29—July 29, 2020

Supplier and KMM work together to identify potential scope of issue.  KMM’s review of its vehicle production records identifies that certain vehicles produced from 4/26/2019 thru 5/22/2019 may have a driveshaft that was not heat treated.

 

July 30, 2020

 

KMC decides to conduct a recall of certain 2019MY Forte vehicles.  Six (6) warranty claims potentially related to this issue.  No known crashes or injuries.

 

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1 Affected Product

Vehicle

MAKE	MODEL	YEAR
KIA	FORTE	2019

 

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13 Associated Documents

Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-20V459-2738.pdf 243.953KB

 

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Chronology

RMISC-20V459-9360.pdf 131.748KB

 

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ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-20V459-4874.pdf 157.183KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #3, 2021-1

RCLQRT-20V459-8874.PDF 211.325KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2020-3

RCLQRT-20V459-0501.PDF 211.135KB

 

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Miscellaneous Document – SC195 – Request for Reimbursement Form

RMISC-20V459-4846.pdf 55.261KB

 

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Defect Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-20V459-9423.PDF 213.62KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2020-4

RCLQRT-20V459-3791.PDF 211.241KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-20V459-3698.pdf 622.647KB

 

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)- SC195 – Dealer Principal Memo

RCMN-20V459-3185.pdf 91.8KB

 

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)- SC195 -Dealer Service Manager Memo

RCMN-20V459-9923.pdf 120.32KB

 

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Miscellaneous Document – SC195 – 2019 MY KIA FORTE DRIVESHAFT SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN Q & A

RMISC-20V459-6293.pdf 79.243KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #4, 2021-2

RCLQRT-20V459-9886.PDF 211.436KB

 

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Recalls Documents

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=20V459&docType=RCL

 

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