When driving straight along an interstate with my cruise control set to the speed limit, a loud bang came from under the hood of my Kia, the check engine indicator turned on, and smoke began to pour out from under the hood and inside my car through the air vents. When I pushed the gas pedal gently, there was a low guttural noise and my car was not picking up speed. I put my car into neutral and coasted to the shoulder with low visibility as the smoke became more dense and darker in color. I brought my vehicle to a full stop on the shoulder and put it into park before turning it off and removing my key from the ignition. Upon exiting the car I noticed the smoke was even more intense than before and promptly called 911 and gave my location and situation information to the 911 representative. As I was speaking, I narrated in horror as flames became visible from under the car itself and under the hood as well, in as little as one minute after exiting my car. By the time the fire department got to the vehicle, the flames were over 20 feet tall and the heat was unbearable; I relocated myself farther and farther away to stay cool and safe as the time went on. Nobody was burned, hurt, or injured as a result of the incident, but only my mere coincidence.

- Beaver, PA, USA

My 2011 Kia Forte stalls randomly while I drive it. This has happened multiple times in multiple driving situations. Two incidents happened while I was in rush hour traffic on highway 805 South in san diego California. Another incident happened while I was crossing railroad tracks leaving the marriott hotel in downtown san diego (in this instance, I had to coast the car off of the tracks -fortunately no train was coming at that time). In describing my experiences in one of these incidents, I offer the following description: On June 6, 2016, while in rush hour traffic on highway 805 in san diego California, the car just stalled. When pressing the accelerator, the motor would rev but there was no response. I had to shut the car off and restart it. Fortunately, I was able to get it started and drive to safety. Please note that I have repeatedly brought the car to the local Kia dealership in an attempt to solve the problem. They have been unable to solve the problem (yet they have charged me for services rendered). I filed my complaint with Kia corporate consumer assistance. They have asked me to bring the car into the dealership for "escalated services" three different times. Each time I think the car is repaired, then I experience another incident. The latest incident happened two weeks after my latest visit to the dealership. My wife was driving the car in downtown san diego on the night of July 8 2016. The car stalled again! my family and I feel like we are in constant danger driving this car. Yet, we need this car in conducting our family affairs. Kia corporate cannot solve this problem and we do not know how best to proceed. We feel that our safety is at stake and we are hoping that this situation can be resolved before any harm come to our family or to others experiencing similar problems. I can obtain repair documents, but I do not have them at this moment.

- El Cajon, CA, USA

Took my 2011 Kia Forte into the Kia dealership today because the engine is making a ticking sound. I have had two other mechanics in recent weeks tell me it is a serious problem with the lifters and/or the pistons inside the engine. The Kia mechanic refuses to acknowledge there is a ticking sound, but in formed me the air bag sensor is malfunctioning and I will have to pay $1100 to have the air bag sensor repaired before I can sell the car. Also, my brakes will occasionally make a very loud 'thump' when I apply them, but the Kia dealer can find nothing wrong with them.

- Louisville, KY, USA

2011 Kia Forte. Consumer writes in regards to intermittent acceleration problems. The consumer stated when he attempted to merge onto the highway, the engine would drop to an idle. On several occasions, the vehicle would jump forward, with the slightest touch of the accelerator. The consumer has since traded the vehicle.

- New Berlin, WI, USA