I received a call from Fredy with Kia claim department. He said their fire inspector could not say what caused the fire. The bulb did not cause the fire. There was nothing they could do under their procedures. The wires in the trunk clearly melted. Everyone who looked at the pictures or the car before the dealership removed the burnt stuffing and items said electrical fire. It was not declared arson. I purchased a 2014 Kia Forte on August 24, 2013. I loved my car, at that time they were known to make about 265,000 if maintained. I had no idea that a dealership would knowingly sell a car that they knew would likely catch fire to anyone. That this particular model was continually having fire issues. How could a car maker not immediately call all vehicles back and resolve the issues or replace the cars?
On August 26, 2021 I reported an electrical fire in the trunk of my car at about 4:30 to the dealership. I was told do not drive the car. My car was towed home because by the time it was towed the dealership was closed.The insurance company totaled the vehicle.
I would still have my vehicle if this electrical fire had not occurred. The dealership stands on they sell and maintain the cars only. They performed the regular maintenance on the vehicle. They never noted any electrical issues. 5,017 miles after it’s last maintenance visit, there was an electrical fire in the trunk. After 3 weeks they also said the car was totaled. They referred me to the makers in California. They had not reported the fire to them. After 2 months of going back and forth, Kia corporate determined they can not find what caused the electrical fire. Therefore they are not responsible.
It was not declared arson. My car caught fire in the parking lot where I work in southern Louisiana while I was in northern Mississippi on the job. The car was locked and both keys were with me. The wires, the trunk door, the cloth covering over the top of the trunk, and back window burned. Some water bottles, sprite bottles and the empty bag of cat food they were placed on the day before burned. The plastic binders, the bottom of the trunk, and the spare tire space did not burn. It is clear the car had a defect. The wires burned causing the fire. The car set itself on fire. Even though the car is under the 10 year, 100,000 mile Warranty. They will not acknowledge the defect, the warranty, or responsibility.
Do Not Buy A Kia … Ever!!!
If I could rate the maker and the dealership with how this was handled, it would be a 0.
The heater stopped working off and on. We smelled something melting or burning. Look under dash where smoke is and blower motor connector and plug was sparking glowing and melting starting into a fire. Serious concern but when speaking to Kia was told it's past the warranty. This is one of many electrical issues related to the Kia Forte 5 2014
- Gary E.,
Mission, SD, US
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I received a call from Fredy with Kia claim department. He said their fire inspector could not say what caused the fire. The bulb did not cause the fire. There was nothing they could do under their procedures. The wires in the trunk clearly melted. Everyone who looked at the pictures or the car before the dealership removed the burnt stuffing and items said electrical fire. It was not declared arson. I purchased a 2014 Kia Forte on August 24, 2013. I loved my car, at that time they were known to make about 265,000 if maintained. I had no idea that a dealership would knowingly sell a car that they knew would likely catch fire to anyone. That this particular model was continually having fire issues. How could a car maker not immediately call all vehicles back and resolve the issues or replace the cars?
On August 26, 2021 I reported an electrical fire in the trunk of my car at about 4:30 to the dealership. I was told do not drive the car. My car was towed home because by the time it was towed the dealership was closed.The insurance company totaled the vehicle.
I would still have my vehicle if this electrical fire had not occurred. The dealership stands on they sell and maintain the cars only. They performed the regular maintenance on the vehicle. They never noted any electrical issues. 5,017 miles after it’s last maintenance visit, there was an electrical fire in the trunk. After 3 weeks they also said the car was totaled. They referred me to the makers in California. They had not reported the fire to them. After 2 months of going back and forth, Kia corporate determined they can not find what caused the electrical fire. Therefore they are not responsible.
It was not declared arson. My car caught fire in the parking lot where I work in southern Louisiana while I was in northern Mississippi on the job. The car was locked and both keys were with me. The wires, the trunk door, the cloth covering over the top of the trunk, and back window burned. Some water bottles, sprite bottles and the empty bag of cat food they were placed on the day before burned. The plastic binders, the bottom of the trunk, and the spare tire space did not burn. It is clear the car had a defect. The wires burned causing the fire. The car set itself on fire. Even though the car is under the 10 year, 100,000 mile Warranty. They will not acknowledge the defect, the warranty, or responsibility.
Do Not Buy A Kia … Ever!!!
If I could rate the maker and the dealership with how this was handled, it would be a 0.
Do Not Buy A Kia!!!
- Marlene R., Rayne, US