Vehicle recall 20V459000 · August 5, 2020
2019 Kia Forte
The left front axle driveshaft may not have been heat-treated, which can cause it to break.
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- 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.
- Consequence
- A broken driveshaft can result in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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.
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 20V459000
- Reported to NHTSA
- August 5, 2020
- Filed by
- Kia Motors America
- Manufacturer campaign
- SC195
- Owner notification
- September 2, 2020
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 834
- Initiated by
- the manufacturer
- Components
- Power train › Axle assembly › Axle shaft
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
Has your Kia been repaired?
Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.
NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A Kia dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.