NHTSA Complaint #11630676 — 2015 KIA K900

Around 9/25/23, KIA service technicians confirmed that my vehicle had an engine fire rendering it inoperable. The incident appears consistent with NHTSA Recall Number 23V652: several engine compartment components melted due to the fire.¶For approximately 16 months, I persistently sought a resolution with KIA. Despite my efforts, KIA refused any corrective action & instead presented me with a $66,749.72 invoice for a new engine. This was alarming given I had purchased the most comprehensive extended warranty when acquiring the vehicle from an authorized KIA dealer (I am the original owner).¶The extended warranty company denied coverage, citing a general exclusion for overheating incidents. They classified the engine fire as overheating, voiding the warranty I had purchased for added protection. This interpretation seems inconsistent with the warranty's intent & the nature of the incident.¶The fire risk aligns with the ABS module defect described in Recall 23V652 which states an electrical short can lead to significant overcurrent, increasing engine compartment fire risk.¶My vehicle had only accumulated about 40,000 miles. I had consistently followed a rigorous maintenance schedule & exercised meticulous care in vehicle upkeep throughout the entire lifespan of the vehicle.¶This situation has left me without transportation, imposed a severe financial burden & has harmed my professional career (I am founder & director of one of the world's most renowned quantum institutes).¶Most importantly, I am deeply concerned about the safety risks to other KIA owners.¶KIA's handling of serious recalls appears consistent with their unsatisfactory treatment of me. For recall #23V652, KIA delayed warning that nearly 1 million vehicles should be indefinitely parked & operated far away from ALL flammable materials. Reports indicate injuries, fatalities & property damage from this defect. Nevertheless, KIA has yet to provide an adequate solution to this critical safety concern.