NHTSA Complaint #11644070 — 2023 KIA K5

Component or System Failed: The fuel tank exploded, causing the vehicle to become undrivable. The explosion was so severe that the back seat was completely blown off. The vehicle is currently not in my possession, as it has been with the dealership for over three months. I have photos and proof of the damage, and I am willing to provide them for inspection. How Safety Was Put at Risk: I have a [XXX] son who sits directly above the fuel tank in the back seat. When the explosion occurred, the back of his seat was completely blown off, and had he been in the car at the time, he could have been seriously injured or killed. This was an extremely dangerous defect, and I am deeply concerned that this could happen to other Kia vehicles, putting more lives at risk. Beyond the immediate danger of the explosion, I have been left without a working vehicle for over three months, and Kia has provided no resolution. Despite confirming that the vehicle is not repairable, they have stalled the process, forcing me to continue making payments on a car I do not even have. Problem Reproduced or Confirmed by a Dealer or Independent Service Center? Yes, the Kia dealership confirmed that the vehicle is not repairable and that the fuel tank failure was severe. However, they have not provided any solution or compensation. Has the Vehicle Been Inspected? Yes, the vehicle was inspected by the Kia dealership, which determined that it was not repairable. I do not know if it has been inspected by any third-party mechanics, insurance representatives, or other authorities. Warning Lamps, Messages, or Symptoms Prior to the Failure? There were no warning lights, messages, or other symptoms prior to the explosion. The vehicle was operating normally before this occurred. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)