NHTSA Complaint #11673648 — 2025 KIA SELTOS

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The braking system appears to have failed. When I attempted to slow down for a stop sign, the brake pedal went straight to the floor and did not respond as expected. I began pumping the brakes out of panic, but they only engaged at the last moment—approximately one foot or less from the vehicle in front of me. The vehicle is currently totaled, but I believe the braking system could still be inspected upon request, pending insurance and tow yard access. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My safety was significantly at risk. I had no control over stopping the vehicle despite repeated brake attempts. To avoid a direct collision, I was forced to swerve at the last second, hitting the rear edge of the truck ahead and deploying my airbag. Had I not swerved, the impact could have been more severe and potentially endangered the other driver. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Not yet. My insurance is working to determine whether an inspection is possible due to the extent of the damage. I intend to have the braking system inspected to confirm the failure if it can be safely accessed. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The accident has been reported to my insurance, and they are aware that I believe the brakes failed. I’m waiting to hear whether an inspection by their representatives or a third party will be conducted. To my knowledge, the manufacturer has not inspected the vehicle. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No brake-related warning lights or messages appeared before or during the failure. However, the forward collision alert did pop up—but it only appeared a couple of seconds before the impact, far too late to help avoid.