Recall 20V459 affects 834 2019 Kia Forte vehicles for a left front axle driveshaft that can break. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 834 2019 Forte vehicles because the left front axle driveshaft was not properly heat-treated and can break. A broken driveshaft can cause sudden loss of drive power and increase crash risk, and Kia dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The left front axle driveshaft on the 2019 Kia Forte transfers engine power through the axle assembly to the front wheel. It has to handle twisting force every time the vehicle accelerates, turns, or pulls away from a stop. Heat treatment hardens the metal so the shaft can carry that load without cracking or breaking.
On affected Fortes, the left front driveshaft was not heat-treated because of a supplier error. Without that hardening step, the metal is weaker than intended. The driveshaft can break under normal driving load, which stops power from reaching the wheel and leaves the vehicle without motive power.
Owners can hear a loud noise from the front wheel area before the failure. That noise is the warning sign Kia identified, followed by the vehicle losing motive power.
Who's affected?
| 2019 Kia Forte | drive axle |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 834 |
Not every 2019 Kia Forte is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
A broken left front axle driveshaft can cause sudden loss of drive power, which increases crash risk. If you hear a loud noise from the front wheel area or the Forte loses power, slow down, move out of traffic, and call a Kia dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 Kia Forte is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free left front axle driveshaft inspection.
- Ask the dealer to inspect the driveshaft heat-treatment code and replace the driveshaft if the code is missing, which fixes the part that can break and cause sudden loss of drive power.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. Reference recall number 20V459 and Kia recall SC195 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the dealer completes the repair. Avoid hard acceleration and leave extra following distance.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician inspects the left front axle driveshaft for the heat treatment verification code. If that code is missing, the technician replaces the driveshaft. The inspection, replacement part, and labor are free under the recall. If you already paid for a related driveshaft repair before the recall work, Kia's standard reimbursement plan covers eligible repair expenses. Bring receipts and repair documentation to the service desk, or contact Kia customer service to start the reimbursement claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 5, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 26, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| August 26, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 2, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| September 2, 2020 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| September 2, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V459?
Recall 20V459 covers 834 2019 Kia Forte vehicles with a left front axle driveshaft that lacked proper heat treatment. The driveshaft can break, causing sudden loss of drive power and increasing crash risk. Kia dealers will inspect the driveshaft and replace it for free if needed.
What should I do if my 2019 Kia Forte is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Forte is included in recall 20V459. If it is, contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the left front axle driveshaft inspection. Reference recall number 20V459 or Kia recall number SC195 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Kia's recall remedy says dealers will inspect the left front axle driveshaft for the heat treatment verification code and replace the driveshaft if the code is missing, free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Kia dealer.
Is it safe to drive my 2019 Kia Forte before the repair?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive order, but the defect is still safety-related. A broken driveshaft can cause sudden loss of drive power and increase crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then ask a Kia dealer how soon the inspection can be completed.
When did Kia start this recall repair?
Kia began the recall repair on September 2, 2020. If your 2019 Forte is included and the repair has not been completed, a Kia dealer can inspect the left front axle driveshaft and replace it for free if the heat treatment verification code is missing.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V459000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V459 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V459000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →