Two sets of Kumho Solus TA 31's (195/65 R15 91T) experienced rapid tread wear issues. The problem and safety issue has been confirmed by Fred Beans Kia of Mechanicsburg, PA, but with hassles to do so. I believe this matter actually effects consumers nationwide, which leads to additional high replacement costs as a result of product quality. Consumers are effected by not just the manufacturer, but by those who knowingly sell & promote the products, such as dealerships like Fred Beans, while aware of the defects or who should know about the defects yet fail to take adequate measures to properly rectify the situation or warn consumers. Kumho Tire has been involved in many lawsuits, primarily related to tire defects which caused serious injuries & multi-million jury award and even trademark infringement where tires are allegedly being falsely marketed & sold as new. I believe Kumho is engaging in breach of warranty where the product they sell fails to meet promised quality or performance standards, while engaging in false advertising that misleads the consumer. They engage in lies in their marketing. In addition, there is negligence with Kumho where the manufacturer fails to exercise reasonable care during production. In addition, there is strict liability where the manufacturer should be held accountable for producing an inherently dangerous product. This has also been outlined in lawsuits & ongoing legal challenges faced by Kumho Tire over product quality. Dealership service managers even deny there is a problem, claim it's normal, and say they can't do anything, unless pressed or are caught in a lie. It appears dealerships, sellers of tires & Kumho are all involved in a scheme that creates additional high costs for consumers to properly resolve the problems. Especially since it's a hassle for people to file complaints or time consuming & monetarily challenging for most to fight the battle with dealerships like Fred Beans, or tire manufacturers, like Kumho.
NHTSA complaint #11725711 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH on the highway, there was smoke coming from under the hood. There was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and the vehicle stopped. The TPMS and engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined that failure was due to the engine. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11656236 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
We are having to replace tires every two years and we don’t put a lot of mileage on car maybe 10000 a year this car does something to tire and no one can explain it I have aligned my vehicle do rotate them and still it’s like they eat any type of tire
NHTSA complaint #11513092 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Forte equipped with Nexen Tires, Tire Line: N 'Priz AH8, Tire Size: 195/65/R15, DOT Number: E025. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for a recall repair and the mechanic noticed that all four tires had started to crack in the center of the tire with rotting to the tread. The contact stated that she had replaced the tires two years prior. The contact then stated that the dealer informed her that all four tires needed to be replaced. The tires were not replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 32,215.
NHTSA complaint #11484477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I rented a Kia Forte from Avis. I got a flat tire that was not repairable. I called AAA. There was no spare tire. I learned that Kia and many other manufacturers now do not provide a spare tire. This is exceptionally dangerous because you could get trapped in a remote location, in a desert, wilderness or very cold area and die. I propose that NHTSA require all rental cars to have spare tires (The Kia had a space for one), and further that new cars disclose prominently that there is no spare tire.
NHTSA complaint #11434979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bought the KIA 4/192021 from Camelback KIA - Phoenix, AZ. Drove the car home to Green Valley. Approximately 2 months later checked the tires air pressure and discovered that 3 of the tires were at 52 PSI and 1 was at 51 PSI. After checking with a neighbor who owns 2 KIA Fortes with KUMHO tires about the PSI (which is the max PSI located on the sidewall) he said he thought that was wrong. I called Camelback to confirm if that was what they should be kept at - left a message. After 3 failed attempts getting a call back from Camelback and 3 contacts with KIA via their website (no return contacts). I finally contacted KUMHO who emailed me that I should follow the recommendations listed on the car door - 33PSI. My concern is are the tires now dangerous after nearly 3000 miles at 51 - 52 PSI? I have been told that driving with the tires at that max PSI causes excessive wear in the center especially in the Arizona heat. Neither Camelback or KIA has ever contacted me - 6 total attempts. Tires are 225/45 R17 Kumho Majesty Solus.
NHTSA complaint #11428741 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bought the KIA 4/192021 from Camelback KIA - Phoenix, AZ. Drove the car home to Green Valley. Approximately 2 months later checked the tires air pressure and discovered that 3 of the tires were at 52 PSI and 1 was at 51 PSI. After checking with a neighbor who owns 2 KIA Fortes with KUMHO tires about the PSI (which is the max PSI located on the sidewall) he said he thought that was wrong. I called Camelback to confirm if that was what they should be kept at - left a message. After 3 failed attempts getting a call back from Camelback and 3 contacts with KIA via their website (no return contacts). I finally contacted KUMHO who emailed me that I should follow the recommendations listed on the car door - 33PSI. My concern is are the tires now dangerous after nearly 3000 miles at 51 - 52 PSI? I have been told that driving with the tires at that max PSI causes excessive wear in the center especially in the Arizona heat. Neither Camelback or KIA has ever contacted me - 6 total attempts. Tires are 225/45 R17 Kumho Majesty Solus.
NHTSA complaint #11428741 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I purchased my 2021 Kia Forte and have had it for only 6 months. The tires are new and the size are 225/45/R17 Majestic Solus tires both tires front driver side and Back driver side exploded at the same time. I was driving when both tires went exploded at the same time. I thought at first maybe I went over a nail, then when I pulled over I saw both tires had torn in half, the tires looked like they are shredded. I have taken a picture of the road and direction and the street was cleared. I had to take to the kia dealership to have them both replaced. Very upset had to pay for 2 tires. At first they thought I had went over something although when you look at the tires both have the same type of damage. I was driving when this happened I was worried I could have caused an accident. Please everyone be safe and careful. I am out money because of these tires.. New car no reason for this to happen. These tires need to be reinspected.
NHTSA complaint #11427781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
With less than 40,000 miles on the car/tires, one of the front tires blew on the highway. Discovered it blew out on the side wall and metal was showing, took the car in and had the tire replaced. We did not keep that tire because we didn't realize it was not an isolated incident. About 2 weeks later the same thing happened to the other front tire. Took the car in to have the other 3 replaced and was informed that one of the rear tires was in the same condition and we are lucky it didn't blow out on us. The car has only been inspected by the tire shop and we kept the tires this time for inspection of anyone that can help file some sort of recall or claim. There is still a good amount of tread on the tires. This could very well have caused serious injury or death to my family!
NHTSA complaint #11426018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
With less than 40,000 miles on the car/tires, one of the front tires blew on the highway. Discovered it blew out on the side wall and metal was showing, took the car in and had the tire replaced. We did not keep that tire because we didn't realize it was not an isolated incident. About 2 weeks later the same thing happened to the other front tire. Took the car in to have the other 3 replaced and was informed that one of the rear tires was in the same condition and we are lucky it didn't blow out on us. The car has only been inspected by the tire shop and we kept the tires this time for inspection of anyone that can help file some sort of recall or claim. There is still a good amount of tread on the tires. This could very well have caused serious injury or death to my family!
NHTSA complaint #11426018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I NEEDED TO TAKE MY CAR IN TO THE MECHANIC TO REPAIR A TIRE THAT HAD A NAIL IN IT. WHILE REPAIRING THE TIRE, I ASKED HIM TO ALSO CHECK THE TREAD OF THE TIRES. HE PRECEDED TO TELL ME THAT THE TREADS WERE STILL GOOD, BUT WHAT CONCERNED HIM WAS THE TREAD SEPARATION, CRACKING, AND DRY ROT THAT THE TIRES HAD. HE SAID THEY DEFINITELY NEED REPLACED BUT NOT BECAUSE OF TREAD. HE TOLD ME TO LOOK IN TO IT BECAUSE HE FELT THEY WERE DEFECTIVE.
NHTSA complaint #11364196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO SPARE TIRE FROM THE INITIAL PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE THAT PROGRESSED UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE PREMATURELY FRACTURED. THE DEALER (CLASSIC CHEVROLET, 1-(888) 981-6002) HAD BEEN UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHAT CAUSED THE FAILURE AND REPLACED THE TIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000. *TT
NHTSA complaint #11060738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA FORTE EQUIPPED WITH NEXEN CP671 TIRES, SIZE: P195/65R15 (NA). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVER SIDE AND BEADS SEPARATED FROM THE RIM. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND DOT NUMBER WERE UNKNOWN. THE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,500.
NHTSA complaint #10925374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA FORTE EQUIPPED WITH NEXEN N5000 TIRES, SIZE: 215/45ZR/17 (NA). WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE EXPERIENCED A BLOWOUT. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE THEY CONFIRMED THE BLOWOUT AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSORS AND THE TIRE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRES HAD BUBBLES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100.
NHTSA complaint #10839863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA FORTE. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. ..UPDATED 11/02/15*BF FAILURE MILEAGE 15,000 CUSTOMER HAS SENT LETTER TO KIA CORPORATE. AS OF 10/27/15 CUSTOMER HAS NOT HEARD FROM THE COMPANY AND NEGLIGENCE BY KIA ALMOST CAUSED THE CUSTOMER TO LOSE THEIR LIFE ON THE HWY. UPDATED *4/13/18JB
NHTSA complaint #10777688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.