What 71 owners told NHTSA about the 2020 Kia Forte Koup

Steering wheel is turning completely around and made a noise. I noticed my steering wheel is loose it has been like that for time. But yesterday was the first time it turned completely around were I could not control it.

NHTSA ODI 11743305

WHEN BACKING UP THE STEERING, KEY, AND WHEEL ALL LOCK. I WAS BACKING UP SO I WAS ALREADY GOING VERY SLOW. WHEN PRESSING ON THE BRAKE THE CAR SLOWS DOWN BUT STILL MOVES VERY SLOW UNTIL IT CANT MOVE ANYMORE. I TRY TO JIGGLE OUT THE KEY AND PUT THE CAR IN LOCK BUT I JUST JIGGLE EVERYTHING UNTIL SOMETHING UNLOCKS. IT HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES SINCE I GOT THE CAR IN MARCH 2020.

NHTSA ODI 11374917

MY 18 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS THE DRIVER. THE CAR WAS PARKED ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET, FACING THE DIRECTION SHE WANTED TO GO. THE STREET WENT DOWNHILL IN FRONT OF HER. SHE STARTED THE CAR. WHEN SHE BEGAN TO DRIVE, THE STEERING FELT VERY STIFF, SHE COULD BARELY STEER. SHE STARTED DRIVING ANYWAY. THEN THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK. IN FACT, SHE SAID THAT PRESSING THE BRAKE SEEMED TO MAKE THE CAR GO FASTER (OR THIS COULD HAVE JUST BEEN THE EFFECT OF THE HILL). SO SHE ACCELERATED DOWN A SUBSTANTIAL HILL WITH NO BRAKING POWER. AT THE BOTTOM OF THE STREET (APPROX. 1/4 MILE) IS A T-INTERSECTION. SHE CROSSED THE STREET, THE CAR WENT UP ONTO THE CURB OPPOSITE, PROCEEDED THROUGH SOME BUSHES, KNOCKED DOWN A FENCE AS IT WENT BETWEEN A TREE AND A BRICK WALL, RAN INTO A BIRD BATH, AND THEN CAME TO A STOP IN SOMEONE'S YARD. FORTUNATELY THE CAR STOPPED BEFORE IT GOT TO THE HOUSE ITSELF. DAMAGE INCLUDED: BOTH BUMPERS, BOTH DRIVER-SIDE TIRES/WHEELS/HUBCAPS, AND EXTENSIVE DAMAGE UNDERNEATH INCLUDING TRANSMISSION.DRIVER AND PASSENGER WERE (AMAZINGLY) NOT INJURED.

NHTSA ODI 11353364