On March 13, 2026, Friday, at about 3:00 pm, was driving XXX on US XXX toward the XXX stop and go traffic backup for several miles. Sun was behind direction of traffic flow. Temperature was low-mid 50s and road was dry and no rain or snow. Winds were 10-15 mph with gusts to 25 mph. Road was 3 lanes in the east direction with one lane closed. Attempting to keep about a 3 foot distance from car in front. My was is a Kia 2025 Sorento PHEV model purchased in July 2024 and has had regular servicing. I was keeping a firm pressure on brake pedal to not allow car to roll into the car in front. Suddenly, the car surged forward into the other car. Keep both feet on the brake pedal to attempt to stop the car. Hit the other car and pushed it forward a foot or 2. The advertized FCA feature of the car appeared to have failed. It has stopped me in one prior situation. Damage to my Sorento is still be to determined. The car in front appears to have a body panel crease in the back tailgate. The damage appears to be at knee height. The car will be check out by KIA servicing this week (March 23rd, 2026). The car has several other quirks, but this is the most scary. Mileage is 9800. Most of my driving is main roadways city streets, US and Interstates. No recalls seem to address this situation. However, may other quirks are also not addressed. Report was filled with Maryland State Police.
NHTSA ODI 11726151