Complaint filed with #NHTSA

NHTSA

A few days ago, I alluded to attempting to work with Kia on what I believe should be a warranty issue. I was rebuffed by both a local dealer and the company itself. So today I filed a detailed complaint with NHTSA, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

I will give you a detailed account in a moment but first let me say that NHTSA makes the process pretty simple. And I’ve seen enough form complaints over the years that tell me more drivers should avail themselves of this option.

In any case, here is my story. The 2022 Kia Niro EV, with but 25,500 miles on it, has pitted rear disk rotors (right). Kia gives a knee jerk reaction by simply stating that brakes a wear item and thus not a warranty issue.

However, I counter that the disk rotors are not worn, they are pitted and thus defective.

Here is my argument:
1) As an EV, regenerative braking reduces the need to use the actual brakes considerably.
2) The rear brakes grind at low speeds prompting an examination.
3) Grinding is not heard when braking from higher speeds, which suggests that the car relies far too much on the front brakes. Thus the rear brakes are left to rot.

Tesla recognizes that the lack of brake use can result in noisy brakes and recommends a procedure for burnishing the brakes! We posted about this previously here.

I attempted the procedure on the Niro, but unsuccessfully as, again, the rear brakes do not appear to engage at the higher speeds necessary for burnishing. Also, its quite likely too late.

Fear not — between regen braking, which uses the electric motor running in reverse, and the front brakes the car stops just fine.

I will keep you posted.

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