KIA K4 Incident

On April [XXX], 2026, the customer called Kia’s Customer Care Center to report that her 2026MY Kia K4 was involved in a “head on collision” where the vehicle “turned off out of nowhere, going like in a curb,” which resulted in a 2024MY Chevrolet vehicle hitting the K4 in the front. The customer indicated that the “auto cruise” was activated during the incident. The customer reported that she suffered a “nerve strike” to her lower back and lower knee damage, and she and two other passengers were transported to the hospital. The customer requested financial assistance. The subject Kia K4 is equipped with Lane Following Assist (“LFA”) and Smart Cruise Control (“SCC”). LFA is a supplemental system that helps to detect lane markings and/or vehicles on the road and assists the driver's steering to help keep the vehicle between lanes. SCC is a supplemental system that detects a vehicle ahead and can help maintain the distance from the vehicle ahead and the set speed. The functionality of LFA and SCC are contingent upon several outside factors, and it is always the responsibility of the driver to safely steer the vehicle, to maintain the vehicle in its lane, and to maintain the vehicle’s speed. According to vehicle data, the subject K4 had LFA and SCC activated. However, both LFA and SCC turned off about six (6) seconds pre-crash. The steering wheel was turned to the right a small amount, then sharply to the left at three (3) seconds pre-crash. At the same time, the driver pressed the accelerator fully. The driver did not press the brake pedal before the crash. There is no indication that the vehicle lost power. Kia is currently working to obtain additional information.