Kia Forte Complaints

2,563 consumer complaints on file.

#11693939October 16, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Every two months I have to change the bulb for the break lights. It burns out fast. Not only is it burning out fast but its melting and takes several days for pry the melted material out. Also smells like something is going to catch fire with this. This started over a year ago but I didnt know i can report it to be investigated as a recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11692569October 10, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, AIR BAGS, ENGINE
The contact's cousin owned a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked unattended by the privacy fence. The contact was alerted by her nephew and observed that the vehicle was on fire. The front windshield had shattered, and smoke was visible inside the cabin. The fire appeared to originate from the dashboard area. The contact used a fire extinguisher to suppress the flames with the assistance of her brother. The local fire department arrived on the scene and completed extinguishing the fire. The airbags deployed during the incident, and the fire department declared the vehicle a total loss. Upon investigation, the contact was able to link the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Air Bags). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11691778October 7, 2025
ENGINE
I am the original owner of this car and get all my oil changes and regular maintenance on time. The car has 123k miles. I was getting into the freeway evening of 10/3 and my car stopped accelerating was making a loud noise so I pulled off to the side of the road. Per the Kia dealership service department my engine completely failed. This is a known issue with this year and model but Kia is not helping me in any way with the replacement of my engine. Please help.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11691550October 6, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Electrical issues since 44K miles I’m at 50 K miles. I’ve complained multiple times and they kept saying electrician wasn’t available. Then they lie about it being a waitlist for a loaner car. All the lights on the dashboard goes on and all the dealership couldn’t diagnose the problem. The second time the check engine lights went out the back up camera. They said it was the back up camera the backup camera was replaced the backup camera now messes up all the time and does not cut on when backing up randomly cut on when driving Kia issue was flashing lights, but they decided to worry about the check engine light, which was the careless converter, they fixed the careless converter And didn’t fix the flashing lights problem. They tried to say the car electrical reason was physical damage, which was false and now the electrical problems are getting worse the gear shifter license to work on the PRND the right brake light in the front and back goes in and out. I don’t know what the mileage is while driving I got a ticket from the cops because of that, the mileage randomly changes and I never know how much gas is in the car when I put in gas.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11691425October 5, 2025
POWER TRAIN
My daughter was driving on the highway. She was driving at 65 mph and then the car started to jolt a couple of times. She kept driving and then it started to feel sluggish and lost some power. Would not accelerate over 45 mph. She was almost rear ended several times and people continually swerving in and out around her as she couldn’t maintain the car at a normal pace. It eventually wouldn’t go over 35 mph. Extremely DANGEROUS speed on a highway commute. She was able to finally get off highway. The car stalled. No warning lights ever lit. She was close to home at this point. Drove it home with barely any power. Got it towed to the dealer and transmission was blown and they will not cover it because it’s past warranty of 5 yrs (2nd owner). The car is a 2019 with 53k miles. It should not need a new transmission. Apparently this car is now having many transmission issues. There was a service campaign issued by Kia back in 2018, 2020, and 2022 for this exact problem. Clearly there is an ongoing issue with their transmission. But since it is not a recall, the consumer has no way of know this until after it’s too late. When a transmission just shuts down without any warning, this is a MAJOR safety issue as you no longer are able to properly drive the vehicle. This should be a RECALL. Not an in-house technical bulletin announcement. There’s an abundance of safety concerns associated with this. Let’s not wait for somone to get killed in a car crash because it’s not being corrected by doing a recall on these transmissions that is a continual ongoing issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11691513October 5, 2025
ENGINE
I was driving in Elk River, MN when my car all of a sudden stopped accelerating I then coasted into a street with a dead end to get away from traffic before the car ended up dying though the electronics remained on. I tried restarting the vehicle with no luck. It was clear to me that the engine was no longer working as it wouldn’t turn over. The report from the mechanic is as follows: “Found exhaust cam timing to be extremely off. Removed valve cover and found the camshaft and sprocket pin has sheared, causing the cylinder 2 piston to make contact with the exhaust valves.Failed leak-down test at 90 percent and have a photo of the exhaust valve slightly bent and not seating into the head.” -cornerstone KIA Report.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11691517October 5, 2025
AIR BAGS
WCS Sensor Defect B1322-20 - Airbag Code WCS Communication Error B1324-20 - Airbag Code Door Ajar Lamp Circuit Failure B1323-20 - Airbag Code
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11691108October 2, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I purchased this brand new in 2024 and about 5 months ago it started to just loose power. It almost caused me to be hit several times and the car just won’t go it looses all power and you can press the gas and it won’t go but eventually will start going again. It’s very dangerous luckily I haven’t had a wreck with me and my Infant in the car and I’ve been able to move out of the way of others.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11691058October 2, 2025
SEAT BELTS
So i took my car to sands kia in surprise az about my seat belts. Both the front driver and passenger belts come unlatched while driving. They said out of warranty so i would have to pay or they will do nothing. This should be a Kia issue. Obviously a defect in the seat belts. I can be driving on freeway and multiple times they will come unlatched while driving. So instead of having both hands on the steering will. I have to fiddle around to get it to latch again. It is a legal requirement to have working seat belts and u feel kia should fix this issue. I told them this and that i didn't feel this was something i should have to pay for and the service writer just asked me if i was leaving then. Hope there is no accident because seat belts won't work and there will be a lawsuit.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690694October 1, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
About September 6th I was driving my vehicle. It is a blue Kia forte 2017. I just had cleaned it at a local car wash. Prior to this 1-2 weeks before my ac had just started to blow hot air. So I recharged it with some recharge that I purchased a recharge can and my buddy Scott helped me put it into my low pressure air conditioning valve area. Soon after like I said when I was leaving a car wash. And I drove down to a gas station and as I start braking my car started running a lot slower. Then finally it almost halted and all the dash lights all illuminated everywhere. And I had to turn the wheel super slow as I approached the left turn into the gas station. And then I noticed my car had shut off completely. I screamed to the men that were at a gas pump feet away to help me push the car into the station. They finally ran over and pushed it into the station. Soon after we attempted with one car, and one truck we tried to jump start my car with the batteries. It didn’t start or turn the engine over fully either few times we attempted jumping it. I finally called it quits and took a ride home. The next day my buddy tried to “ fix it “ he said it didn’t really work as properly and the battery isn’t probably the problem. He said it might be the ac compressor due to my air going out weeks before. But he was afraid to tell me it wasn’t gonna be a cheap or easy fix. He suggested I go to a mechanic. Months prior I received a few notices in the mail that stated my name and my vehicle info. I never really paid them any mind until now but I am thinking I should open them soon. I’m assuming that this info would be in there about a recall. I hope that this will be a substantial amount of evidence for my recall. The websites I reviewed and researched say the there’s a lawsuit and recalls involving my Kia forte 2017 as well. But the vin didn’t match it up fully? So I’m not completely sure why. But I am sure it only had 96k miles. Which was below the Kia 100k mile warranty too? Thanks
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690736October 1, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed and then stalled. The contact stated that the "Battery" symbol was illuminated on the instrument cluster. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine connecting rod bearings had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690874October 1, 2025
STEERING
Steering column, steering coupler piece
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690342September 29, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING
I am submitting this formal complaint regarding a serious safety issue I experienced with my 2017 Kia Forte. While driving, my steering wheel suddenly locked up & I was unable to turn left or right. This failure occurred in the middle of the road & put my life at serious risk. Thankfully, I was not involved in an accident. I was able to activate my hazard lights & safely maneuver to a stop before calling for assistance. My vehicle had to be towed to a repair shop, where I was informed that this is a known issue related to the MDPS (Motor Driven Power Steering) & ECU (Electronic Control Unit). The technician noted that Kia has issued a Product Improvement Campaign for some 2017–2018 Kia Forte models equipped with the 2.0L engine due to this very defect. However, my vehicle’s VIN was not included in the campaign, & the dealer has refused to provide assistance, stating that it is not their responsibility regardless of any service bulletins or improvement campaigns issued. This is deeply concerning, as it shows a clear disconnect between known safety issues and the manufacturer's accountability. There are numerous reports from other consumers experiencing the exact same failure outside the limited VIN range, indicating this issue may be much more widespread than Kia is acknowledging. It is unacceptable that a potentially fatal defect is being selectively addressed, especially when the manufacturer is aware of the problem. How many more incidents or near-accidents need to occur before a full recall is issued? This is not just a matter of inconvenience—it's a critical safety issue. The fact that Kia has already acknowledged the defect by issuing a product improvement campaign proves the problem exists. It is the responsibility of both the manufacturer and its dealerships to protect consumers by ensuring that all affected vehicles are repaired, not just those within an arbitrarily limited VIN range. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter further. Thank you.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690318September 29, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 25,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690225September 28, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Trunk open alone. Also trunk open when driver door open.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690050September 27, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The car shuts down on my wife multiple times now more than 10 to 15 times and most of the time it’s on the freeway few times she’s had my teenage son with her and I have three videos that I have sent to Kia but they’re refusing to move with buying the car back, saying because the dealership cannot duplicate the problem And the dealership drives the car 10 to 20 miles. I’ve stated to the dealership and to Kia factory that this car has to be driven every day like my wife who drives it so they can discover the problem they’re not going to be able to discover the problem or just drive and get 10 to 20 miles once or twice Last time I was found on my wife to take the car to the dealership on the freeway and it shut down on her on [XXX] right before the junction of [XXX] and I also have a video of that if I’m able to download it. I’ll download it for you guys. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689852September 26, 2025
STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Steering column is broken and keeps falling. Hard to replace entire steering column. While driving the entire steering wheel will fall into lap, makes the car nearly un-drivable. I have fixed before but the entire part is now failing and is extremely dangerous.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689697September 25, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
I was driving today and upon braking trying to come to a four way stop, the brake pedal went to the floor with no stopping. My vehicle went through the 4 way stop endangering me and my passengers. The piston blew out where all fluid leaked over the place. This is dangerous.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689708September 25, 2025
AIR BAGS
On August 22nd 2025 my daughter was driving this vehicle and was in a car accident and her front air bags did not deploy. Her passenger side airbags deployed with no passenger but nothing in the front and it was a front collision. Upon receipt of the Paperwork from Copart we learned there was an active recall from 2018 for the front airbags possibly not deploying and resulting in injury during a collision, which is what happened. Her knee and ribs were injured from hitting the steering wheel. The car was declared a total loss from insurance.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11688947September 22, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
While the vehicle was approximately ten months old with approximately 11K miles, it was continuously not functioning properly and would not start/accelerate. My 2024 KIA Forte, which was purchased new from a KIA dealership, has continuously failed to function properly. It had a water pump replaced after failing to be operated for more than a week and has since continued to fail - this time for not starting at all, not accelerating properly, and losing all power while driving (switching off completely) on at least two separate occasions. The dealership stated that I should drive the vehicle and document it when it occurs again (video) to assist them with identifying the issue since they are unable to correct the malfunction. It has been at the dealership for more than a month with no definitive resolution concerning the safety of the vehicle. I refuse to drive the vehicle and am afraid that I may injured/killed in an accident due to the safety concerns aforementioned. As of today's date, 09/22/2025, my 2024 KIA Forte remains at the KIA dealership with no foreseeable actions that may lead to a safe resolution. Further: 1) Component or system failed/malfunctioned - Engine, fuel pump, water pump. 2) Is it available for inspection - Yes. 3) How was your safety or that of others put at risk - Vehicle switched off multiple times while operating in traffic and barely escaping accidents. Suffered a scrape on the passenger's door as vehicle would not accelerate and stalled in a separate incident. 4) Vehicle or component been inspected by manufacturer - Yes, at the KIA dealership again. 5) Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure - No, there were no prior warning lamps, messages, or symptoms. KIA dealership stated that the 2024 KIA Forte has been "reprogrammed", but the dealership has been unable to identify the safety issues it has. I do not feel safe to operate this vehicle nor have any family members operate it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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