Kia Forte Complaints

177 consumer complaints on file.

#11660911May 14, 2025
STEERING, SUSPENSION
Clunking when going over bumps especially when turning into a driveway. Started at about 20,000 miles along with excessive clicking when turning the steering wheel.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657651April 29, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Catastrophic clutch pressure plate failure - while attempting to shift into gear, teeth on clutch pressure plate sheared horizontally when interacting with input shaft. No indicators appeared when failure originally occurred, only grinding sound when clutch pedal is depressed. Malfunction occurred at a stoplight leading to traffic blockage and no major safety risk. However due to nature of failure if issue occurred at speed there would have been immediate loss of power from engine to drivetrain, causing car to "coast" in effectively neutral until stopped. Vehicle has since been inspected and serviced with appropriate parts replaced by Kia certified technician at a dealer. Failure point was unable to be verified at the time and unknown if able to be replicated.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655387April 18, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Transmission, yes it’s available. I was driving on the highway and the vehicle began jerking and revving, slowing down and then speeding up. It is at a service center now. Now lamps
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653119April 7, 2025
STEERING
Component/System Involved: Electric Power Steering (EPS) – specifically, a potential malfunction with the assist motor response timing. Description of Incident: While driving, primarily on the highway, I have experienced a recurring issue with the power steering system. The steering assist appears to delay activation after periods of inactivity—such as when driving straight. When I attempt a small correction (even a movement as small as 1/16 of an inch), there is unusually high resistance, followed by a sudden release. This results in an overcorrection and can create a cycle of steering instability as the same pattern repeats with each correction. Safety Risk: This malfunction poses a safety risk because the delay in steering assist and sudden release can lead to unintended sharp corrections or lane drifting, especially at highway speeds. The issue requires both hands on the wheel to maintain control, and the unpredictable nature of the steering increases the chance of losing control or colliding with another vehicle. Warning Lamps/Symptoms Prior to Failure: There are no warning lights, error messages, or chimes preceding or accompanying the issue. Mileage & Vehicle Info: Several people seem to be having the same issue and it happens at different stages of the vehicles life, but no one seems to have found a solution or source of the problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653093April 7, 2025
ENGINE
Hi I had my Kia forte GT 2022 for 3 years and my engine light has been on for about 3 months now . I get a check up and an oil change regularly. It comes on and goes off . I told my mechanic and he said I might have to get a new transmission. I only had this brand new car for 3 years . Is there a defect in these Kia forte GT or a recall .
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11652165April 1, 2025
ENGINE
In early 2025, I encountered a serious issue with my 2022 Kia Forte GT, a manual car with 76,000 miles and a 1.6L turbo Gamma engine. I took it for a routine oil change at a local non-Kia shop, but they refused, finding metal particles in the oil, suggesting engine damage. Worried, I towed it to a Kia dealership for a warranty-covered inspection, given my 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage. The dealership proposed a $500 engine flush, claiming it would clear contaminants, and advised me to drive 1,000 miles, even until the engine seized if needed, before returning. This shocked me—driving with metal risked catastrophic failure, potentially costing $3,000-$6,000 for a new engine, and seemed designed to avoid warranty responsibility. At 76,000 miles, I believed the metal indicated a manufacturing defect, not wear, especially since I’d used 5W-30 synthetic oil per Kia’s schedule. The non-Kia shop’s refusal left my maintenance history unclear, but Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act protects me from paying for fixes if it’s a defect. I contacted Kia customer service (1-800-333-4542), but they wouldn’t talk, citing my lawyer’s involvement. My lawyer, however, has been unresponsive to calls and emails for weeks, leaving me stranded. The dealership’s “drive until seizure” advice felt unsafe, prompting me to consider an NHTSA complaint at www.nhtsa.gov with my VIN to report this potential defect. This ordeal has caused significant stress and financial worry. I’ve asked the dealership for a detailed report on the metal’s source, but they’ve been vague. I’m torn between paying $500 and risking my car or pushing Kia harder. With the car still at the dealership, I hope for a warranty fix, not a costly delay tactic.the engine was replaced 10000 miles ago. And took two months.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11649849March 22, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 MONTHS AFTER I BIUGHT CAR, ENGINE LIGHT CAME OFF..AND WILL ONLY BE OFF IF I WOUL RELEASE GAS CAP SEVERL TIMES ETC..IN FEB 2025 THE DEALER SAID ITS 02 SENSOR I HAD IT REPLACED, 2 WEEKS LATER ITS EXACLY SAME..I HAVE READ THE CODEA AND CATALITIC CONVERTER AND EMISSION EXHAUST AND 02 SENSOR ALL FAILES..I NEED A NEW REPLACEMENT CAR, AS THIS IS A LEMON CAR..BIUGHT OIN JULY 2024 ..ALSO THEY MADE EMISSION TESTS /WINDOW STICKER FOR 2 YEARS???? BC TEHY PROBAB;Y NEW IT HAS ISSUES??? IT IS ALL VERY WEIRD
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11649847March 22, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 MONTHS AFTER I BIUGHT CAR, ENGINE LIGHT CAME OFF..AND WILL ONLY BE OFF IF I WOUL RELEASE GAS CAP SEVERL TIMES ETC..IN FEB 2025 THE DEALER SAID ITS 02 SENSOR I HAD IT REPLACED, 2 WEEKS LATER ITS EXACLY SAME..I HAVE READ THE CODEA AND CATALITIC CONVERTER AND EMISSION EXHAUST AND 02 SENSOR ALL FAILES..I NEED A NEW REPLACEMENT CAR, AS THIS IS A LEMON CAR..BIUGHT OIN JULY 2024 ..ALSO THEY MADE EMISSION TESTS /WINDOW STICKER FOR 2 YEARS???? BC TEHY PROBAB;Y NEW IT HAS ISSUES??? IT IS ALL VERY WEIRD
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11647666March 11, 2025
ENGINE
On Saturday, March 1, 2025, I took my 2021 Kia Forte LXS for a routine oil change. I had NO PRIOR issues, warning lights or anything with my vehicle. The oil change was performed. I then drove my vehicle less than 20 miles, the vehicle would then not accelerate and started to bog down. I was able to get my vehicle off the major I-4 interstate, however eventually the vehicle then shut down. The vehicle now will still start however is making this terrible clicking noise. I have had video of the engine running looked at by several mechanics who states the engine is blown. I have contacted Kia who clearly has known engine issues on several of their Fortes however Kia continues to state since mine is not currently on recall, they are not taking responsibility. Kia know they have several recalls due to engine issues. I cannot get a mechanic to work on my vehicle due to the recalls as mechanics only want to put in brand new engines due to Kia engine recalls. A new engine will cost upwards of $10,000. Again, Kia knows and had several recalls with engine issues
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11643881February 20, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The transmission went out while driving, entering the highway. It was intermittently missing a gear or slipping in about 2nd or 3rd gear. I first noticed it going about 40 mph and trying to accelerate to highway speeds. It was during a winter storm and other vehicles behind me had to brake unexpectedly. I wasn't sure if I felt for sure, so I continued to drive through many inclines and declines. The inclines became more difficult and the inability to maintain consistent speeds. I drove gently to the nearest Kia dealership which was in Salt Lake City about 60 miles away, where they informed me that I needed a new transmission. The car had about 75,000 miles on it and I bought it as a certified Pre-owned Kia with about 4,000 miles on it. The dealership plugged in the diagnostic code reader. But there were no codes detected. The service tech drove the car and felt the issue. A warranty representative inspected it about a week later. There were no warning lamps while I drove (mostly coasting downhill) from Rock Springs, WY. When I arrived to Salt Lake City, the triangle warning light came on. I drove about 10 more miles and the engine light came on. Almost all mileage has been on highways and at highways speeds as I commuted 75 miles each way for work on a turnpike between eastern Oklahoma and Fayetteville, Arkansas. There was little city driving. I lived in a small town. So, I had to travel state highways for most all errands (groceries, medical, etc.). There were no mechanical issues with the car ever until this.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11641375February 7, 2025
SUSPENSION, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ENGINE
The oil in the engine constantly sludges even with regular maintenance with full synthetic oil, I went over a pot hole and two of the rear lights went out and won’t go back on even after replacing bulbs and wiring harness, and the worst of all is the suspension, the lower control arm and the trailing arm both have gone out after only 20k miles of light mostly highway driving, this car offers nothing but problems it’s no surprise that they discontinued the model it’s an absolute nightmare. I bought it brand new and it feels like I’m going to die in it, every speed bump or pot hole I go over feels and sounds like I’m hitting a wall, I’ve replaced the ball joints and am thinking about replacing the control arms because I’m worried they are going to break. I completely understand that living in San Fernando valley there are worse road conditions than usual but I’ve never had a car fall apart like this from driving out here. What’s worse is even after having to have parts replaced with OEM parts IMMEDIATELY the replacement parts are beginning to wear out, I can’t go over speed bumps that are higher than a few inches without scraping the bottom of the car because the car is riding low, I suspect the coils and struts are also already going out also, just the most terribly engineered vehicle, I don’t know if it’s due to something that should be recalled but it absolutely feels like it is to me and I know many other people are suffering through the same issues with their fortes.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11640377February 3, 2025
LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: AUTOMATIC STEERING
The contact rented a 2023 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving approximately 75 MPH, the contact noticed that the Lane Keep Assist was following the lines on the right side of the vehicle, causing the vehicle to veer towards an exit several times. The contact was able to steer the vehicle back into the correct lane. The rental company was notified of the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. The VIN was not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11634724January 7, 2025
STEERING, ENGINE, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Recently I purchased a 2023 Kia Forte on 11/09/2024 with only 53,848 miles on the odometer. Within a month the car has lost total power four times. The Advanced Driver Assistance Systems keeps faulting and kicks in taking drive control of the vehicle making it challenging to control. The current miles on the vehicle is 58,281. When I called in to have the vehicle serviced through a Kia dealership, they indicated the earliest date to bring it in is on 01/23/24, I am on the schedule for 7 am. I also contacted Kia Corporate office today 01/07/24 to inform them of the issue being that it is still under the manufacture warranty up till 60,000 after filing a complaint with them I began researching the vehicle on Google which led me here to NHTSA website there are numerous complaints that have had similar issues. This is a major problem as it puts my life in grave danger as well as others if this should occur while in traffic. The car loosing all power could cause a major accident. The Advanced Driver Assistance Systems kicking in without warning or cause takes away the ability to control the vehicle this could also cause a major accident. Why are these vehicles still being sold with these kinds of safety issues that could cause loss of life if an accident was to occure. Clearly this is a poorly manufactured vehicle and there needs to be a recall or some recourse for the consumers who have been sold these death traps. I have only acquired 4,433 miles on this vehicle since purchasing it on 11/09/24, and I should not be worrying about these kind of safety concern. Please advise
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11634154January 5, 2025
SEAT BELTS, AIR BAGS
Passenger air bag/seat belt goes off like someone is sitting in passenger seat but no one is. Have to do seat belt for the alert stops
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11633927January 3, 2025
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, another vehicle was driving on the incorrect side of the road coming towards the contact head-on. While attempting to avoid crashing into the other vehicle, the contact swerved over to the side of the road and drove downhill. The contact then heard a loud thud, and the vehicle became undriveable. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the clutch assembly needed to be placed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11626840November 22, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vehicle has 20k miles and just shut down while going 40 miles per hour. It just turned off. There were no codes or warning lights. The dealership said they had could not find anything wrong and though they suspected what was wrong they could not prove it and so could not get reimbursed for the repair and wouldn’t do it. Why does a new car shut off while going to miles per hour, that is scary to drive. If it happens at the wrong place or time I and others could be in danger.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11626477November 20, 2024
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
This car was sold to me without disclosing that the manufacture failed to have a engine security system on the car to at least "deter" auto theft.If the key to the car was programmed/chipped like other cars, it would provide at least some level of protection. I've already stopped car thieves from trying to steal it once by pure luck, but I'm like the thousands out there constantly worried that someone's going to try to take it in lieu of the social media challenges.The horrible settlement that out government gave us was to upgrade the software which provides NO help with deterring thieves from breaking in and trying to steal it.The reimbursement provided in the settlement is complete joke, and doesn't offer to properly repair or reimburse for after-market security systems.This is evident from the fact that insurance companies still won't insure this car, even after the software upgrade. The insurance companies are telling me that they still won't insure the car even with upgrade because it doesn't stop thieves from breaking into the car and causing comprehensive damage to the car.I can only find a few insurance companies that will insure the car, and the premium cost is twice as much as I pay to insure a car that's worth twice as much money! If our government or NHTSA was truly concerned, they would have demanded that the manufacture make significant change to the ignition/engine starter, i.e., changing out the ignition switch system with a programmed/chipped key, and/or engine starter kill without said key. If the manufacture and the government made this change a required "recall" to properly fix and advertised it nationwide, THEN thieves would at least be less inclined to cause damage, and insurance companies would feel more comfortable about taking the risk. This ongoing expense/problem for me has me seriously considering if anyone in my family should every purchase another KIA/Hyundai product again. Stand behind your product with some INTEGRITY.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11626428November 20, 2024
STRUCTURE:BODY
The car is making a noise that we finally found out it was the hood rattling. Took it to the shop and the hood latch looks to be secure, and non=adjustable. Was told that the rubber adjustable hood bumpers are too short, however the dealer said that they are correct, but agreed they can't be adjusted anymore to eliminate the noise. This gives us great safety concern that the hood is not property secured, or has a defective latch, in addition to the constant noise that the dealer said they will only address within the first 12 months or 12K miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11626195November 19, 2024
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Headlights shut off while driving at night. The right turn signal was on and was in a right hand turn when the car hit a small dip. There was the sound that you hear when you turn on the key when the car hit the dip and the healights went off. After pulling off the road and turning on the hazard lights, tried turning the headlights off then back on several times. The parking lights seem to come on then went off. Noticed that the information screen reset and was at the setup screen. Turned the car off then restarted the car and the headlights turned on. On the freeway the tone you hear when you turn on the key sounded several times as the car went over the bumps at the overpasses where the road is subsiding. This is a rental car. No police report made. No information if problem occurred previously or if rental company had problem looked into. Problem occurred 11/16/2024
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11623941November 7, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The issue I’m having was confirmed by the dealership so when I drive on the highway, there’s a specific patch of highway that zigzags the car will follow that zigzag after getting off of the highway onto regular road. The car computer system will start a down shift erratically and feel like the car is pulling backwards. Also there is a lack of acceleration and it feels like the transmission is slipping, but I have confirmed with the dealership that the transmission was not slipping that the computer was shifting erratically. They would reset the computer and the car would would begin driving in a more normal state shifting correctly. I get on the highway again. The car once again will start shifting erratic. When you let go of the gas, the car downshift so many times that the car almost comes to a complete stop without hitting the brakes. The dealership has the car once again trying to figure out what’s going on with the car and why when I go on the highway the computer starts shifting erratically on that specific patch of highway. The car will pull left and right the entire time once you get off the highway the erratic shifting happens the dealership let me borrow a car which is a 2025 Kia Sorrento went on the highway with the car and had the same exact issue. The car they let me borrow is also downshifting erratically and feels like the transmission is slipping. The dealership did confirm that the car was not driving as intended, and they were confused as to why it was happening. They’ve also confirmed that the test that they’ve done on the car itself. had not passed prior to them resetting the computer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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