Kia Forte Complaints

2,563 consumer complaints on file.

#11508413February 21, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the rear driver's side brake light failed. No warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that she previously replaced the rear driver’s side brake light three times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear driver’s side taillight brake wiring failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11508036February 19, 2023
AIR BAGS, ENGINE, SUSPENSION
The car had a slow ticking noise that was very faint in the front for about 20 minutes 20 minutes later the noise continue to get louder about 45 minutes later six gear was lost in the car in about an hour and a half later the engine failed and the car Came to a failure lock down procedure all lights on the front door shut on steering wheel locked on friendship Road exit 8 and the vehicle had to be towed to a shop we’re now it was put on a lift and there is a hole in the bottom of the engine , And the transmission is not in tact
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11507775February 17, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER
Newer Kia models have such poorly designed security features and body that they have been targets for car thefts. In one year of having this car it has been broken into on two separate occasions and hot wired. Viral social media videos display how to steal Kia’s with ease. From breaking windows, picking locks, and taking the ignition out. Several insurance companies have now dropped Kia owners or raised their fees because of their easy accessibility and high chance of theft. Kia seems to have acknowledged this but I have yet to see a recall, warning, or any action taking for their faulty designs.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11507814February 17, 2023
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:COIL:SPARK PLUGS
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the spark plugs, coils, and engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 106,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11507596February 16, 2023
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was unaware if there were any warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the VIN was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 136,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11507460February 15, 2023
POWER TRAIN
On highway at 65mph engine began revving, accelerating higher on its own then speed would drop down 10-15 mph, erratic tachometer going up to max 6 at 65 mph, slipping gears and took total control of speed and then dropped down to 10mph at 6 tachometer and then wouldn’t go past 5 mph. No warning lights, no check engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11507468February 15, 2023
ENGINE
Hi there, I got my 2017 Kia Forte brand new. Over the past 6 years, I’ve had to replace the ENGINE IGNITION COILS half a dozen times. Kia refuses to recall this vehicle for this problem, which is very common among other drivers. Just go online and search “2017 Kia Ignition Coil problem” and you will find thousands of people reporting on the same issue with a multitude of the same symptoms: rough idling, shaking vehicle, RPM jumps, check engine light on, etc. The irony is, when I first took my vehicle to a Kia dealership for service, they were fully aware of the issue and alleged recall (their words, not mine). In fact, THE MECHANIC is the one who informed me about the recall 5+ years ago when my first coil misfired. He said the part was recalled, and they would fix free of charge. This was the first time I heard about the recall. NO ONE from Kia had contacted me. No call, email, text, snail mail. Nothing. When an engine ignition coil fails, you run the risk of having your vehicle caught on fire and explode. How on Earth is Kia getting away with keeping this information secret from its customers?? The 2017 Kia Forte has 6 engine ignition coils. I’ve since replaced nearly all of mine - and note, Kia dealerships REFUSE to replace them all at once as they need proof they’re officially “bad” before replacing. Thousands of other customers have also reported going back to the shop over, and over, and over again to get these coils fixed. Kia needs to be held accountable for the safety of these vehicles. Kia needs to recall these cars, and refund customers who have already fixed their cars. In 2020, NHTSA announced civil penalties for Kia for NOT recalling vehicles in a timely manner. We need to keep Kia in check, and hold them accountable for the unacceptable and incredibly dangerous position they continue to put their customers in.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11507185February 14, 2023
ENGINE
Had total loss of oil causing engine to fail on February 7th 2023! This after just receiving oil change in January! Car locked up while driving barely making it safely off the road! Had trouble with it going into the new year! Oil was constantly a problem! Just paid off car in October! This engine failure was severe and life threatening considering where I was at the time and all the traffic that was surround! I’ve had friends with Kia’s suffer same engine loss as well! Can’t just be a coincidence!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11506968February 13, 2023
ENGINE
i have a 2012 kia forte with 129,000 miles it started an engine knocking noise about 6 months ago im a mechanic and do regular oil changes i work at a dealership that sells kias and had them look at it they said i have the same problem as other kias being recalled to replace engine but my model doesnt fall under the recall. i looked up online and other people with same car and engine have the same issue. i think they need to be looked into. the 2.0 nu engine as being one that needs recalled also. its getting progressively worse and will cost me more to replace the engine than the car is worth. called kia usa and was told they wont do anything because car is above 100k miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11506982February 13, 2023
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while at a stop sign, the vehicle failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 63,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11507080February 13, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Trunk leakage, affecting the inside carpet floor, front and back area and the back seat every time it rains. As a consequence mold forms (white spots of powder like/mold) I inform the dealership but they said that’s not in the recall list. And they ask to go to a body shop.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11506820February 12, 2023
POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, WHEELS
While I am driving it is hard shifting and idling high, sometimes it doesn't want to pick up speed when starting from a stop. The wheels locked up going down a off ramp. There are no warning lights or anything on the dash. I will have it checked Monday but this started out of the blue. I have had regular maintenance on the vehicle and have all my receipts for proof. This is a serious issue especially with the wheels not functioning right and speed control is fluctuating.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11506629February 10, 2023
ENGINE, STEERING
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, he depressed the accelerator pedal to change lanes and heard an abnormal knocking noise sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the knocking sound occurred whenever the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine rod bearings needed to be replaced. The contact was informed by the independent mechanic that the failure could be related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine). Additionally, the contact reported that he had also experienced failures with the loss of power steering functionality, but the failure was intermittent. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000. The contact stated that the manufacturer was notified but that they would not diagnose the vehicle without charge. The vehicle was checked by two different tire specialists. All of the tires were replaced.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11506137February 7, 2023
ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I've had it looked at by a Kia dealership and they said I let it run out of oil and burned up my engine. My ASC warranty won't cover it. I had no idea. I've got proof from Valvoline where I always get my oil changes and proves I did it regularly. I had no oil leak signs on the pavement. Your recall #SC210 which I just found out about talks about exactly what happened to me. I really don't think it was my fault and it should be covered. I had no indication that something was wrong till this happened. I've had no problems since I bought the car in November 2021till now.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11505913February 6, 2023
ENGINE
Tha car is burning engine oil, around 1/4 gallon each week and the motor don't have any oil leak and no black or blue smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11505512February 4, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES
Kia issued recall to inspect/repair potential corrosion of brake lines. Dealer inspected car on 12/8/22 and advised repair/replacement was needed and parts would be order. Now almost 2 months later and still no part. Dealer states back ordered. Complaint filed with Kia customer service and no meaningful response. In fact other than acknowledging complaint no response whatsoever. Yet Kia advises this is a potential safety issue and should be repaired ASAP so as to avoid accidents/damage, etc.. Kia cannot or will not provided any information regarding parts availability and subsequent required repair. If transportation is needed we are forced to drive a vehicle with known safety issues because of manufacturers lack of response.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11505112February 2, 2023
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
My car was parked in the car port. The rear back light on the driver side caught on fire. The police and fire department were called. I was not at home at the time, my neighbors used a plastic container to put out by time the fire department got there. The firs department stated that is was faulty wiring. I am waiting for the report from police, fire department, and insurance representative. The car was parked and there was no waring lamp. Fire department had to disarm my car alarm. I will be calling the dealer after this.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11505128February 2, 2023
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact's son restarted the vehicle; however, the vehicle shuddered while driving and was pushed to the residence. The contact replaced the battery, but the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the timing chain and drive belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11505005February 1, 2023
STEERING
Failure of the flexible coupling in the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS). This is a known issue and Kia has extended the warranty on the Optima, Soul, and Cadenza that use the exact same defective part. For some unexplained reason the forte has been excluded from coverage. It should also be noted that Hyundai has included the Elantra (which is the sister model to the Forte) as well as the Sonata. As mentioned all of these vehicles were assembled with the same, admittedly defective part. The warranty has been extended on every model with the exception of the Forte. The current TSB (CHA 074) acknowledges the problem without offering a comparable remedy as provided for all other affected models.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11504650January 31, 2023
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Driving at night and low beam headlights both went out at the same time. The only way to drive safely was to use high beams. Opened hood and passenger's side light came back on, very dimly, and then went out again as soon as the left turn signal was initiated. Even the high beam lights flicker when the left turn signal is used. This is completely unsafe because there is no way to see without blinding everyone else on the road with high beams. Headlight bulbs were replaced less than 6 months ago.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Kia Forte