Kia Forte Complaints

2,563 consumer complaints on file.

#11774120October 27, 2026
ENGINE
This is the report copy and reference number for 911. I have contacted Kia multiple times during lunch breaks sent emails, and they still are not responding even after photos were sent to them. They told me in 5 days I would here back form them an still Ive heard nothing.Reference # XXX The fire dep “# INCIDENT REPORT Reference #XXX **Vehicle Smoke Incident and 911 Emergency Call** **Date of Incident:** Monday, XXX **Time of 911 Call:** 10:11 a.m. **Location:** Kaiser Permanente Riverside Medical Center [XXX] [XXX] **Vehicle Involved:** 2015 Kia Forte ### Description of Incident On Monday, XXX, at approximately 10:11 a.m., a 911 emergency call was placed regarding a 2015 Kia Forte that was experiencing smoke coming from underneath the hood in the engine compartment while at Kaiser Permanente Riverside Medical Center, located at [XXX]. Due to the smoke coming from the engine compartment, the vehicle had to be parked in a red-designated area. The situation raised concerns about a potential vehicle fire and the safety of operating the vehicle. The fire department responded to the incident and inspected the area underneath the hood. Following the inspection, I was advised not to drive the vehicle because it was smoking and there appeared to be oil that had leaked, dripped, or spread across various components inside the engine compartment. I was further advised that driving the vehicle could create a serious safety hazard and could potentially result in the vehicle catching fire until it could be properly inspected and evaluated by a qualified automotive professional. 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
#11773589October 26, 2026
ENGINE
On October the 14th, around 10:30 AM I noticed smoke coming from my car and acceleration was lost. The vehicle continued to smoke further. As I Had someone maneuver the car out of traffic into the parking lot.\n While reaching the parking lot, more smoke was noticed, so I dispatch the Riverside fire department. After one of the fire responders checked under the hood, they noticed that there was oil in various places, including the engine area and in the PAN underneath, they checked the oil and found oil still inside. Unit. The fire man check , both told me to not drive the car any further because if I did it would catch on fire , I then had the car towed to my home address.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11773209October 23, 2026
ENGINE
While Driving, the vehicle lost power and stopped. Found out the timing chain went out/broken. This car only had 62,000. 2019 Kia Forte
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772859October 22, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
While driving on the freeway at approximately 65 mph, my vehicle suddenly lost normal braking function. The brake pedal felt loose, and I had to press it nearly to the floor for the vehicle to slow down. Even then, stopping took significantly longer than normal. Pumping the brake pedal approximately five times temporarily restored normal braking, but the pedal became loose again afterward. Fortunately, there were no vehicles directly in front of me, allowing me to gradually slow down and exit the freeway. With my hazard lights on, I continued at approximately 5 mph, but the vehicle still did not stop easily when I pressed the brake pedal all the way down. This put my safety and the safety of other motorists at serious risk because I could not reliably stop the vehicle. There were no dashboard warning lights or messages and no unusual noises before or during the incident. i have never had a problem with my brakes before this either. The problem occurred suddenly. My uncle, who is a diesel mechanic, inspected the vehicle and found that the brake lines and fluids appeared to be in good condition. He suspects the brake master cylinder may be the cause, although this has not been confirmed through a formal diagnostic inspection. I have contacted the dealership and am awaiting a response to determine whether they recommend a dealership inspection or an inspection by an independent mechanic. I also contacted Carvana since that is where I got my car from a year ago and included support chat messages. The problem has not yet been formally diagnosed or reproduced by a dealership or independent service center. I am reporting this incident because the sudden loss of reliable braking created a potentially life-threatening situation. The vehicle should be available for inspection upon request, with appropriate towing arrangements.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771172October 14, 2026
STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
I took my 2019 Kia Forte LXS to a certified Kia dealership to have the mandatory anti-theft security upgrade performed (Campaign CS2312), which involves installing an ignition cylinder protector plate inside the steering column. Immediately after picking up the vehicle, multiple severe safety and electrical defects appeared. The engine is running very rough, sputters, and loses power especially going up hills, making it dangerous to drive. Additionally, the brake light main is now malfunctioning and fail to illuminate. - creating an immediate crash hazard. The radio and dashboard electronics are also cutting out intermittently. mileage is also not being calculated right. These dangerous engine and electrical safety defects were directly caused by the dealership's botched installation of the manufacturer's security campaign."
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770774October 13, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at 70-75 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and the check engine warning light illuminated, causing the contact and her daughter to be stranded on the highway. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the spark plugs and ignition coils; however, the failure persisted. After allowing the vehicle to cool down, the contact restarted the vehicle and drove to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to Jiffy Lube, where the transmission fluid was changed; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where DTC P0730 was retrieved, indicating an Incorrect Gear Ratio, and the dealer determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failure with Technical Service Bulletin: MC-11029037 and Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign SC199; however, the vehicle was not covered under either program. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770828October 13, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owned a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at approximately 60 MPH, the RPMs rose and the vehicle hesitated upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The driver pulled over into the emergency lane when an abnormal popping sound emitted from the vehicle without warning. Black smoke then entered through the interior vents, and the vehicle caught fire. The driver and two passengers exited before the vehicle became fully engulfed in flames. Emergency services were notified, and the fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard and was deemed a total loss. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770848October 13, 2026
WHEELS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Front left tire blew out, plastic liner became shredded due to it. Beneath that plastic liner sits the main electrical wiring harness which rubs against the wheel creating sparks leading to total engine fire and failure
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769976October 8, 2026
ENGINE, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
During a day trip on 9/19/26 my 2020 Kia Forte (purchased new and well maintained) lost power and several of the dash board lights came on including check engine, traction/stability control, and collision alerts. The car entered what I was told is "limp mode". I had the car towed home and after one shop misdiagnosed the problem I had it towed to the Kia dealership where purchased. I was told the engine had code p0017. I was sent a document that the "phaser sheared off p0017 exhaust cam and cvvd gear timing off-recommend long block-cvvd replacement may still have engine damaged after replacement" with a price of $9053.39 attached. Kia service manager is supposed to be seeing about assistance for repair as it is cost prohibitive and I have proof of proper maintenance however I am not receiving info on process unless I reach out. Car has been in Kia possession since 9/24/26.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769309October 6, 2026
ENGINE
My engine is failing due to excessive oil consumption despite having proof of regular oil changes and maintenance. My car has been inspected, and the dealer has stated this is due to a known manufacture defect. My safety and others are at risk because my car stalls when I decrease speed and I cannot accelerate fast enough to get up to the speed limit creating a risk anytime the speed limit changes or when I am using an on ramp to get onto an interstate or highway. Kia dealer has confirmed the issue and is currently working on an estimate for a new engine. The Kia dealer is the manufacturer of my vehicle. The warning sign before this happened was my car stalled a couple times, then the check engine light came on within 10 miles. I then took it in to get looked at where the Kia dealer diagnosed the issue as the known manufacturer defect with the engine burning oil too quickly. These issues first appeared on August 12, 2026. I have attempted to get Kia corporate to assist with repairs through a Goodwill Request due to the safety issues with driving my vehicle in its current condition, to no fault of my own. Kia denied my Goodwill request. That case number is 26467063.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769303October 6, 2026
STEERING
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the steering wheel was loose and was difficult to turn. Due to the failure, the vehicle unexpectedly swayed from left to right. The contact stated that the vehicle felt as if it was floating on water. The vehicle was taken to several dealers but was not diagnosed. The dealer stated that the failure might be associated with a tire failure. The tires were rotated, and an alignment was performed; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was scheduled for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by telephone and by email, and a case was opened. The contact requested a goodwill assistance to repair the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 600.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768961October 5, 2026
STEERING
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the steering wheel became inoperable, with an abnormal sound coming from the steering wheel. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound while attempting to make a turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the failure was confirmed in the dealer database. The vehicle was scheduled to be repaired; however, the dealer confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 77,371.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768964October 5, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that oil was leaking underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that at start-up the check engine and low oil pressure warning light remained illuminated with an abnormal burned oil odor. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine was failing and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (ENGINE); as a possible cause for the failure. The failure mileage was 112,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769030October 5, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was driving this car and received a check engine light and lulled over to find an electrical fire had occurred under the hood. I was able to use a fire extinguisher to put out this fire. The car was towed to a Kia dealership near my home for confirmation and an estimate of the damages. It apparently was caused by a problem that Kia has had with the ABS/hydraulic electronic control units that can trigger electrical shorts.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768865October 4, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
On October 4, 2026, at approximately 27,870 miles, my 2024 Kia Forte GT-Line unexpectedly shut off while I was driving and making a right-hand turn into a parking lot. The vehicle was in Drive when the engine shut off. The instrument cluster continued to indicate “D” and displayed the message: “Engine Off! Shift to P or N, then start engine.” The tachometer indicated 0 RPM, and the gas pedal was unresponsive. I photographed the instrument cluster immediately following the event. This was not the first occurrence of an abnormal shutdown. On two previous occasions, while backing up in a parking lot, the vehicle displayed a similar instruction requiring me to place the vehicle in Park and turn off/restart the vehicle. During those events, the vehicle would not operate normally until the ignition was completely cycled off and restarted. The October 4 occurrence is particularly concerning because the engine shut off while the vehicle was actively moving rather than while parking. Loss of engine power while turning, crossing an intersection, entering traffic, or traveling at higher speed could create a significant collision risk. The cause is currently unknown. I am reporting the condition because the vehicle has now experienced multiple intermittent events and has demonstrated an unexpected engine shutdown while being driven.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768878October 4, 2026
SEAT BELTS, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
The seatbelt comes unbuckled without cause often and the lane keeping assistance pulls the car of to the right unprovoked.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768678October 3, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Odometer was tampered with dealership set the mileage at 82,000 the actual mileage is 153,000
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768734October 3, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I own a 2017 Kia Forte that has a recurring problem with water intrusion in the rear tail light assemblies. This issue was previously repaired around 2018 under Kia’s service action related to moisture and water entering the rear combination lamps, but the problem has returned. Moisture and water are again getting inside the tail light housing, which can lead to corrosion, bulb or LED failure, and electrical problems. I am concerned that this could cause the brake light or turn signal to fail unexpectedly. If one of these lights goes out without warning, other drivers may not be able to tell when I am stopping or turning, which could increase the risk of a rear-end or side-impact crash. Since this issue was repaired before and has now returned, I am concerned that the original repair did not permanently correct the defect and that the problem may be related to an ongoing sealing or manufacturing issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768780October 3, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The Headlights and ALL exterior lights FLICKER or TURN OFF ENTIRELY while driving, especially when touching the Multi-Function Turn Signal Stalk to signal a turn. This can and HAS happened when the Headlights are switched on any mode: MARKER LIGHTS, HEADLIGHTS, or AUTO. I can be driving, Headlights are on AUTO - suddenly - ALL HEADLIGHTS/EXTERIOR LIGHTS FLICKER OR TURN OFF. I have to quickly touch the Multi-Function Stalk or switch it from AUTO to HEADLIGHTS to keep the lights on. I then have to be careful when using the same Stalk to signal turns or it may cause the lights to flicker or turn off entirely AGAIN. THIS ISSUE CAN OCCUR EVERY DAY IF I'M NOT VERY DELICATE WITH THE MULTI-FUNCTION STALK. SOMETIMES, IT FLICKERS/TURNS OFF NO MATTER WHAT & I HAVE TO SWITCH THE LIGHTS FROM AUTO TO HEADLIGHTS OR VICE-VERSA TO ENSURE HEADLIGHTS STAY ON. THIS ISSUE HAS EVEN HAPPENED WHEN I DIDN'T TOUCH THE STALK AT ALL & I WAS DRIVING ON A DARK, RURAL HIGHWAY. LIGHTS OUT! THIS IS A DANGEROUS ISSUE THAT CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH. PLEASE INVESTIGATE, THANK YOU. I plan on having this issue fixed ASAP at my expense, which I hope won't be too expensive. $$$
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767943September 30, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
2017 Kia Forte (Recall SC216 Trunk latch - this 2017 VIN needs to be included
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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