Kia Forte Complaints (2023)

66 consumer complaints on file.

#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
#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
#11683514August 27, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: Unintended full brake engagement at highway speeds caused by electronic parking brake/Auto Hold button defect. Extreme risk of collision. Details: On [XXX], my wife was driving our 2023 Kia Forte GT Line when the Auto Hold and electronic parking brake system malfunctioned. The system fully engaged the brakes without warning while traveling at highway speed, scraping the brake rotors and creating an immediate risk of being rear-ended. This occurred multiple times. The following day ([XXX], the brake pedal would not depress at all, rendering the vehicle undrivable. The dealership (McFarland Kia, North Hampton, NH) diagnosed “a sticky substance” inside the electronic parking brake button, located next to the cupholder. There have never been any liquid spills in this vehicle. The more likely cause is a combination of factory lubrication and normal dust/debris accumulation over time. If such a small amount of dust or residue can trigger unintended full braking while driving, it is a dangerous design flaw that poses a life-threatening hazard to drivers and passengers. The vehicle was repaired after I paid $284.99 out-of-pocket, but I am pursuing reimbursement through my Zurich Vehicle Service Contract. I have also requested an independent third-party brake and rotor inspection, as this defect may have caused further damage. Why this is a safety issue: Sudden, uncommanded braking at highway speeds can cause high-speed rear-end collisions. The defect can occur without visible warning and without any driver action. The defect can be triggered by minimal non-liquid debris, which is unavoidable over the life of a vehicle. I am requesting NHTSA investigate whether this is an isolated case or part of a larger design defect in the Kia Forte’s electronic parking brake/Auto Hold system. This condition should not be possible in a vehicle that meets federal safety standards. 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
#11677136July 30, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Driving home. Unexpectedly foward collision warning came on light never turned off even after a reset was done on the car
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11673182July 13, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
The front radar FCA/SCC is misdetecting vehicles in other lanes and often slams on the brakes for no reason. Other times it lights on the dash and says the system (radar detection) is off or is blocked, when it clearly is not. Kia had this same issue with the 2020, 2021, and 2022 Kia Telluride and issued TSB SC243 (with a software update). I have been to 2 different dealerships, and one had a bunch of excuses and the other dealership had no idea what i was talking about. The car was about 21 months old and millage 20,000 miles when the issue began.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11672658July 11, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
As I was driving at about 20 mph coming to a stop my passenger front door unlatched and caused the door to open and the door sensors to go off. This door was in fact locked and closed. Now I’m very scared to drive my car because if I was going faster the door could swing open and would be very dangerous to and to others.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669077June 25, 2025
SUSPENSION
Passenger front side makes noises like something is clicking. It makes like a rattle noise too
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#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
#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
#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
#11609267August 18, 2024
STRUCTURE:BODY
I walked out to my car and I noticed there were scratches and dents that weren’t there that morning. I park in a carport in my apartment, and the only vehicle that could’ve possibly hit mine would be the GMC Yukon who parks in the carport next to me. Their car is completely wrecked on the back, so although there are scratches that match the damage to my car, they could easily say they didn’t do it. However, their back drivers side window is replaced with black tape, and their passenger side mirror is blown off as well. These 2 damages blocked their vision of my vehicle, which explains why they are responsible for the damages. The tags on their vehicle have been expired for 2 years as well.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11607585August 9, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
My safety system keeps malfunctioning. I am unable to use safety features, blinkers, hazards and gauges of speed, gas and rpm go to zero. I have taken my car several time to the Kia dealership in Arlington Texas and they keep giving me the run around with my concern. They say that don't have codes that validate a problem. I have shown them video and pictures of what happens and they refuse to help me. My complete dash will light up and all my warning signs are in and blinking and bell is going off. Systems of failure had been taking place for a year now and I don't know what else to do. I had a recall done on my new car at the location and since then I e been dealing with this safety issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11604411July 25, 2024
STEERING, SUSPENSION
2023 Kia Forte LXS drives unsteady requiring continuous correction of Steering: feels excessive bumpiness/bounciness in the front end with subtle abnormal sideways movement (as if drifting away or swaying). It also feels the vehicle has subtle but sudden shaky movements and looseness in the wheel leading up to steering but no vibration. This is felt at both slow speed and highway speed. Dealership Service Dept. has already checked the wheels alignment, balancing and suspension, and found them to be okay. To me, the symptoms suggest faulty Steering System such as Steering linkage or steering column. However Dealership now refuses to acknowledge the issue calling it a normal function of the vehicle. Every time I drive the vehicle, it feels unsafe. Dealership also does not accept my requests to investigate the steering system. In fact they shut the door at my face.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11585792April 29, 2024
SUSPENSION
My brand new 2023 Kia Forte LXS (Koa the Kia)'s lower right control arm is completely broken, the rack & pinion inner tie rod end is bent, as well has damage to bottom coverage panel, right side rims scratches and scratched under bumper paint from collapse. In March of 2024, the vehicle completely collapsed on the road, and felt like the car was dangerously floating. By the good grace of God, my children and I made it home safely. I was not aware of how tremendous the damages were, until MaxCare directed me to have a tow company transport my new vehicle to a manufacturer, Ed Voles Kia in Atlanta, GA, where the right tire was completely disconnected from the vehicle. Ed Voyles Kia has had the vehicle since the collapse, and has been inspected with an invoice for future references. The vehicle would make loud popping noises, depending on the steering wheels position while operating the vehicle. I took it upon myself to get the issue checked out in Little Rock, AR at Landers Kia in February 2024, personally thinking it was the brakes (though just purchased). Other than unappealing noises, and a floating feeling while driving, there were no other warnings to anticipate such a grueling tragedy.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11585275April 25, 2024
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed during a rainstorm, she became aware that the windshield wiper was sticking and failed to adequately clear away water from the windshield, severely reducing visibility. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 10,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11584649April 23, 2024
STEERING
Car has steering issues. When driving on flat straight roads steering wheel will slightly tighten and start to pull to the right. This happens about 70% of the time. Resistance on the steering wheel is needed in order for the car not to drive off the road or into another vehicle. It is hard keep the car in the lanes at times. Car was kept in the shop for 4+ months and verified by the dealership that there was an alignment issue. It has had 5+ alignments. Dealerships have not fixed the issue, but are now saying the car is driving as designed. Alignment has been done by a different dealership two more times after they said, the car was driving as designed. There are recalls on this car for steering issues, but I was told my vin is not associated.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Kia Forte