Kia Forte Complaints

2,563 consumer complaints on file.

#11604556July 25, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle shut off and independently restarted. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed of a Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) engine compartment failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced or repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown manufacturer’s recall. The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was informed that the repair would be an out-of-pocket expense. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall and the vehicle had to be repaired out-of-pocket. The failure mileage was 8,000.
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
#11604214July 24, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated to 55-70 MPH. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal slightly, the vehicle came to a complete stop. The ABS, traction control, and ECU warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V773000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was taken to the residence, where the contact opened the hood and noticed an abnormal burning odor and smoke. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the battery had failed, and the HECU fuse box had melted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11604365July 24, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES
My car was sitting in the driveway went out of park. I was able to get it stopped and pull emergency brake before any crash occurred. I seen that the brake switch was on recall and thought I should see if I can get it fixed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11603854July 22, 2024
ENGINE, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
Have had the car since it had 30,000 on it. It was one year old when we bought it. We changed the oil every three months faithfully. The car has 77,000 miles on it now and needs a new engine. The Kias with this type of engine have been recalled, but this car was not. I have had three mechanics tell me that Kia just built this engine poorly. Is there anything that can be done?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11603051July 17, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2018 Kia Forte, purchased certified used June 2022, will randomly go into ECO or Sport mode on startup or while the vehicle is in motion. Vehicle is not equipped with Drive Mode control buttons, indicating that ECO/Sport modes are not supposed to be active feature. While I vaguely remember the mode change occurring during previous two years of my ownership, the first noticeable incident in 2024 was of the vehicle going into ECO mode (green indicator light) happen upon startup the morning of 5/26/24. This was noticeable due to the fact that the ECO mode slow down caused me to nearly be rear-ended by a semi while merging onto the freeway. The vehicle remained stuck in ECO mode for several weeks. On the morning of 6/10/24, while driving, vehicle began to sputter/hesitate and ECO light blinked on/off then switched to Sport (yellow indicator light) mode and vehicle surged forward. Vehicle then switched back to ECO mode and it remained in this mode until the morning of 6/13/24, at which point it went into Sport mode upon startup. It went back into Normal mode (no indicator light) upon startup the evening of 6/13/24. Vehicle was inspective by selling dealership 6/15/24 and they could not duplicate the issue nor pull trouble codes. Remained in Normal mode until the evening of 7/15/24, at which point it switched back to ECO mode. Dealership has been notified. It should be known that ECO mode slows down the vehicle response to conserve fuel, Sport mode speeds it up. While these features can be useful when wanted and properly installed with the appropriate controls, the randomness in which these features engage make them a safety hazard, especially considering the control buttons are not installed. Based on NHTSA VIN information the trim package of my vehicle, LX (which KIA America has yet to confirm even though I have made multiple inquiries), Drive mode is an optional feature which was not activated by the original/first owner.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11602860July 17, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On Saturday, July 13th, 2024 my engine light came on. I stopped, checked all my fluids and hoses and all were good. I took my car into the shop on 7/16 (I did not drive it after the 13th until I could get into the shop). They used their machine to check the codes and it is showing P0867 - Transmission Fluid Pressure code. This has never happened before and as I research it, thousands are having this problem which after the update that needs installed on the customers dime, if it does not fix the problem, we all need new transmissions. How is this not a federal recall on all 2019+ KIA Forte's. I did find the TSB for the update so hopefully the dealership will not charge for the update. This is a huge issue and KIA should be made to take care of the people who purchased their product, especially since they know about it and are acting like they do not see all of these cases of their defective products. Is this just being allowed to happen?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11602539July 16, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I purchased my 2013 Kia Forte EX5 used with 35,000 and now have 165,000 with normal wear n tear I've been mostly satisfied except with the head lights, tail and brake lights and the plate lights. Until reading here, I didn't make the connection that Yes, I have spent a lot of time and money on getting these replaced multiple times each year-seems every oil change there's been a bulb out. No melting of the socket just a blub blown. I go to Advance auto, and thankfully they are adept in swapping out the front lights but for all the rear I most have to get a mechanic
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11601750July 13, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I recently discovered that my car has a could safety recalls, regarding the HECU possibly having a short, and a brittle brake switch stopper. I called my local Kia dealer - Cartown Kia in Nicholasville, KY - about this issue, and was informed that it might not potentially be fixed for upwards of 2 months (2 weeks of I show up with my car today). This is not going to be fixed in a timely manner, especially with the risk of my car catching fire, and the dealership not providing a loaner car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11601808July 13, 2024
ENGINE
Engine malfunctioned while driving vehicle on busy street. There were no engine lights on prior to malfunction. Oil change and routine maintenance was completed. Unknown if problem is reproduced, just word of mouth that other Kia have had problems with engines. No inspections completed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11600781July 10, 2024
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING
8/24/22, 2/3/23, 10/23/23. 6/14/24 I began getting random illumination of an ICON of an engine. It would come on then off. When I called KIA, I was told if the light stayed on then get an appointment with Kia. The illumination rarely stayed on then I got a recall letter, so I got an appointment with Kia rather soon initially. I didn't get much information on the matter from the mechanic and that bothered me. I started leaving the car parked due to getting a run around from Kia. There were problems in slow starting the vehicle as well as light issues inside and outside the vehicle, so I got a new battery. There were some weird types of shakings or types of car seizures at times. During August 2022, Kia ran some software tests. Kia continued to service my vehicle and the prices got expensive. With all the tests and repairs the vehicle MIL returned then it failed to start and at times, it began having difficulty starting during 2023. I began contacting Kia and its manufacturer more often about the times my car was out and had to be tolled a few times during last year until the starter had to be replaced last year. The Kia dealer initially tried to scheduled appointment during the month of September, 2024 as the MIA and some other Haydraulic light came on and made it more difficult to even drive. I was told they were seriously busy when I called Kia. Then the next appointment when I called the dealer of Kia on 6/18/24 was set for 7/17/24 in VB, but I never got any calls or confirmation. I called numerous times. It was really frustrating even after I been contacting Kia and the manufactural numerous times without any returned calls. I got a similar recall on my Kia 2019, Cadenza during the end of May 2024. I hope I can get my 2013 back soon before this other car needs fixing or breaks down, too. Both of these vehicles were purchased new. I don't understand why it is taking so long to fix with a fuse. I had considered trying to sale as I need my vehicle(s).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11600468July 9, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The hood latch doesn't always work and the hood could fly up and obstruct vision and cause a wreck,the gas door sticks and won't open on the first try, engine is slow on excelleration some times. Not sure when it all started
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11599217July 5, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that there was an abnormal burning wiring odor inside the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 28,800. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11598552July 3, 2024
ENGINE
Check engine light came on, engine started vibrating while driving on highway and lost power. Could not continue driving, vehicle was towed to service workshop.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11597709June 29, 2024
ENGINE
I have already filled out one of these forms a couple of years ago. It is absolutely ridiculous that every 2011-2015 Kia Forte engine has been recalled, but mine has not. My engine completely blew up a few years ago. It has the exact same problem all these other engines have. I called Kia and asked them to help me replace it bc the issue is exactly the same and they refused. A con-rod warped and then broke and it shot through the bottom of my engine. The rod could have shot back into the inside of the car. God forbid my daughter would be in my car and that happens. I had to replace the engine and the turbo which isn’t cheap at all. Then because of the strain of all of that, it made my transmission go out which has now been replaced. All of these other engines have the exact same problem. It’s the same problem as the 2.0L, but I guess because mine is a 1.6L and it’s a manual transmission, mine hasn’t been recalled yet? The only reason I’m making another report is because my check engine light is on, AGAIN, and the new engine in my car is starting to experience the exact same issues as my last one. Literally every other type of Kia Forte engine has been recalled except for my. I would like a recalled to be issued and a refund of the money I have sunk into this car. I can’t sell it because I owe too much on it, so the only option is to fix it. At this point I have put more than double the amount of money into this car than it’s even worth. Something needs to be done here. I’m really not trying to wait around until it blows up again and I have to replace another engine. I know I’m just one person, but there has to be other complaints like this.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11597268June 27, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving at approximately 5 MPH, the brakes failed to respond while the brake pedal was being depressed. The contact was able to come to a stop by engaging the parking brake. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake lines needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,334.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11597359June 27, 2024
ENGINE
I get regularly scheduled oil changes but the car is making a noise like a rod knock
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11596697June 26, 2024
ENGINE
I was driving on a road, then the car just died out of know where after driving for about a hour. I got the car to the side of the road to be somewhat more safe. I started the car back up then started hearing a knocking. then had it towed to the dealer. they said they cant do anything.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11596732June 26, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
My traction control light is coming on. It stops the transmission from working while I'm driving down the road at 55 miles an hour an the car stalls. And I have to restart the car. Sometimes the light will go off. Sometimes it wont for a while have to let car sit with the engine off but I have to shut the car down. And then start it back up. This is an accident waiting to happen. Sometimes this happens 7 times a day.And usually it's when i'm on about going 55 or 60 on a beltway was almost hit twice mechanic don't know what wrong no codes
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11597050June 26, 2024
ENGINE
Vehicle is having same symptoms as recalled Kia’s with Nu engine. My engine is consuming oil. I brought it to Kia dealership to have it diagnost and piston rings are not working as they should. This will lead to engine failure. This problem is what is occurring on the recalled Kia’s. I have not had the vehicle for long & am very disappointed in what is going on. I want something done & to have this reported for the other Kia’s who are experiencing the symptoms that don’t have their VIN called. I had my vehicle looked at Cartown Kia in Florence, SC. My tech was Robert & service rep was Kelcey.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Kia Forte