Kia Forte Complaints

2,563 consumer complaints on file.

#11504417January 30, 2023
ENGINE
While driving on the interstate vehicle's engine warning light turned on and suddenly the vehicle rapidly lost power. This created a VERY dangerous situation on a busy highway, putting my safety at risk and those of fellow drivers. Luckily there were no accidents and I managed to get to a repair facility. The mechanic said the engine codes were for the replacement of the engine. The engine was also low on oil again. Refilled oil to proper levels. The same issue occurred the next day, with more missing oil - no power, barely drivable and smells like gasoline inside the car a 2014 KIA FORTE.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11504491January 30, 2023
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
The contact called on behalf of his wife who owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under Kia Campaign Number: SC165; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that the rear brake lights failed to operate as designed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that the brake light bulbs needed to be replaced. The contact stated that he replaced the rear brake lights bulbs twice himself. Additionally, the contact stated that he had replaced the brake light switch. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was it was diagnosed that engine oil was leaking and the valve cover gasket needed to be replaced. The part was replaced, however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11504550January 30, 2023
ENGINE
Engine is very noisy for quite some time before getting quiet. 40000 miles. Lifters making a lot of noise. Possibly a failing oil pump.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11504162January 28, 2023
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
As I am driving my car losses speed slows to almost stop. I keep my foot on the gas pedal very lightly pressing acceleration to keep it going.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11504046January 27, 2023
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle started shaking with an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle started to stall, and the contact shifted to neutral and turned off and restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) and the contact was advised to contact the dealer for assistance. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The manufacturer was contacted confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 158,949.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11503854January 26, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER
My car has been broken into twice due to the manufacturer not having proper ignition safeguards put into place, received no help from manufacturer , this is a known issue
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11503757January 26, 2023
STEERING
This morning I needed to move my son's 2014 KIA Forte. There was very notable clicking noise in the steering wheel with even the slightest turn. I googled "clicking noise in steering wheel" and found thousands of listings (all KIA and Hyundai) for failures of a coupler in vehicles along with numerous videos with the same symptoms that I experienced. I also found that for 2012/2013 Soul and 2014 Cadenza that KIA had done an extended warranty for 10 years unlimited miles that was posted on the NHTSA website. I could not find anything similar for the KIA Forte even though I found many on-line consumer complaints for the same issue in the KIA. I contacted both the nearest service dealer (no appointments until April) and KIA Consumer and they said they had a significant back-log for any service. I would like to know if there have been enough complaints from KIA Forte owners that the warranty extension would apply. If not, I would like to add this complaint for the KIA Forte so that the NHTSA knows that the issue is more widespread than just for the models listed in the original extension. Thanks so much.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11503662January 25, 2023
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while having a routine oil change at an independent mechanic, he was informed there was a ticking noise coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the vehicle had experienced rod bearings failure, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11503107January 23, 2023
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
It has been a reoccurring problem where the car will suddenly shut off in the middle of driving. I have already taken it to Kia 4 times and the problem has not been fixed. There is a creaking noise and when I specifically turn left, it will trigger the oil light and it will flash. Recently, it has not been starting. It has definitely put my life and other at risk but I have no choice but to drive it because of work and school.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11503207January 23, 2023
ENGINE
1. The engine failed and is available for inspection upon request. 2. The car died in the middle of an interstate, I could have been rear ended putting the safety of myself and others in jeopardy. 3. As attached, an independent service center confirmed that the oil light was on, but there was oil in the car. They couldn’t find the problem. 4. The vehicle was inspected by an independent service center. 5. The oil warning lamp illuminated about 5 minutes prior to engine failure. The engine had been making knocking noises for at least 5 years. I asked mechanics multiple times to see if there was an issue with the engine because it would make so much noise but every time they came back and said they couldn’t find a problem. The engine had quit around 9/20/21 and Paul’s garage said there was a clog in the lines so they did a crankcase flush and the car was up and running again. Every time I took the car for maintenance after that they did a preventative crankcase flush. This time the engine died and I was told it is locked up. In the file I have uploaded there are 4 invoices from maintenance and repairs done to the car that I feel might relate to the issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11502743January 20, 2023
ENGINE
My KIA Forte engine suddenly seized at 112,548 miles. This was verified by a personal mechanic as well at a KIA dealership service department. There were no notifications or warning lamps alerting of any potential problems with this engine or any other car part at all. This car was bought brand new and serviced oil changes were made on time only using full synthetic oil. Luckily for me this happen while I was on my driveway and not on the road.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11502813January 20, 2023
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the check engine warning light was blinking, and the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The contact was able to drive to his residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing, and the mechanic stated that the knock sensor needed to be replaced. The dealer updated the software, and the knock sensor was replaced. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 67,068.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11502550January 19, 2023
AIR BAGS
Air bags did not deploy during car accident. I sustained severe injuries to the face. Puncture wound to jaw, forehead laceration to skull, spinal cord damage, and fractured ribs. Unknown if problem has been reproduced or confirmed by dealership. Car was totaled not sure if it’s available for inspection. Vehicle is being investigated by insurance and police did complete a report. Check forward avoidance assist system.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11502407January 18, 2023
ENGINE
I was driving home one night. Nothing out of the norm. Suddenly I felt a slight tug in my car and something like a “rattling” sound. I thought it was my tire so I pulled over and checked but the noise was coming from the engine. I popped the hood and found it was the engine knocking. I towed the car to the nearest KIA dealer and found out it was a “Long Block” issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11501847January 15, 2023
AIR BAGS
I toke the car in for the recalls it had on it back in the fall of 2022 to don Franklin kia in Somerset, Ky. The airbag light still goes on and off intermittently. It has been on steady for nearly 3weeks straight now. Since that did the recall of the clock spring of the air bag, they are wanting me to pay for the repair out right. It could be as much as $3500.00 for the air bag and module. I don't know why it's not covered since it didn't fix my problem the first time. Please help, any advice would be appreciated. Thank you Sincerely, Ricky Frazier 364 highway 26 Williamsburg, Ky 40769 606-234-5104
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11500962January 10, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Unknown. My 2017 Kia Forte LX turns off while I’m driving. The entire car dies but the electric works. I have to put in park and sit a minute before my car will start again.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11500643January 8, 2023
ENGINE
Currently at 80k miles and roughly at 50k miles started hearing metal clanking when accelerating and smelling burning metal and hints of electric fire when driving, I've been adding oil / changing the oil every week because it's barely any oil on the dipstick and noticed that there are shiny metal flakes in the oil and filter every time, I have an hour commute to and from work and this motor is a ticking time bomb and I have to put 4.3 quarts every week. The motor is burning oil and when I first start it it barley stays running and shakes tremendously also sometimes it has revved up to 3k rpms but after about 30 seconds to a minute it drops under 1k rpm and idles rough, I've had it checked for leaks and there are none. I took it to the kia dealership and they said that it was not a recall and they couldn't help.I went as well for the trunk latch and Forward Collision recall. Latch was broken and they didn't fix it I had to order one offline, only thing that was done was the coolant flush service and the fuel system and forward collision, also was told that one of the motor mounts was bad and paid for it but never received it. I'm spending boo koodles on oil and filters I could have purchased a used vehicle for what I've spent on that. Please help me out with this. I've been considering just taking it back to the bank and ruin my credit because I'm scared that it will catch on fire or leave me stranded or even getting in an accident. I'm terrified to continue driving it but unfortunately it's my only transportation but everyday I take a risk. I just don't understand these motors I've changed the oil every 3k miles since I got it. For it to only have 80k miles there shouldn't be metal flakes in the oil and filter every time I change it. The only other issue is sometimes while on the highway it just acts like it's loosing power and it cuts out accelerating here and there not sure if the motor is close to locking up. I don't have photos at the moment but have videos.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11500408January 6, 2023
POWER TRAIN
I took my car for transmission service before 60k miles Wallace kia of Bristol I was told they couldn’t drain fluids and sent home 12/20/21 in feb/March 2022 my trans went out it was taken to Kia dealership in Clarksville tn replaced again brought back 4/22 with same issues emailed videos nothin was done said couldn’t find a problem at around 73 k is when it was replaced mentioned it again to Bristol kia dealership when I brought my car back in for the second time to have batting’s replaced in steering column was told they didn’t have time to check it out 12/27/22 my car is leaking some type of fluid my trains goes out the same day it’s now over powertrain warranty as well as transmission warranty 12,000 miles /but not 12 month warranty the transmission itself has 33,000 miles since being replaced my issue is I’m stuck with a car I can’t drive and still continue to pay for and both of these dealerships were well informed of the issues I had prior to warranty expiring this is a safety hazard as I have children and the first time it went out I was on the interstate in Nashville with my 5 yr old son and was barely able to safely make it off the road way well prior knowledge of this problem it should have been addressed long before now . My car has been serviced maintained as well as tire rotation proper oil changes and and fuel injection cleaner done when transmission was replaced these transmissions need to be recalled there is no way a new transmission less than a year old user 40k miles should have failed like this twice so if I can’t get some help with this issue I will be given no other choice but to keep letting everyone know about this problem I have contacted Kia customer service they are if no help I have contacted both dealerships told nothin can be done I have contacted Kia and no response or call back this is a serious and on going issue with the 2020 Kia Forte as well as the bar rings in the steering column which my son has same car and also had replace
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11500340January 5, 2023
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Forte. The contact stated the vehicle failed to immediately start up as needed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to start the vehicle after several attempts. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that coolant was leaking into the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The independent mechanic associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V260000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11500206January 4, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I start to notice the lamp as well as a knocking sound in October of 2022 I was concerned so I took it to a local mechanic and was told that this particular model car was on a recall for engine fire hazard. He then advised me to call the dealership I purchased the vehicle from. I then called them to let them know what is going on with the car, the employee tells me they can't do the work and referred me to another dealership that's a larger facility. To my knowledge of doing research, I then found out that the engine can catch fire when shut off or in process of being driven so it's very dangerous regarding me and my family. I then called the dealership and they asked for my VIN number, they then tell me yes, this car has 3 different recalls that are showing, and I made an appointment to have it inspected on Jan 2 of 2023 and I took my car to the dealership, and they confirmed I need a new engine. They then told me they will not repair my vehicle. I've never gotten anything in the mail stating there was a recall on any of the parts for my KIA 2015 until the knocking from the engine and the lamp coming on and was told by a local mechanic that there's a recall on this model.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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