Kia Forte Complaints
2,563 consumer complaints on file.
- #11432804September 13, 2021STEERING
while coming to a stop, the passenger side front wheel locked up forcing the car into a sharp right had turn which put the car into a ditch, striking cement barrier at bottom of ditch. car likely totalled
- Crash:
- Yes
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11432614September 11, 2021UNKNOWN OR OTHER
In the last few months, the engine makes increasingly louder knocking/ticking sound. Took it to the Ray Skillman KIA service shop in Southern Indianapolis/Greenwood area . They say they have seen other cars with the same problem and that the engine will die and needs replacement, at a massive cost. KIA has recalled several other models in the same model years with this problem, but somehow skipped on the KIA Forte 2011 EX. Not sure if this is an oversight on their part or cunning. PLEASE INVESTIGATE URGENTLY. Several others are reporting this issue on NHTSA and the Dealers have probably seen a 100x number of complaints relative to what's reported here. Thanks in advance.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11432242September 9, 2021ENGINE
Kia dealer states the engine is blown. Because of lack of oil in engine. I changed the oil in a timely manner and on a regular basis but the engine still failed only after 77,000. No prior warning of engine failure until the engine failed.Kia warranty refuses to cover cost of $8000 engine replacement because I didn’t keep receipts proving the oil was changed in a timely manner.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11432264September 9, 2021SERVICE BRAKES
The break pedal stopper pad deteriorated causing break lights to constantly illuminate.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11431777September 5, 2021ENGINE
Two months after the knock sensor update was completed the motor quit running. Prior to this update the car was running great. Even after the motor bearings supposedly were going bad, the car did not leak or burn oil or antifreeze and had been getting 26 miles per gallon in town. Had we traded in the car before the last update we were offered $5400, now the car is only work $800 in salvage. Kia has refused to assist us in any way on this matter and we are having to seek litigation to get some sort of restitution. If you can help this would be greatly appreciated. When the motor failed the car was traveling at highway speeds and just locked up. My daughter, who is 17 and was driving could have been killed as she had to go from the left lane to the right shoulder without any power or power assisted brakes/steering. This is completely unacceptable and Kia would not offer any compensation in the repair of the vehicle and now is seeking a signature absolving them of any liability in this matter.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11431740September 4, 2021SEATS, VISIBILITY/WIPER
1. Windshield wipers have been changed three time and when it rains they Smear. Not one pair has ever cleaned right. 2. The tire pressure light came on and has stayed on Kia wants $200.00 to look into it. 3. The Front seats vibrate ( don’t know about the back seats). A lot. I talk to a service man at Kia Cerritos and nothing was ever done or checked.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11431634September 3, 2021ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Car started over heating, took it to the shop and my engine coolant resistor was melting, they replaced the part and it is starting to melt again and my car is starting to over heat
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11431644September 3, 2021LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Forte. The contact stated while attempting to open the rear trunk door lid, it was discovered that the trunk door lid could not be opened while using the key fob, the trunk release, or the emergency trunk release. Later while driving approximately 70 MPH, the trunk lid suddenly opened and could no longer be closed or secured. A cell phone cord was used to secure the trunk door lid. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA campaign number 21V622000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 44,300.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11431679September 3, 2021ENGINE
THE ENGINE FAILED DURING EVENING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, THE CAR STALLED IN TRAFFIC AND WOULD NOT CUT BACK ON. VEHICLE HAD TO BE PUSHED OUT OF THE ROAD AND TOWED HOME. PREVIOUSLY THE ENGINE LIGHT DID APPEAR ON IN THE CAR BUT A RECENT OIL CHANGE WAS DONE ON THE CAR WHICH CAUSED THE LIGHT TO GO AWAY. VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN FROM THE SHOP AFTER OIL CHANGE WAS DONE AND CAR STALLED ONCE ON THE WAY HOME. I DID A GOOGLE SEARCH FOR RECALLS AND FOUND OUT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE CAR (RECALL NO. 21V260000)CAR WAS TAKEN TO KIA DEALERSHIP A DAY OR 2 LATER AND A DIAGNOSTICS WAS DONE ON THE VEHICLE BY THE KIA DEALERSHIP. THE KIA DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS METAL SHAVINGS IN THE ENGINE OF THE CAR. THEY REFUSED TO FIX THE CAR DESPITE ME SHOWING THEM THE RECALL NUMBER THE KIA DEALERSHIP SAID THEY CAN FIX IT FOR $7600 OR I CAN GET ANOTHER CAR AND PUT DOWN BETWEEN $5000-6000. THEY ALSO SAID BEING THAT MY CAR WASN'T APART OF THE RECALL THERE WAS NOTHING THEY CAN DO EVEN THOUGH MY CAR WAS SHOWING SIGNS THAT WAS STATED IN THE RECALL. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY PARKED IN MY BACKYARD AND CURRENTLY NOT DRIVEABLE.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11431600September 3, 2021SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
I bought a brand new Kia Forte with 30 miles on it in February. In April I took it to the dealership for the breaks squeaking. The dealership stated they put conditioner on my breaks. Took the car back again in may for the breaks still squeaking. The dealership changed my oil when that was not what I called and asked for. Had to wait another hour for the dealership to look over the breaks. They stated they put conditioner on the rotors. Brought the car back again in July for breaks squeaking still. They replaced the front end breaking system. August 25, 2021. Was driving and heard a clanking noise under my car. Pulled over. The break caliper on the driver side back end was broken. Had to get the car towed to the dealership.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11431538September 2, 2021ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving approximately 80 MPH, the vehicle was shaking violently and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V750000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who stated that the parts were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11431150August 31, 2021ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving my vehicle - My 2016 Kia Forte LX all of sudden had my dashboard light up with check engine light oil etc. before the engine turned off My vehicle gave me no warning signs up until the engine shut off The oil change and service is up-to-date After I had my vehicle towed to a garage— it was determined that my car barely had any oil left in it with my engine being ruined as a result of the defect. I’ve contacted Kia every single day since this occurred but I’ve not gotten any assistance whatsoever Meanwhile I have no vehicle and I’ve had to pay for a rental car daily while I wait for a response to rectify this travesty
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11430446August 25, 2021ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the check engine and oil warning lights illuminated and then the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull over and park the vehicle in a parking lot where the vehicle remained. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the VIN was not associated with any recalls. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11430545August 25, 2021UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When there is a YouTube tutorial on how to steal a Kia or Hyundai, it is time to stop the abuse, pain and suffering of the consumer!
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11429926August 20, 2021ENGINE
Driving on highway the car made a noise and stalled. Pulled over and all the oil was on the highway. Kia dealership said a piston in the engine blew and a rod broke and made a hole in the engine block. Car is less than 10 years old. Car has 98,000 miles. Kia refuses to replace the engine because I’m not an original owner. The whole engine needs to be replaced
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11429886August 20, 2021ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming excessive oil and there was oil leaking onto the ground. The contact had to put 1 to 2 quarts of oil for every trip. There was also smoke coming from the engine and a loud knocking noise was heard. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on four separate occasions and the dealer refilled the oil. However, the dealer could not diagnose the failure. The contact stated that the dealer attempted to make her sign a waiver but when she refused, the dealer would not provide any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was concerned that the vehicle may catch fire. The contact attempted to contact the manufacturer but was not able to speak to a live representative. The failure mileage was 54,498.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- Yes
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11429725August 19, 2021ENGINE
While driving normal 35 mph speed engine started knocking loudly, pulled into parking lot shut it off. Called dad, an ASE Master Mechanic, told him what happened. He told me to start it so he could hear it, bang, bang BOOM! stench, smoke car died. He told me it sounded like the rod bearing . Got towed home. Towed to Kia dealer near home, they diagnosed blown rod bearing engine toast. This is probably the SAME engine the lawsuits were about with the SAME PROBLEM. I am thrilled that no-one was hurt, there had been fires, explosions etc. If it happened on the freeway it could have been BAD!
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11429806August 19, 2021UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When I’m driving down the road it’s starts losing power and the icon of car with dizzy lines starts flashing but if the car gains any speed the icon goes out .And like today when I tried to push brake to stop and pull over it started shaking so bad I felt like the whole front in was going to fall out ,The last time I had smoke come out when I tried to give it a little gas to move.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11429630August 18, 2021LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the trunk door latch would not securely latch when closed. The contact was on the way to the dealer to have the vehicle diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 82,734.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11429674August 18, 2021AIR BAGS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, STRUCTURE:BODY
My airbag light is on took it to dealership when the airbag recall came out to have it check and got it back with airbag light on. And when it rains water gets in the trunk and also my passenger and driver side floor board gets soaked it has begun to show signs of mold this really concerns me due to the fact i have health issues and having to drive a car with mold growing in it is a huge issue
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0