Kia Forte Complaints

2,563 consumer complaints on file.

#11523080May 21, 2023
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
The car is slamming on breaks at random no warning it is going to cause a reck a 18 wheeler almost killed us that was behind us. And I can be driving down the road and the wheel try to jerk me into another lane. This car is not safe. But is not having any warning lights going off that anything is wrong
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11523057May 20, 2023
ENGINE
Engine piston knock getting ready to fail and lock up which could cause a crash and loss of control of car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11522816May 19, 2023
POWER TRAIN
I’ve had my car at the dealer four times now within the first 10k miles to get its FOURTH transmission replacement. Kia will not replace the transmission with a brand new one however settles for used refurbished transmissions with Used parts. Which have been failing on average of 1000 to 1500 miles later
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11522476May 17, 2023
ENGINE
Repeated engine failure. 10/1/2022 "internal problem required engine teardown found exhaust cvvt dowel pin had sheared off inside of exhaust camshaft causing excessive play. Replaced exhaust cvvt exhaust camshaft valve cover gasket rtv exhaust cvvt bolt timing chain tensioner timing chain and ocv. Replaced gaskets as needed." Paid $2877.01 to repair. Then on 5/15/2023, loud knocking in engine (sounds like a loose bolt knocking around). Took to dealer and got this quote. "•Exhaust system (Loose Parts, Visible Damage, Leaks) OBD 2 PERMANENT CODE FOR P0420- RECOMMEND CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACEMENT $10,106.27 •REPLACE ENGINE - NON ISG $4,232.81" Only has 127k miles and cannot pay this much... $14+k for a car that is worth $4k? Crazy! I question the work that was done in Oct 2022 and also question why it had to be done in the first place. Something is very wrong with this engine. It is available for inspections upon request. My daughter's safety was compromised as she commuted with a car that has a serious engine defects. Problem was diagnosed at dealership. It has been inspected by the Kia dealership. Engine light warning was on which is why my daughter took it to them in Oct. 2022. Came on again in May 2023 and she took it to dealership again as soon as she saw it which was when the knocking began. Link to outrageous quote on May 16, 2024. https://triage-america.superservice.com/home/en-us/customer-authorisation/#/A3zAAy&n2azet;VVM=&sms
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11521569May 11, 2023
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2010 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving and while at a complete stop, she noticed an abnormal burning odor. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the third brake light assembly had melted. The mechanic replaced the third brake light assembly; however, the burning odor persisted. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the valve cover gasket was replaced; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle made abnormal rattling sounds. The dealer diagnosed that the belt tensioner needed to be replaced. The part was replaced by AAA. The contact stated that the rattling sounds were reduced; however, the burning odor persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that she was concerned for her safety. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11521122May 9, 2023
ENGINE
Car lost power, stalled in traffic at a stoplight on a slight incline, rolled back into another vehicle. Have been having repeated problems with stalling. Have taken it to 3 dealerships, none of whom have done anything beyond oil changes. They've even refused to scan it. Kia says it should be under warranty for a new engine after KSDS update, then says it's not. We've been lucky not to have injuries so far because it's done this stalling thing multiple times in traffic.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11520953May 8, 2023
STEERING
Issue seems to be with the steering of the car. It is very stiff and difficult to maneuver. Steering needs to be hold tightly to keep car in the lane, else car keeps on going towards the right side. I took the car to service center as well and they also acknowledged the problem and as per my understanding they fixed some steering angle issue. But, issue is still persisting and I tried to take the appointment but seems like no Kia service center has appointment available before one month. Requesting to look into this issue so that it can be fixed or I can return the car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11520800May 7, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Viva Kia dealership in el paso texas was contacted 5 months ago about the recall pending for this car and has failed to respond in a timely manner.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11520605May 5, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving down a highway with no other cars near me and heard a loud noise (sounded like a gunshot). I pulled over and my sunroof had exploded. The glass was facing upwards not downwards. It appears it exploded from the inside not by a foreign object.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11520312May 3, 2023
ENGINE
Engine fire
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11519522April 28, 2023
ENGINE
Engine described as making a knocking sound and having total engine failure. The car is not covered under the current 2020 Kia engine recall as it is a 2.0 litre engine. It has been inspected by Kia and an independent auto shop. It was not eligible to receive the software upgrade which would register the knock engine failure. No warning signs appeared beforehand besides a knocking sound which started a week or so before I took it in. This engine could have failed while I was driving and caused an accident. This is a common problem across Kia’s that Kia knows about and this should have been covered by them since they manufactured a faulty engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11519161April 26, 2023
ENGINE
A summary of the issue resolved but not recognized by Kia Motors. Engine knocking. Was checked and replaced. 2013 Kia Forte EX VIN: [XXX] SEDAN 4DR 2.0L I4 F DOHC 16V GASOLINE FRONT WHEEL DRIVE. Paid $4,384.00 for replacement. This engine should be added to the NHTSA Part 573 Safety Recall Report 20V-750 - vehicle 4. But it is not, WHY?!?!?! Same vehicle as 2014 model and that engine (2.0L) is on the recall report. Same engine and same problem but NHTSA did not include my model engine. Please reconsider and add this engine to the recall report. Kia will not fully acknowledge fault for these engine failures. I have reported this to Kia Motors and they closed my case as unresolved because no recall was reported. Case # [XXX] submitted 2/12/2019. [XXX] 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
#11518700April 24, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My car was stolen on 4-17. They tore up the steering column . KIA knows what's going on with the TICK TICK challenge and is doing nothing about it. They quoted me $800 for labor only!!! This is unacceptable. I had to replace my window, my insurance won't cover, I had to purchase a club. I feel violated. I don't know if my car was used in the commission of a crime or will be stolen again. Why isn't KIA recalling or fixing these vehicles. I qualify for the starter immobilizer kit, but they should fix their problem first. I am livid!!!! Its all over the media in 17 states on the rise of these thefts. When is someone going to make them accountable, when someone has to die first.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11518467April 22, 2023
ENGINE
My car has a knocking on the engine. I was told that I needed an engine replacement. However the car is just under 90k. Kia had a class action lawsuit with Kia forte 2014 models with engines 2.0 and 2.4 for complete engine failure and or engine fires. I have the exact same issue as the recalled cars in the lawsuit. I shouldn't have to do a full engine replacement at just under 90k. I am scared my car might catch fire. That's my transportation for me and my son. I can't even drive it anymore and the Kia dealership in Boise idaho has ignored me and I asked them specific questions and they told me nothing I learned all this on the internet. I have an engine 1.8 and they say it's not on the list but it should be. I need help getting my car on that list. I the knocking sound and the Kia dealership just told me I needed a new engine but never advised what could happen to me and my family if I keep driving it. That car is parked. I will never drive it again. I need help. Please.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11518182April 21, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I leased car 2020 Illinois. No problems. I had car transported to in 2022 to Los Angeles, and after a few months, the car would check engine light ALL lights I believe, and car suddenly stops and dies out at each stop light. This happened 3 times and frightened me. It happened every couple months and the repair people NEVER put notes on the repair invoice!! About exactly why I was bringing car in for repair, even if nothing on computer showed up, almost like the defect was bypassing (tricking computer) inspection. Have to restart and it would lost all power seconds later and on rainy days, passenger floor soaked. NOTHING on repair places nor dealership would show any problem to fix?? However, when brought back to Illinois, no problem with car, so far since January. So car did not like California OR their emission gasoline no good. Plus even in heavy snow and rain last 3-months in Illinois, passenger carpet never got wet.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11518016April 20, 2023
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:BULBS
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Forte. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the passenger’s side headlight became inoperable and no longer illuminated as needed. The light bulb was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 100.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11518101April 20, 2023
ENGINE
Car shuts down for no reason. At low speeds, the car shuts down, oil light, check engine light and battery ligh illuminate. Have to stop, place the car in park, restart engine and drive again but car keeps stalling
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11517896April 19, 2023
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started the check engine warning light and the oil warning light were blinking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that engine oil was leaking onto the cam shaft and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 88,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11517860April 19, 2023
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Forte. The contact stated while his son was driving 5 MPH, the engine seized. A message indicating that the vehicle was off and to restart the vehicle was displayed. The contact’s son veered to the side of the road. The contact’s son was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred several times while his wife was driving 5-10 MPH and approaching a traffic light. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer could not duplicate the failure. A case was opened with the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V519000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 12,800. The VIN was unavailable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11517692April 18, 2023
ENGINE
This past winter (December 2022 ish), my car started ticking whenever I turned it on and the ticking never went away as the car warmed up. I took the vehicle to my mechanic who told me it was piston slap and that the issue was caused by a manufacturing defect in the piston and engine block sizing. I confirmed the issue myself with a borescope camera in April, and anyone who is able can view the damage as well. Since the issue is damaging a vital part of the engine, any time the car is driven puts all individuals in the car at risk. It has been confirmed by an independent mechanic, but has not been inspected by anyone outside of myself. The closest warning light I had came up over 2 years ago, but no warning lights or other symptoms appeared before the sound was audible around December 2022.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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