Kia Forte Complaints

2,563 consumer complaints on file.

#11650354March 24, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Part of the subframe is corroded already and the engine cradle has begun to break, the control arm has begun to move where it meets the engine cradle and I now need to have the vehicle repaired. Previously the lower engine mount fell out of place due to the threads that kept it attached to the subframe were worn out due to corrosion and was causing the vehicle to vibrate violently. This issue has been fixed for $400 but now the rest of the engine cradle has to be inspected and repaired due to the corrosion. I have to make an appointment with the KIA repair center in my area to have the vehicle inspected which will be weeks if not months out to have it looked at as they are often booked. I'm at my wits end with this car as it's been constant issues since buying it 5 months back, with a baby on the way I can't afford repairs and want a resolution that won't break the bank or to warn other drivers of this make and model of the issues that are plagued with it such as the back tail lights having a light assembly seal issue where water is able to enter and damage electrical components. I've uploaded two images regarding the subframe issue, one related to the lower engine mount becoming detached and the other regarding the engine cradle to control arm.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11649849March 22, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 MONTHS AFTER I BIUGHT CAR, ENGINE LIGHT CAME OFF..AND WILL ONLY BE OFF IF I WOUL RELEASE GAS CAP SEVERL TIMES ETC..IN FEB 2025 THE DEALER SAID ITS 02 SENSOR I HAD IT REPLACED, 2 WEEKS LATER ITS EXACLY SAME..I HAVE READ THE CODEA AND CATALITIC CONVERTER AND EMISSION EXHAUST AND 02 SENSOR ALL FAILES..I NEED A NEW REPLACEMENT CAR, AS THIS IS A LEMON CAR..BIUGHT OIN JULY 2024 ..ALSO THEY MADE EMISSION TESTS /WINDOW STICKER FOR 2 YEARS???? BC TEHY PROBAB;Y NEW IT HAS ISSUES??? IT IS ALL VERY WEIRD
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11649847March 22, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 MONTHS AFTER I BIUGHT CAR, ENGINE LIGHT CAME OFF..AND WILL ONLY BE OFF IF I WOUL RELEASE GAS CAP SEVERL TIMES ETC..IN FEB 2025 THE DEALER SAID ITS 02 SENSOR I HAD IT REPLACED, 2 WEEKS LATER ITS EXACLY SAME..I HAVE READ THE CODEA AND CATALITIC CONVERTER AND EMISSION EXHAUST AND 02 SENSOR ALL FAILES..I NEED A NEW REPLACEMENT CAR, AS THIS IS A LEMON CAR..BIUGHT OIN JULY 2024 ..ALSO THEY MADE EMISSION TESTS /WINDOW STICKER FOR 2 YEARS???? BC TEHY PROBAB;Y NEW IT HAS ISSUES??? IT IS ALL VERY WEIRD
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11648638March 17, 2025
ENGINE
I got a car from coparts and they told me nothing was wrong! I recently bought the car
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11648269March 14, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
As I’m reading it states that my knock sensor detection system and HECU FUSE NEEDS REPLACEMENT.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11648317March 14, 2025
ENGINE
Known engine problem with bottom end knocking sounds. Potential risk of fire or wreck caused by engine failure. Engine condition is an ongoing issue. Dealerships and manufacture refuse to honor recall because last recall hasn't been addressed and the title is rebuilt.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11648327March 14, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving uphill at approximately 50-55 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power and made an abnormal knocking sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was restarted. The mechanic diagnosed that the engine was damaged due to rod bearing failure, and metal shavings were found in the engine. The mechanic informed the contact that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) and related the failure to the recall. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the recall repair could not be performed because the engine had already failed; however, the contact stated that the recall repair involved the replacement of the engine assembly as necessary. The vehicle was not 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 failure. The failure mileage was 149,061. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11647908March 12, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:COIL:SPARK PLUGS
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to a local dealer and was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic converter and spark plugs were faulty and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the parts were replaced; however, soon after the repairs, while her husband was driving 40 MPH, the transmission started slipping and failed to shift properly. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact’s husband was able to drive the vehicle to the residence and then the vehicle was towed to the same dealer for a second diagnostic test. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 137,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11647666March 11, 2025
ENGINE
On Saturday, March 1, 2025, I took my 2021 Kia Forte LXS for a routine oil change. I had NO PRIOR issues, warning lights or anything with my vehicle. The oil change was performed. I then drove my vehicle less than 20 miles, the vehicle would then not accelerate and started to bog down. I was able to get my vehicle off the major I-4 interstate, however eventually the vehicle then shut down. The vehicle now will still start however is making this terrible clicking noise. I have had video of the engine running looked at by several mechanics who states the engine is blown. I have contacted Kia who clearly has known engine issues on several of their Fortes however Kia continues to state since mine is not currently on recall, they are not taking responsibility. Kia know they have several recalls due to engine issues. I cannot get a mechanic to work on my vehicle due to the recalls as mechanics only want to put in brand new engines due to Kia engine recalls. A new engine will cost upwards of $10,000. Again, Kia knows and had several recalls with engine issues
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11646980March 7, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving 35, the vehicle slowed down, there was an engine misfire, and the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11646410March 5, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Unknown, can’t see the road at night due to the headlights not aimed towards the right direction they seem to be pointed down and at different angles. I have ran into a ditch because of this safety hazard I also have to use my high beam in order to drive which is unsafe for other drivers on the road I am very concerned And frustrated because I have tried to adjust the lights, but they just don’t seem to be able to be corrected
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11646475March 5, 2025
STEERING, ENGINE
Burning a unnecessary amount of oil. The oil pump failed
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11646235March 4, 2025
LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: AUTOMATIC STEERING
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Lane Keep Assist system activated briefly, taking control of the vehicle and the vehicle started pulling to the right lane. As a result of the failure, the contact completely lost control of the vehicle and spun out into oncoming traffic narrowly avoiding a crash. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. 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
#11646292March 4, 2025
ENGINE
Unknown. Vehicle serviced since 2010. Oil changes based on recommend miles. Only 80,000 miles. Wife [XXX] only uses it mostly for store runs. Since recently inspection and oil change motor has a loud knocking at start up and gets quiet shortly after but while idling you can here a ticking noise. We have all paper work to maintenance. Fear if my wife is stranded or worse and thought I would report this. I will take it in to see what is said. Doesn't seem normal for only 80,000 and well maintained 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
#11646303March 4, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Headlights have become very yellow and cracking formed on them. This effects evening /night time driving and you see ads to purchase cleaners that I have tried and it has done nothing. Not sure why this has not been remedied or made a recall to replace these as defective materials or what one can do to solve this with positive results or recommendations people can do with out equipment. This seems to be a big problem with a lot of vehicles mine included. Thx you for listening and thought I would report this issue as another safety concern
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11645928March 3, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormally loud rattling sound. The check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that there was a strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle while driving. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed an undisclosed speed and later became undrivable. Additionally, the contact stated that the low oil pressure warning light was illuminated while there was sufficient oil in the engine. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine), which the contact related to the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software update was performed; however, the failure persisted. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer advised the contact to bring the vehicle back after the manufacturer had approved the request for the engine replacement. The vehicle was driven to the residence; however, the failure worsened while driving. The vehicle was not repaired; however, the recall was marked completed. The contact stated the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,330.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11645865March 2, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The car will randomly cut off while driving, to restart the car must be put into neutral to restart and the lights go off during that time. If you are on the interstate going over 50, it will jerk and restart itself but the steering gets really stiff and you have to pull over and cut car off and restart to get the steering to work properly again.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11645087February 26, 2025
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Issue with having to replace brake and taillights too often
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11645157February 26, 2025
ENGINE
My car has been stalling when coming to a stop while driving in and around town Before stalling on the oil light flickers and the sometimes after I restart it the motor makes a clattering sound and if I press down on the accelerator pedal the noise fades off and then the motor runs for a while and then flickering oil light and stalls. I have 90,000+ miles and have used amsoil full synthetic with their oil filter and change the oil religiously. I flushed the vehicle oil system with a motor flush and changed the oil and since it seems ok. I am very concerned that my vehicle should have been included in the recall as my vehicle did exactly what it sounds like what has happened with the ones recalled. I'm concerned that something inside is inferior and needs to be replaced ASAP
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11645173February 26, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she observed smoke emanating from the engine compartment, after which the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. The following day, upon starting the vehicle, the contact heard an abnormal rattling sound emanating from the engine compartment, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine); the VIN was included, and parts were available. However, the dealer declined to perform the recall repair, stating that the vehicle needed to be brought in before the failure for the cost of the repair to be covered by the manufacturer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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