2016 Kia Forte

Routine

Owners filed 136 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 1 time.

Not among the Kia Forte years to avoid. Which Kia Forte years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
44,500 milesMedian miles at failure

60 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.

Most common 2016 Kia Forte problems

58 of the 136 complaints (43%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine57
122
Air Bags · airbags12
1109
Electrical System11
010
Unknown or Other8
111
Service Brakes · brakes8
100
Exterior Lighting · headlights8
000
Power Train · transmission6
200
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration5
000
Wheels4
000
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system4
000

1 safety recall

Part 573 reports
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Trunk Lid › Latch21V622000
Filed Aug 9, 2021253,074 vehiclesKia Motors America

Defect. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Forte 4-door, Forte Koup 2-door, and 2018-2019 Rio 4-door vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."

Risk. A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy. Dealers will replace the trunk latch assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 10, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC216.

All 1 campaign on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Exterior Lighting
Filed Oct 3, 2026CA

The Headlights and ALL exterior lights FLICKER or TURN OFF ENTIRELY while driving, especially when touching the Multi-Function Turn Signal Stalk to signal a turn. This can and HAS happened when the Headlights are switched on any mode: MARKER LIGHTS, HEADLIGHTS, or AUTO. I can be driving, Headlights are on AUTO - suddenly - ALL HEADLIGHTS/EXTERIOR LIGHTS FLICKER OR TURN OFF. I have to quickly touch the Multi-Function Stalk or switch it from AUTO to HEADLIGHTS to keep the lights on. I then have to be careful when using the same Stalk to signal turns or it may cause the lights to flicker or turn off entirely AGAIN. THIS ISSUE CAN OCCUR EVERY DAY IF I'M NOT VERY DELICATE WITH THE MULTI-FUNCTION STALK. SOMETIMES, IT FLICKERS/TURNS OFF NO MATTER WHAT & I HAVE TO SWITCH THE LIGHTS FROM AUTO TO HEADLIGHTS OR VICE-VERSA TO ENSURE HEADLIGHTS STAY ON. THIS ISSUE HAS EVEN HAPPENED WHEN I DIDN'T TOUCH THE STALK AT ALL & I WAS DRIVING ON A DARK, RURAL HIGHWAY. LIGHTS OUT! THIS IS A DANGEROUS ISSUE THAT CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH. PLEASE INVESTIGATE, THANK YOU. I plan on having this issue fixed ASAP at my expense, which I hope won't be too expensive. $$$

Engine
Filed Aug 31, 2026NC

Im getting denied dued to engine failure but whoever had the vehicle before didn't follow up with the ksds update, I just purchased the vehicle on June 30th,2026, I need this fixed ASAP because I still owe on this car.

Insert, Padding
Filed Aug 21, 2026NC

When I have the windows down, I can see the headrest flapping in the wind. I took the cover off and discovered that the styrofoam had broken in half. I used foam adhesive to bind it together. Once again, windows down and the headrest is still flapping in the wind. Look underneath the cover and this time the Styrofoam is broken into multiple pieces.

Engine
Filed Aug 10, 2026NC

My 2016 Kia Forte had a recall that was never performed and I was never told anything about the car fax or any recalls from where I got the car from, it needs a engine repair.

Engine
Filed Jul 19, 2026TN

Car runs fine at lower speeds. When traveling over 50 mph for ten minutes or more, then decelerating or stopping in traffic or at a stop light it stalls. It cranks right back up after you put it neutral and turn the key. We’ve almost been rear ended twice since this started. The car has only been driven about 3000 miles a year over the past 7 years and only about 45 mph. It has been to two shops and hasn’t been driven since May 15th.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 13, 2026GA

Vehicle won't intake gas. Cod P0451, P0456

Engine
Filed Jul 1, 2026OK

Unknown it makes a ticking noise check engine light came on and oil isn't low. Recently bought it.

Engine
Filed May 26, 2026AR

This Forte was not neglected and it was not abused. Nearly 90% of its miles came from highway commuting and interstate travel. It was completely stock, never modified, never driven hard. More importantly, it received fully synthetic oil changes every 3k-4k miles since new, well ahead of what Kia or the oil manufacturer even recommends, because I intended to keep this car long term. All of that is verifiable through Carfax. The engine failure came without meaningful warning. While driving, I noticed an unusual noise and pulled over as quickly as safely possible. I checked the dash expecting some kind of indicator and found nothing. No check engine light, no oil pressure warning. A nearby mechanic found the engine more than 2.5 quarts low on oil despite the vehicle being only about 3,300 miles into a fresh synthetic oil change. There were no external leaks. No oil spots at home, none at work. Nothing to explain where that oil went. After topping it off, the noise briefly stopped. With no warning lights on and the noise stopped, I thought we had caught it in time. I even felt confident enough to also have the mechanic change the transmission fluid as it was about due again. However, a few miles later, the engine suffered complete failure. Violent shaking, severe knock, then the check engine light came on. I shut it down immediately and pushed it home. Once home, I checked the oil again and found it had unusually darkened in an extremely short period of time. The vehicle has not

Unknown or Other
Filed May 12, 2026FL

This is a paint issue.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 16, 2026TX

Instrument panel lighting and radio lighting flicker constantly while driving. When the headlights are on, the headlights will also turn and off on their own, constantly. Because of this, I can not drive this car at night, in the early morning, in the rain, or whenever my headlights are needed. From what I've surmised, the issue seems to be the multifunction switch, which, coincidentally, Kia has an active recall on for one of their other models.

Engine
Filed Feb 28, 2026FL

While driving on I-95 at 60mph the car began to jump as it attempted to shift gears and the speed stalled to where it slowed down to 20mph and would not go any faster. The car slowed while I was in the fast lanes of the highway and I had to work my way to the right to the slower lanes to avoid abusing traffic congestion or any accidents. It was scary. Separately, my engine light has been on for the last year. I recently had the MAPs replaced and the light went off for two days and came back. It’s a steady continuous light, no flashing. The analysis check gives some other reason for the light but when checked it doesn’t fix the issue.

Engine
Filed Jan 22, 2026PA

Point 1)CVVT pin was sheared off. Not available for inspection, was replaced and discarded by KIA. Point 2)The vehicle had a rough start and stalled out while stopping. Had to have the car towed to the dealership. Point 3) UNKNOWN Point 4) No Point 5) The Check Engine Light would come on and off randomly. Code P0017 & P0016 would come up as pending when the engine light was on.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 10, 2026OH

I am filing a formal complaint regarding serious safety and mechanical problems with my vehicle. The brakes do not function properly and I have to add brake fluid every few days, which indicates a possible leak or brake system failure. This creates an extremely dangerous driving condition. The vehicle also has electrical problems, including malfunctioning lights. The engine has lost power, making it unsafe to drive, especially in traffic or on highways. In addition, the airbag warning light is on, which means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, putting me at risk of serious injury or death. These problems have made the vehicle unreliable and unsafe to operate. I am requesting that these issues be inspected and repaired immediately at no cost to me, or that the vehicle be replaced or refunded under warranty or consumer protection laws. I am concerned for my safety and the safety of others, and I expect this matter to be handled urgently.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Oct 20, 2025CA

Headlights shut off entirely multiple times when switching to high beams on dark road, almost causing an accident. Multi-function switch failing the exact way the Sorento switches are failing, confirmed by mechanic. This is a severe hazard when driving at night. There was no warning whatsoever.

Engine
Filed Oct 1, 202585,000 milesNJ

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed and then stalled. The contact stated that the "Battery" symbol was illuminated on the instrument cluster. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine connecting rod bearings had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 5, 2025NC

The fuel input is not working properly. Will not allow fuel to go into fuel tank. Risk of fuel spilling and fire hazard.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Sep 2, 2025AZ

I own a 2016 Kia Forte LX and have been experiencing repeated and dangerous electrical failures with the headlight and lighting system. When I turn on the headlights, they sometimes do not come on at all, or they shut off unexpectedly while driving. In some cases, using the turn signal causes the headlights to cut out completely. The interior dash lights flicker between dim and bright, and the tail lights are also affected. This is a serious safety hazard because it results in sudden and complete loss of exterior lighting (headlights and tail lights) while the vehicle is in motion at night. It significantly increases the risk of an accident. Online owner forums and repair shops confirm this issue is widespread in Kia vehicles, often traced to a failing multifunction headlight/turn signal switch. Despite the frequency of these failures, there has been no recall issued by Kia. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this defect in the 2016 Kia Forte and related models, as it directly compromises driver and passenger safety.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 22, 2025CA

The contact owned a 2016 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while decelerating due to traffic, the vehicle was struck in the rear end and pushed approximately a few feet, causing the vehicle's front end to crash into the rear of the vehicle in front. No warning lights illuminated. No air bags deployed. The contact stated that due to the impact of the crash, she had fallen unconscious. A police report was filed. The contact sought medical attention for bruises and head damage. The vehicle was towed to the local tow lot, where it remains, and was declared a total loss by the insurance provider. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V031000 (Airbags) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Engine
Filed Aug 5, 2025CT

I purchased the 2016 Kia Forte on [XXX] from Bald Hill Kia in Warwick, RI. Within the first 30 days, there was a knocking noise which turned out to be the knocking sensor. I took the car to be checked on 11/1/2022 and paid to replace the knock sensor. On [XXX], the knock sensor acted up again so the knock sensor had to be replaced again. They also found a small evap leak and the charcoal canister was cracked and replaced. On 12/9/2022, the engine assembly was replaced. On [XXX], the check engine light came on and the O2 sensor was replaced. On 1/5/2023, the catalytic converter had to be replaced. On 1/16/2023, the canister purge valved was replaced. On 8/29/2023, the catalytic converter had to be replaced again. On 6/11/2024, the catalytic converter had to be replaced a third time! Over a year passed and on Saturday afternoon on [XXX] the check engine light turned on again and Kia was closed on Sunday so I took the car to Firestone for a diagnostic test and it turned out that it was the catalytic converter for the 4th time. I dropped off the car in 8/4/2025 and I'm waiting to see if the car can get looked at this week to confirm the problem for a 4th time. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine
Filed Jul 31, 202584,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal to merge onto the highway, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 15 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an auto parts store, where it was scanned, and DTC: P1326; was retrieved. The contact stated that the code indicated a Knock Sensor Detection system failure. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where the contact was informed that the manufacturer had advised the dealer not to diagnose the vehicle due to an incomplete oil change history. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

Engine
Filed Jul 24, 2025IL

1. NHTSA Safety Complaint Draft Vehicle Info: Make: Kia Model: Forte5 SX Year: 2016 VIN: [XXX] Engine: 1.6L GDI (G4FJ Nu engine) Issue: This vehicle uses the 1.6L GDI Nu engine (engine code G4FJ), which is the same engine involved in Kia’s engine defect recalls and class action settlements related to connecting rod bearing failure and engine seizure risks. However, Kia is refusing to provide the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) update, and no internal campaigns or recalls are listed for my VIN despite the identical mechanical risk. I purchased the vehicle in 2017 and was unaware of the extended warranty and safety campaigns until now. I am experiencing symptoms of rough idle and pre-knock concerns, and yet Kia and my local dealership are unwilling to escalate my case or even verify warranty eligibility. This defect poses a risk of sudden engine failure and should be addressed under expanded recall coverage. I am requesting NHTSA investigate inclusion of later-production 2016 vehicles like mine, which clearly share the same defective power train. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine
Filed Jun 23, 2025OH

While driving my 2016 Kia Forte with my [XXX] daughter in the car, the engine began making loud knocking noises and quickly deteriorated until it became unsafe and undriveable. This failure occurred without warning lights, oil pressure issues, or prior symptoms. We were nearly stranded in an unsafe location and had to immediately pull over and arrange alternate transportation. I later learned this issue aligns with a known defect in Kia’s Theta II engines, which have been recalled or covered under extended warranty in many cases. However, Kia has denied any support, stating my vehicle is “outside the factory warranty” and disqualified due to not completing a knock sensor software update I was never notified about. How Safety Was Put at Risk: My daughter was in the vehicle at the time, and we were placed in a vulnerable position with a failing engine, unable to safely continue driving. A sudden loss of power could have resulted in an accident if we had been in traffic or on the highway. This defect is a serious safety hazard, especially for families with young children. The vehicle has not been inspected by Kia directly since they declined to assist once they determined the factory warranty had expired. I am happy to make the vehicle available for inspection upon request. Warning Lamps or Messages: There were no warning lights or indicators prior to the onset of the knocking and failure. The symptoms began suddenly and escalated rapidly. My Request: I am requesting an investig

Engine
Filed Jun 9, 2025NC

While driving our 2016 Kia forte 5 the engine completely failed and lost all power while on a busy highway. The engine in this vehicle was not part of the original 2016 Forte Recalls for the same issue and is not part of any current recalls for the same issue. It could have led to very severe injuries or even death due to the failure and complete loss of engine power only. Battery power remained on the car.

Engine
Filed Apr 1, 2025NC

We have a 2016 Kia Forte 5 that did not meet the criteria when the other 2016 Kia Forte's were recalled due to engine failure as it has a 2.0L engine. On or about [XXX], while driving this vehicle, the car lost all power and came to a stop on a busy highway. It still had electrical power, but failed to accelerate and we lost the ability to steer or control the car. We were able to get it off the road and called for a tow. The car was towed to a repair shop and we were informed that the engine failed, and needed to be replaced. This is the same situation that is occurring with the current Kia engine recalls. The garage attempted to contact Kia and we were told that due to the car not selling well in the US, it was considered a niche vehicle, and therefore no recalls were made. The car was in perfect running order with no signs of failure, no lights on the dashboard to warn of a malfunctioning component, and no audible sounds of a failing engine. Our safety, as well as others, was put at risk due to the car losing all power on a 55mph road that is heavily travelled and could cause an accident. The engine was inspected by a certified mechanic and all they can determine is that the engine failed and it needs to be replaced. This placed my wife in a dangerous situation that could have ended badly. To date, the car has been towed back to our home and sits in our driveway as there is no current fix to it, but the reason for the original recall on the 1.6L engines, and the current re

Engine
Filed Feb 25, 2025NE

I had diagnostic ran because of a knocking sound and stalling and the oil pressure warning light. I was informed by the technician that the oil pressure was extremely low. Upon further inspection they found metal shards in the oil filter blocking oil flow. They told me this is a known defect and that Kia should be responsible. Contacted Kia and they said it’s not covered. It has 98,289 miles

EngineCrash2 injured
Filed Oct 11, 2024TX

We used to have a 2016 Kia Forte5 LX hatchback we been having problems with this vehicle the car would stall and it was having electrical problems like my turn signals not working even when the bulbs were replaced and same thing to the brake lights prior after I noticed the problem with the car was going to take it in to get ot looked at and serviced when exiting my home with the car and turning left the vehicle stalled while in drive I did have my emergency flash on but the other cars didn’t seem to notice the vehicle got t boned and we got in to a accident when trying to get this issue resolved

Engine
Filed Sep 27, 2024MA

When driving slow speeds such as driving through a parking lot my car stalls the radio plays without interruption and would not know it stalls except for the oil pan light and unable to accelerate because the car stalled all the leads me to believe the engine is at fault. When stalled at that point I pull over turn the key off then on starting the car back up (immediately starts without issue). I have searched for error codes and it is like the car doesn't know there is a problem. Below is one of the many forums complaining about the same issue. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 27, 2024NY

In December 2023 the dashboard ABS, ESC and Brake Dashboard warning lights came on the car while driving. I checked for any ABS codes and noted a C2374 code. The car did not show any handling issues and I attributed it to a anomaly. However over 2024 the lights have come back on but they disapear when the car is turned off and then restarted. As this is happening frequently during the past 3 months I took it to two KIA dealers to have it reviewed. Both dealers say the HECU ( Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit) is failing. As the car now has 110,000 miles on it I was told by KIA that this is passed the warranty and not covered. I am surprised that a safety device is not covered and as this device requires no maintenance by the customer I attribute this to a premature part failure. I note there has been a related safety Recall Report 23E-073 issued for this part. I included the dealers diagnostic reports. If this vehicle is unsafe to drive then I need to be aware of that and KIA should investigate for similar occurrences.

Engine
Filed Aug 2, 2024IN

VEHICLE ISSUED DTC'S P1326 AND CAR FAILED COMPLETELY IN THE MIDDLE OF A VERY BUSY EXPRESSWAY

Engine
Filed Jul 30, 2024SC

I was two states away at conference for my side job. My car turned off without warning. No lights no nothing. I couldn't use my hazards or anything. It was dark outside already. I called AAA and the person with me called 911. Someone stopped and jumped me off. We got back to the hotel. The next day another consultants husband looked at my car and we discovered there was no oil in the engine. I had driven more than 450 miles to get to conference the day before by myself. The oil light had never came on during my trip. It only came on when my entire instrument panel lit up when the car cutoff. I am a female and was traveling by myself and put over 1100 miles on my car that trip. If it had turned off at any point on my trip before I had gotten to my destination I would have been alone and not known what to do. If I had not had AAA I would have possible had to pay a tow truck that night. I am disappointed that the light didn't give me a warning something was wrong or going wrong. Luckily, I didn't blow my engine

Engine
Filed Jun 26, 2024SC

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.

Service Brakes
Filed May 25, 2024CA

I have been on the freeway multiple times and tried to brake and I feel a fluttering from the brake pedal. The car won't brake, it feels like I'm sliding. I have to press the brake a few more times for it to actually brake. I had my brakes replaced and that didn't work. I took it to the Kia dealer and they said the problem was that I had after market brakes. I had them change them out and that wouldn't work either. They say nothing is wrong with my caliper.

Service Brakes
Filed May 20, 2024IN

My car was recalled and I took it in to KIA in June 2023 for brake line treatment to prevent deterioration/corrosion, May 2024 my brake lines now leak and car is not safe to drive. This preventative maintenance did not work for my vehicle and had it towed back to the KIA that handled the original recall 'remedy'.

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Apr 23, 2024MO

I was attempting to park in a parking spot that I use regularly at Dollar General. As it was coming to a stop, the brakes failed. I was pushing the brake pedal down. The car started to rev up and speed forward on it's own. It lunged forward jumping the curb and into the pillar. It wouldn't stop going forward. So I had to put it in reverse. As I did that, I put the brakes on as well as the ebrake. It was wanting to speed in reverse for a second. So I threw it into park and turned it off. My family and I went into the store to let the car settle down. Then we was able to drive it home and park it. So it's currently sittling in our driveway here at home.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jan 25, 2024NY

I was slowly pulling into a parking spot with my foot on the brake and the vehicle suddenly accelerated. I hit the brake hard and the car eventually stopped but it did go onto the sidewalk before stopping. In the past, when I started the car, the engine would sometimes rev too much and I had to step on the gas while in park to get it to stop, but this is the first time it suddenly accelerated while driving. I am contacting the dealer about the problem tomorrow so it has not been inspected yet. I read online that other Kia models have this problem and that a recall is being considered.There were no warning lamps before the problem occurred. My car is available for inspection.

Engine
Filed Nov 30, 2023AL

Was fixing to head and get my oil changed even though i still had about 570 miles left before i absolutely had to change the oil, my 2016 kia forte LX with the 1.8l engine with 79996 as of currently; lost power at around 15mph and started lugging after leaving my neighborhood gas station, luckily i was about 1/8 mile away from a kia service center so i drove it to the service dealer so i could hear, "We only have lube technicians because all the maintenance technicians quit so we cant check your vehicle for mechanical failure, and we are booked until march 2024." So i parked my car and called kia customer service where they told me that the recall is only applicable to the 1.6l and the 2.0l engine, the 1.8l is only warrantable to 60k miles being i am the second owner and the car is passed the 60k mile marker I was told "we would be happy to take a look at it but it will be an out of pocket expense being insurance doesnt cover an engine. This is the second time this year this specific incident has happened to me and i will not be buying another kia or hyundai vehicle ever again. Let this be known to all kia buyers these are cheap cars you get what you pay for.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Nov 16, 2023GA

My headlights blank on and off like a christmas tree. I put them on auto or the running lights and they do the same things. The dashboard lights do the same things inside the car. It also happen when I turn my turn signal on or put my car on bright or dim them.

Engine
Filed Nov 8, 2023115,000 milesMD

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the accelerator pedal made an abnormal grinding sound, and the vehicle failed to respond. Additionally, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. The contact also stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine rod was knocking, and the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

Engine
Filed Aug 3, 2023CA

I am writing to express serious concerns about the safety and performance of my Kia vehicle. Over the past few months, my car has been exhibiting abnormal behavior, jeopardizing the safety of myself and other road users. One of the most alarming issues is the unpredictable acceleration and deceleration of my vehicle, especially on the highway. There have been numerous instances where it failed to respond to acceleration while changing lanes, putting me in stressful situations where I feared a potential collision. Even more troubling, my car has shut off unexpectedly multiple times during both city driving and while navigating driveways and hills. This sudden engine shutdown has exposed me to hazardous situations and increased the risk of accidents. There is also a loud knocking sound coming from the car, accompanied by sluggish driving. To my dismay, the vehicle now starts and immediately cuts off, forcing me to wait for a period of time and multiple attempts to restart the engine before it finally starts. Seeking a resolution, I took my vehicle to the Kia Service center, where they advised me that I needed a new engine, attributing the problem to sludge build-up. However, I maintain a diligent oil change schedule every three months and can provide evidence of this fact. Despite filing a claim with Kia of America, they regrettably denied my request for assistance in obtaining a new engine, placing the financial burden solely on my shoulders. This not only presents a financial

Engine
Filed Jul 19, 2023FL

Always had correct maintenance and the engine just randomly blew coming home from work and Kia Corp is not wanting to replace motor. I’m out thousands of dollars now

Engine
Filed Jul 14, 2023IL

A portion of the air intake system was rubbing against the front driver side wheel and wore a hole causing damage to the engine and is knocking at very low RPM. The car was in one of Kia’s dealerships for a headlight repair and a reference was made about a strange noise coming from the wheel but they did not advise of a problem and said the brake pad life is fine.

Engine
Filed Jul 13, 2023WA

Was driving and car lost power and shut off while in traffic car would not restart

Engine
Filed Jul 3, 2023CA

Wednesday night I departed work, I was in the 4th lane of the 10Fwy when my car shut down. All dashboard lights came on. I turned on my 4ways and managed to change lanes to the service Lane on the right. I attempted to restart the vehicle..nothing. I started looking through my insurance papers for the tow service and thought to try and restart the vehicle one last time. It started I departed the freeway and used the streets instead of the fwy to make it home. The next morning I drove the car to AutoZone for spark plugs and a diagnostic check. The clerk printed it out and it said no issues. I drove back to the house and as I was pulling into my driveway it shut down again, no clicking sounds this time. Friday I had it towed to pepboys. They were replacing faulty shocks that were under warranty new brakes and rotors all the way around and a full oil change all items were inside the vehicle I pretty much only had to pay for maintenance except for the faulty shocks the manager called me as I was on my way to work. My engine is blown. I saw my engine check light come on Wednesday night when the car stalled no oil light ever came on in the car except when you initially started and then it disappeared. My complaint is why wasn't I notified by the vehicle that there was no oil in the pan that's the whole purpose of the oil light indicator. Now am stuck with a 3500.00 engine repair bill which was the cheapest I found online for a used 1.8 liter engine. I want my dashboards computer ch

Engine
Filed Jun 26, 2023AZ

I have a 2016 KIA Forte that I bought 6 months ago. I'm a subsequent owner. The dealership where we brought it from told me that it's in good condition. My partner was driving it when it started making knocking noises and would not accelerate past 20 mph. The engine failure happened 5 months of using it (the car only has 92000 miles). I had a mechanic came to check it, even changed the oil again to see if the problem is in connection with the oil. We never had the oil light prior to the knocking noises, not even the engine light. The engine light only came on with the knocking noises. It was completely out of nowhere. Changing the oil did not solve the issue at all. My mechanic found metallic shards in the oil and was also just as confused as we were. He said that it's possible that the connecting rods under the engine have been worn out. My mechanic said that it could've blown up, and thankfully, my partner and his friend were not harmed when the incident happened. There were no recalls regarding my car. I wasn't informed of the KSDS update either because I'm a second owner. We're still paying for it and its insurance even when we cannot use it.

Engine
Filed Jun 9, 2023TX

On May 25th 2023 I was driving on the highway when I experienced extreme loss of power and the infotainment screen displayed "possible engine condition". Considering I was driving 70 mph on the highway it was super dangerous because there were several 18 wheelers driving on the highway alongside me it could have been deadly for many of us. Thankfully I was able to get to the shoulder to assess the situation. I have been unable to get my vehicle to a dealership since I was traveling and had to leave my vehicle 150 mi from where I live. If Kia knew there was some sort of issue with engine failure and extreme loss of power they should have issued notification before other than have people possibly die on the highway from engine failure.

Engine
Filed Apr 6, 2023127,000 milesWI

Engine failed due to rod knock at 127,000 miles, this is a known defect with the car. Kia is refusing to replace the engine even though they know they are designed poorly and fail. Knock sensor and flashing engine light came on, had all the qualifications for the replacement but Kia is making excuses and denying it. I have all the paperwork and maintences done on time and they still won’t cover it. My corroded brake lines were supposed to be fixed under the recall and they have had them on back order since September of 2022. Dealership has no loaner cars to provide.

Engine
Filed Mar 21, 2023MA

Engine blew twice on the vehicle, Kia replaced the first blown engine. Then that engine blew again at 160k miles. First engine blew at a 105k miles.

Engine
Filed Mar 14, 202360,264 milesNY

Pulling out into traffic, without warning my car lost power and shut down! The car had to be towed to the dealership who advised that the engine had a catastrophic failure and needed to be replaced. I was told by the dealership that KIA would not cover the repair for two reasons: 1) I was beyond the warranty period (the car has 60,264 miles on it and apparently as the second owner I am only covered up to 60,000 miles not the 100,000 that comes with the car), and 2) despite acknowledging that they engine had a defect, KIA did not issue a recall to fix the problem. Instead, they issued a performance improvement notice. KIA also acknowledged via a phone call on 3/10/23 that they have mailed these notifications to the previous owner rather than to me. I have on a number of occasions conducted recall searches on www.nhtsa.gov/recalls which does not list the known engine defect! It seems underhanded for KIA to recognize a defect and instead of reporting it as such and issuing a recall, they hid the problem behind a deceptive "performance improvement" label. It's not a performance improvement!! It's a known defect that if not fixed, it will result in a blown engine and COSTLY bill for the owner!!! The NHTSA SHOULD IMMEDIATELY ISSUE A RECALL AND REQUIRE KIA TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE ENGINES IN THESE CARS. THEY SHOULD ALSO REQUIRE KIA TO REIMBURSE OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD TO REPLACE ENGINES NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY!

Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-theft › Immobilizer/Proximity › Key/Sender
Filed Jan 26, 2023IL

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

Engine
Filed Dec 28, 2022OH

My car has had 2 engine failures in the last 2 years. The first time the repair was performed by Jeff Wyler Superior KIA in Cincinnati, Ohio a little over a year ago. Currently it's at Jeff Wyler KIA in Fairfield, Ohio awaiting repair. There diagnosis is another engine failure. There were no warning lamps before either engine failure. The first time the engine made noises so I stopped driving it and had it towed to the dealer. The second time it wouldn't start when I came out in the morning to go to work.

Complaints 1-50 of 136, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2014
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202426000Routine
202366351Do not drive
202228110Routine
202169200Routine
202078020Routine
2019150240Routine
2018136330Routine
20173053104Fatalities reported
2016 — this page136160Routine
20152621201Fatalities reported
20144443360High concern
20131955131Fatalities reported
20122924233Fatalities reported
20111543131Fatalities reported
2010221341Fatalities reported
20091000Routine

Compare every Forte year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Aug 9, 2021. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.