2020 Kia Forte

Routine

Owners filed 78 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. No safety recall has been issued.

One of the better Kia Forte years: fewer complaints than most, without an unusual share of serious ones. Which Kia Forte years to avoid →

Most common 2020 Kia Forte problems

18 of the 78 complaints (23%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Unknown or Other22
310
Engine15
010
Power Train · transmission14
101
Electrical System9
000
Air Bags · airbags4
305
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system2
000
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine2
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration1
100
Tires1
000
Structure › Body · body and frame1
000

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed Oct 8, 2026VA

During a day trip on 9/19/26 my 2020 Kia Forte (purchased new and well maintained) lost power and several of the dash board lights came on including check engine, traction/stability control, and collision alerts. The car entered what I was told is "limp mode". I had the car towed home and after one shop misdiagnosed the problem I had it towed to the Kia dealership where purchased. I was told the engine had code p0017. I was sent a document that the "phaser sheared off p0017 exhaust cam and cvvd gear timing off-recommend long block-cvvd replacement may still have engine damaged after replacement" with a price of $9053.39 attached. Kia service manager is supposed to be seeing about assistance for repair as it is cost prohibitive and I have proof of proper maintenance however I am not receiving info on process unless I reach out. Car has been in Kia possession since 9/24/26.

Engine
Filed Oct 6, 2026SD

My engine is failing due to excessive oil consumption despite having proof of regular oil changes and maintenance. My car has been inspected, and the dealer has stated this is due to a known manufacture defect. My safety and others are at risk because my car stalls when I decrease speed and I cannot accelerate fast enough to get up to the speed limit creating a risk anytime the speed limit changes or when I am using an on ramp to get onto an interstate or highway. Kia dealer has confirmed the issue and is currently working on an estimate for a new engine. The Kia dealer is the manufacturer of my vehicle. The warning sign before this happened was my car stalled a couple times, then the check engine light came on within 10 miles. I then took it in to get looked at where the Kia dealer diagnosed the issue as the known manufacturer defect with the engine burning oil too quickly. These issues first appeared on August 12, 2026. I have attempted to get Kia corporate to assist with repairs through a Goodwill Request due to the safety issues with driving my vehicle in its current condition, to no fault of my own. Kia denied my Goodwill request. That case number is 26467063.

Engine
Filed Sep 21, 2026IN

The engine has failed in this vehicle just like it has in other 2.0L kia vehicles 2020-2026. The piston rings have failed and the pistons have all pitted or developed holes in them just like in the recall 25V-099/kia safety recall SC336

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 9, 2026MN

The infotainment screen is de-laminating.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 25, 2026109,900 milesNC

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bags warning light illuminated and then went off. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the air bag warning light was again illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,900.

Engine
Filed Aug 23, 2026IL

Engine burning excessive oil over a quart in 1000 miles. Catalytic converter code P0420 because of the excessive oil burning. Oil was always changed within the specified dealer milage range.

Power Train
Filed Aug 20, 2026OH

I experienced a check engine light and had the vehicle diagnosed with codes P0017 and P0014. The vehicle was taken to a Kia dealership, where the technician found that the exhaust camshaft was free-spinning without the phaser and that the pin connecting the two had sheared. The dealership replaced the exhaust camshaft and phaser and released the vehicle as repaired and operating normally. Less than 24 hours after pickup, the check engine light returned during normal driving. While returning the vehicle to the dealership as instructed, the engine lost oil pressure and stalled three times. One stall occurred after exiting the highway and left the vehicle disabled in a high-traffic intersection, creating a serious safety hazard. The vehicle was returned to the Kia dealership and remains available for inspection. Subsequent examination reportedly found metal debris in the engine/oil pan and a possible restriction of engine oil flow. The exact cause of the sudden oil-pressure loss has not yet been definitively explained. The failure occurred immediately following a dealership repair involving a physically sheared internal engine component.

Engine
Filed Jul 8, 2026OR

2020 Kia Forte, 2.0L 14F engine, 109,000 miles: On July 3.2026 "check engine" light came on. Drove to local auto parts store to have code downloaded, P0017 cam position sensor. Car was performing fine, except for engine light. Drove car to Kia dealership. While driving, warning light for "front collision system came on and car began performing erratically. Left car at dealership for diagnostics. Yesterday received call from dealer, stating that engine needed total replacement due to "lack of oil". Quoted repair cost estimated at approximately $8,000. Car has been regularly serviced, including oil and filter changes per handbook. I have all records for the services. The were no indications of low oil pressure or engine overheating, no warning lights, all gauge readings displayed normal ranges. This same car had a failed transmission replaced approximately 2 years ago, which was covered by an extended warranty related to a recall. There have been 2 engine failure recalls as a result of 2 class action lawsuits for Kia cars with this same engine failure up through the 2019 model years, providing new engines and/or extended warrantees, however, this does not applicable to 2020 and newer models, even though it's the same exact same engine model with the exact issue causing the failure. Engine failure in traffic condions can obviously lead to immediate safety issues. I currently have a call into the Kia customer service/complaint department, but no resolution offerred to date.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jun 25, 2026103,000 milesOH

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The failure had occurred while the contact was driving on a major highway. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that there was no oil in the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the failure was not covered under an unknown recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

Steering
Filed Jun 10, 2026AL

Steering wheel is turning completely around and made a noise. I noticed my steering wheel is loose it has been like that for time. But yesterday was the first time it turned completely around were I could not control it.

Engine
Filed Jun 1, 2026PA

Why is KIA still legally allowed to sell defective, death traps? Why is it ok for the service department and KIA themselves to tell me….its ok to drive unless the engine light is blinking, smoking in a car know to catch fire…..ok? Why is it ok to let them continue to sell cars under active engine fire campaigns, only to “replace it with the same junk engine” an ok remedy. Quit letting these companies take advantage of people because they created a multi billion dollar defective product, they should bite the cost and be bankrupt, I mean it’s 2025 and they are still making combustible cars, the right thing to do? 2020 Kia forte gt t1.6

Engine
Filed May 21, 2026PA

Bought the car 8 months ago from a Kia dealer. It is now pulling the same engine codes, of the infamous recalled Kia engines. After having diagnostics done at a different Kia then I had bought and had oil changed. They told me the engine and turbo was full of metal shavings and the rods were bad. I pad $10,900 for the car $15,000 to fix, they knowingly sold me a totaled car. I’m sure records reflect they took that car as a trade I knowing the engine was bad (they never checked the oil?). There were 90,000 forte sold in the US, best estimate I could find on the gt line was 4-5 thousand. All GT models do not have the turbo engine. So safe to assume that number is way lower. They know this is a manufacturing defect, and this model engine wasn’t recalled because the numbers aren’t not there. I’m sure these 2,500 or less turbo engines were manufactured in the same facility, same workers and process as the other 2020 forte recalls. The car is smoking and I’m being told “it’s ok to drive unless the engine light is flashing” which I’ll assume is before it catches fire, so I have to worry about that while not being under recall? This is a kid, who could catch on fire, would like to not go there

Power Train
Filed May 15, 2026200,000 milesMI

The contact leased a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle began to chug. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed as needing a transmission replacement. The vehicle was repaired. The contact eventually purchased the vehicle. After the purchase, the failure recurred. While driving, the vehicle began to chug without warning. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was called, but there was no response. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Engine
Filed May 8, 2026IN

While driving, the vehicle suddenly began knocking severely, smoking, leaking oil, and then shut off unexpectedly without adequate warning. This created a serious safety hazard and near fire risk. The engine assembly failed catastrophically. Dealership inspection documented: connecting rod punctured engine block bearing material found in oil pan broken piston components in oil pan oil leakage underneath engine complete engine seizure/failure The dealership confirmed and documented the failure and replaced the engine assembly. Repair records and failed components should still be available for inspection through the dealership. My safety and the safety of others were placed at risk because the vehicle suddenly lost power while driving. Oil leaked from the damaged engine and the engine compartment began smoking. The engine could have caught fire or caused an accident due to sudden loss of power. There were no adequate warning indicators before failure. No meaningful oil-pressure or low-oil warning appeared until the vehicle was already smoking and severely damaged. This failure closely mirrors known Kia engine defect investigations and Recall Campaign SC209 / NHTSA Recall 21V259000 involving: connecting rod bearing damage piston oil ring defects excessive oil consumption engine seizure engine stall fire risk Although my VIN is not currently included in the recall population, the documented failure symptoms are substantially similar. I also report that another Kia vehicle in my h

Power Train
Filed Apr 21, 2026OH

I am reporting a transmission failure in my 2020 Kia Forte with approximately 54,000 miles. The vehicle experienced a sudden and complete transmission failure on March 19, 2026, on the highway from Cleveland to Cincinnati. after being owned for less than seven months. The vehicle is now at a dealership 2.5 hours away, requiring a full transmission replacement. This appears to be a premature failure and not consistent with normal wear and tear for a vehicle with this mileage. I am aware of a Technical Service Bulletin issued by Kia regarding IVT transmission issues in 2019–2021 Kia Forte models, which may be related to this failure. As well as legal investigations and lawsuits regarding said transmission models. Given the safety implications and potential for loss of power while driving, I am submitting this complaint for review.

Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Mar 22, 2026FL

While driving a 2020 Kia Forte on the expressway at normal speed, the vehicle was operating normally with no prior warning lights or known issues. Suddenly, the brakes began to feel weak, as if they were failing. Immediately after, a popping sound was heard from the vehicle, followed by smoke coming from the side/underneath area. Within moments, the smoke intensified and the vehicle caught fire. The driver pulled over to the side of the road as quickly as possible. The fire spread rapidly, and within approximately 1–2 minutes the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames. There were no prior warning indicators, messages, or symptoms before the incident. The cause of the fire is currently unknown. The vehicle is available for inspection by insurance or manufacturer if needed. The incident created an immediate safety hazard due to loss of braking performance and rapid fire spread while driving at highway speed.

Tires
Filed Mar 19, 2026PA

Two sets of Kumho Solus TA 31's (195/65 R15 91T) experienced rapid tread wear issues. The problem and safety issue has been confirmed by Fred Beans Kia of Mechanicsburg, PA, but with hassles to do so. I believe this matter actually effects consumers nationwide, which leads to additional high replacement costs as a result of product quality. Consumers are effected by not just the manufacturer, but by those who knowingly sell & promote the products, such as dealerships like Fred Beans, while aware of the defects or who should know about the defects yet fail to take adequate measures to properly rectify the situation or warn consumers. Kumho Tire has been involved in many lawsuits, primarily related to tire defects which caused serious injuries & multi-million jury award and even trademark infringement where tires are allegedly being falsely marketed & sold as new. I believe Kumho is engaging in breach of warranty where the product they sell fails to meet promised quality or performance standards, while engaging in false advertising that misleads the consumer. They engage in lies in their marketing. In addition, there is negligence with Kumho where the manufacturer fails to exercise reasonable care during production. In addition, there is strict liability where the manufacturer should be held accountable for producing an inherently dangerous product. This has also been outlined in lawsuits & ongoing legal challenges faced by Kumho Tire over product quality. Dealership service ma

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Feb 11, 202655,000 milesIN

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH on a bend in the highway, a deer jumped over the barrier and landed on the top of the contact's front windshield. The contact stated that she was knocked unconscious due to the impact. The driver’s and passenger’s side air bags did not deploy. The contact was strapped in the driver's seat when she regained consciousness. The contact was unsure whether there was a warning light illuminated. The state police were called to the scene of the accident. Days later, after the accident, the contact went to Urgent Care. However, when the contact explained that she was unconscious, the contact was referred to the hospital. The contact went to the hospital, was informed that there were no bone fractures, and was referred to her personal medical provider. The contact sustained a bruise from the seat belt on her left shoulder; glass shards were embedded in the right forearm. The contact stated that from the impact, the torso slammed into the front windshield. The vehicle was towed to a towing yard, and then the insurance company towed the vehicle to a collision center. The insurance company was pending an investigation. The contact had not released the vehicle. The contact was unaware of all the facts of the accident. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Feb 11, 2026TX

I was driving a vehicle two cars ahead did and illegal turn the car behind it stopped the truck behind them stopped I stopped behind the truck the car behind me did not stop and slammed me into the back of the truck in my airbags did not deploy

Electrical System
Filed Nov 13, 2025TX

The crankshaft position sensor keeps going bad and it make the forward collision trigger and it loses power and the dash stops working and causes the car to shut off

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 28, 2025PR

Trunk open alone. Also trunk open when driver door open.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 18, 2025CA

Equipment premature failure. Dashboard screen bubbling and separation. Beyond 36 months warranty but early failure 2020 vehicle with 28,000 miles

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 12, 2025MO

The lane assist malfunction and periodically jerks. Very unsafe I no longer use this feature . To keep control of the vehicle. I never got it inspected. As the lane assist was in use and it would jerk it would alert me of a lane departure . I mention this to include every known problem I have experienced with the vehicle. The problem That brought me here. Is my engine light came on today. Leading up to this. I have had oil leaks since I've owned the car. Im adding oil in between oil changes due to it being low. In the beginning it was a hint of smell of gas in the oil. I was informed to do more frequent oil changes. Over time the smell of gas grew stronger . No Indication to a problem then. Now the smell of gas is prominent in the oil. When the dip stick is checked its always needing more oil and smells of gas and has blackness like burning in the oil. Now there's a check engine light on. And everything I looked up says to discontinue driving the car. I am having a mechanic look at it with a code reader.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 21, 2025AL

I own a 2020 Kia Forte LXS with approximately 136,000 miles. The check engine light came on with code P0420 (“catalyst system efficiency below threshold”), and an Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers location confirmed the catalytic converter is failing. The back pressure was measured and is within spec but slightly elevated, showing the part is deteriorating. I was also told my O2 sensors are burned due to the failing catalytic converter. This failure affects drivability and safety: the vehicle sometimes struggles on acceleration and hills, and I feel vibrations through the gas pedal. Because I commute 50 miles each way to work on the interstate, sudden loss of power would put me at risk in high-speed traffic. I have learned Kia and Hyundai vehicles from other years/models (including the Forte) have had recalls and extended warranties for premature catalytic converter failure and excessive oil consumption, but Kia has not yet extended coverage to the 2020 Forte. This appears to be the same issue. The vehicle has been inspected by Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers, and the quoted cost for replacement is $3,000–$3,600. This should be investigated for potential recall or warranty extension to include the 2020 model year.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 10, 2025PA

Kia is lying to a judge in Lancaster county PA and federal court by stating I did not opt out of class action when they know I opted out end of 2023. Kia also knows these cars are still being stolen and have taken no action to prevent thefts or damage to vehicles. The "upgrade" does not work. My car sustained 7000.00 of damage in May 2025 and had the "upgrade" installed. On the same night, the same people stole multiple other kias and caused severe damage to numerous other vehicles within a 20 mile radius. My report was made to pa state police. The only reason why they didnt actually steal my car was because on same night they tried to also steal my neighbors sorrento at same time. When they attacked her car, her alarm went off and the group fled in 2 sedan type vehicles. Kia has done absolutely nothing to prevent thefts or damage to these vehicles and now have lied to judges in my case. They are trying to force me back into the class action as they dont want to pay me for damages they caused and the class action settlement is a joke. That is why I opted out almost 2 years ago now. Kia are liars.

Engine
Filed Jul 1, 2025NY

The engine light went on and engine is burning oil mechanic said it needs to be rebuilt it’s currently under financing from kia and not sure if they cover this

Engine
Filed Jun 30, 2025103,069 milesFL

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the Forward Collision Avoidance camera activated, causing the brakes to stop the vehicle unintendedly. The Forward Collision Avoidance system activated without a vehicle or person nearby. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and waited before restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was started with the check engine warning light illuminated with abnormal gurgling sounds coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the cam shaft position sensor and the ABS system had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and informed of the failure. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The Forward Collision Avoidance camera failure was not diagnosed or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,069.

Power Train
Filed Jun 24, 2025NE

We were driving on vacation in the Nevada desert on a Sunday when the RPMs began to bounce between 2,000 and 4,000 RPMs causing the carto jerk back and forth when we were going up hill. This continued until it got to the point where the engine was going 8,000 RPMs but we were not moving forward. It felt like when driving a stick shift and you are out of gear. We pulled off and were towed to St. George, UT. The tow truck said it was the transmission and that we should go to a Kia dealer because it would be covered by warranty. No warning lights came on. Our mileage was 70,000 miles. The dealer said they could not find anything wrong and suggested it was bad gas. After paying $150 we were sent on our way back home through the mountains. We got about 20 minutes on the road when the car starting doing the same thing again as we went up hill. We immediately turned around and made it to the dealer in St. George. They checked the car again and found the transmission fluid was black instead of red. They eventually got approval from Kia for a new transmission. It ended up taking 5 days to finally get our car working. while the transmission installation was covered, we ended having to pay $2,000 in out of pocket expenses. Kia claims to have a Trip Interruption Policy to cover expenses when they have a failure covered by warranty when you are on vacation. At best, it only covers $100 per day for a maximum of 3 days ($300). But you have to have pre-approval before they will even pay that

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 19, 2025MI

The multimedia screen is delaminating. The screen ends not working making all functions in it inaccesible. Dealer only provides solution if the vehicle has less than 3 years or 36000 miles. The manufacturer only claims to its warranty terms. The screen starts delamination and evolves day by day.

Seat Belts
Filed Jun 3, 2025PA

The latch for the drivers seatbelt is no longer functioning properly, dealer stated that the hook that holds the buckle in was worn down. Car has 50k miles and is slightly over 5 years old, seems unreasonable that a seatbelt latch would fail that early. In the past, when inserting the buckle into the latch it would not properly latch and immediately fall out, and then once latched again it stayed. Recently it came unbuckled during a drive which caused concern to bring to dealer for inspection. Seatbelt latch issue was missed in PA state safety inspection a few weeks prior to the diagnosis of broken hook in latch.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor
Filed May 14, 2025117,892 milesCA

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,892.

Engine
Filed May 8, 2025TN

My vehicle lost 3 quarts of oil between oil changes somehow. The engine is bad now and has to be replaced. Never did a check engine light or oil pressure light come on to alert me that my car was burning oil somehow and the oil was low. At the oil change a few weeks ago the techs underneath my car called out that everything was normal under the car. No leaks, no oil spots anywhere. My safety was put at risk because I drive a very busy highway to work every day. If I had been in heavy traffic at the time of engine failure I could have gotten into a wreck or caused a wreck. If a check engine light or low oil pressure light had come on, this whole situation could have been completely prevented. The issue has been confirmed by the dealership on 5/7/25.

Power Train
Filed Apr 11, 2025IL

Transmission from the original factory failed on it. I was driving when the engine check engine light came on and my car started ringing at me to get it serviced. I got the transmission replaced and not even 2 days later a brand new transmission failed yet again. This time the transmission (new) was revving up and down while driving at a consistent speed for a few minutes. Then my car started slipping gears when I tried to accelerate. The check engine light then came on again after my car started slipping gears stating to get it serviced. It is currently having its THIRD transmission put in.

Power Train
Filed Jan 20, 2025TX

My vehicle has 74,000 miles on it. While driving on the highway at 70 mph, the RPMs began fluctuating erratically, jumping from 2,000 to 3,000 and then from 2,000 to 5,000 before the car completely slipped into neutral. I was stranded in the middle of nowhere. Took it to the dealership and since it's out of warranty they quoted me 3500 American dollars to replace the transmission. Don't buy a Kia.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 3, 2024MI

1st problem, catalytic converter code says it's bad, check engine light on ever since, car is only 4 years old. 2nd problem possible electrical or wiring issue. Had to replace front right headlight(2times), back brake lights both sides, rear top brake light (2 times), daytime running lights both(2 times), currently right light bulb works, but light on says needs replacement. All in total changed 5 to 6 bulbs within 2 weeks of each other, which leads me to believe there is electrical or wire issue? Very frustrated with both issues. Not sure if related but issue just happened, heat blows warm driver side, cold air on passenger side, possible heater core issue. Again car is only 4 years old and should not have this many issues. Please help!

Unknown or OtherCrash
Filed Aug 7, 2024GA

- UNKNOWN - Just my safety in a lot of different ways from both parties, that I do not feel comfortable or know exactly how to explain as of right now and/or just over an app. - No, it has not. -No, but I would wish to do so in the near future. - Yes, all the way back in 2014 but started getting really really weird/bad/weird/disgusting around 2018-2020.

Unknown or OtherCrash
Filed Aug 7, 2024GA

UNKNOWN

Power Train
Filed Jun 13, 2024TX

Transmission was having issues, car would not accelerate properly. Engine light came on and vehicle was towed to the original dealership for inspection where they confirmed transmission had gone out and it did get replaced. Vehicle was driving strange for about 3-4 days before engine light came on (12/30/2023).

Engine
Filed May 24, 202475,709 milesCA

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, there was white smoke coming from the engine compartment. In addition, the contact stated the vehicle began to lose motive power and the oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart but the contact stated the accelerator pedal would not function properly after the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnosis. The contact was informed that the drain plug was missing and had caused the oil to leak out from the engine. 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 failure mileage was approximately 75,709.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed May 20, 202480,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the check engine warning light, and a message that Kia had been alerted of a failure was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was able to start the vehicle and drove back to the residence. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle was making an abnormal knocking sound before stalling. The contact called an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle on site and determined that the intake and exhaust cam shaft position sensors had failed and that metal shavings were found obstructing the cam shaft sensors. Additionally, the vehicle was very low on engine oil. The vehicle had received an oil change approximately 3-months prior to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Engine
Filed Apr 12, 202431,000 milesOH

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the residence. An independent mechanic informed the contact that the battery needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced, and the contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic, who stated the failure was due to the transmission pressure. The contact stated that there was an abnormal knocking noise after restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 22, 2024TX

Check engine light came on, got a code of P0867-Trans Fluid Pressure reading. May need a transmission fluid pressure sensor replacement, or to replace the transmission control module. Lastly, it could be a leak.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 17, 2023FL

After 2 hours of cruise control om, Collision avoidance warning lights came on for 2nd time. Brought is to dealership the first time it happened and they could nt find anything wrong,

Unknown or OtherCrash
Filed Dec 7, 2023OH

The antitheft software upgrade that Kia installed in my vehicle after it was stolen the first time DID NOT WORK. My car was stolen again WITH the software upgrade installed. The car was locked and parked in my apartment parking lot and the Kia Boys smashed the driver side front window, ripped open the column, and were able to turn the ignition and steal my car.

Power Train
Filed Dec 5, 2023GA

MAKE: 2020 KIA FORTE MODEL: FORTE ODOMETER: approximately 88,000 miles VIN: [XXX] [XXX] On [XXX], while driving my Kia towards my home driveway, I noticed that the car's speed was fluctuating unpredictably. Despite having my foot slightly on the brake and off the gas pedal, the vehicle continued to accelerate and decelerate as I made the turn into my residence. The Forte exhibited irregular and sluggish shifting, displaying a reluctance to engage or maintain gears, as well as experiencing missed or delayed gear changes. Additionally, it demonstrated unpredictable trembling and stalling occurrences multiple times while being driven in the driveway. The check engine light turned on. I promptly deactivated the engine and abstained from operating the vehicle. Afterwards, I had the vehicle undergo a scan, during which the check engine light turned on, indicating the presence of the code P0730. Without delay, I scheduled an appointment for service and maintenance at the Kia Bulldog dealership located in Athens, Georgia. Following a consultation with the service department, I scheduled a diagnostic assessment and test drive for the vehicle. On [XXX]. The mechanic at Bulldog Kia conducted a thorough examination of the vehicle and diagnosed it after performing a test drive. Additionally, he confirmed that he observed the same driving condition that I had previously described to him. It was associated with the transmission which related to the sc. However, when he scanned the vehicle f

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 18, 2023TX

My car was stolen right from my driveway. Kia’s have been targeted for a lack of safety security if back window is broken and they’re able to ride off using a usb port.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 15, 2023HI

There are significant idle issues (rpm’s shoot up & drop down irregularly while in park) and the car shut off while in park following irregular rpm movement, but was not exhibiting this behavior while previously parked elsewhere. I sent it in to be checked but nothing could be reproduced. A few weeks later the car began doing what felt like engine braking (in a manual vehicle) while I was letting the car roll forward in a traffic jam (foot off of pedals for short moment). A friend witnessed a the rpm’s rising and falling dramatically while sitting in the parked car. Later the car began shutting off at low speeds while my foot was on the gas pedal. All of the lights on the dash appeared to be on and the car wouldn’t crank again until the 2nd attempt and only stayed on when pushing the gas pedal. I sent it back again but it could not be reproduced so nothing was done. A few days ago I noticed it was idling weird again(Up and down dramatically). Today when pulling into my neighborhood my car began to accelerate on its own. - I pushed the gas lightly to make the turn from a stop and took my foot off of both pedals in a slow transition to the brake. While my foot was up in transition the car accelerated moderately quickly before I immediately pressed the brake my foot was already over. The rpm’s went up drastically (you could hear them). I let go of the brake and the car began to rev high again followed by my braking once more. I turned the car onto my street and pressed the gas a

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 6, 2023CT

The car is extremely easy to steal costing myself and others thousands of dollars. The vehicles should be recalled.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 1, 2023FL

I have brought the car in 3 times since I owed it stating it will not start at random times. I have videos and reports from corporate in regards to this. Along with the car not randomly starting I have had multiple issues of the warning lights coming on. The last 3 oil changes, the techs have said that I was completely out of oil. This car was deemed a lemon and I have been unsuccessful with the dealership on a respectful outcome

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 25, 2023IN

I have a 2020 KIA FORTE that had a recall on the Security System, yet it is NOT listed on this or any other sites. I did receive a letter and I did the UPDATED Security install with Kia Community Service of Bloomington Indiana where I purchased it new in 2020. The Tic Tock Challenge that has been going around did NOT have my VIN number listed nor was any other FORTE'S but MINE WAS A TARGET on 7/23/2023 as I was parked in front of a home I was at. They were able to get into my LOCKED Kia with a Screw driver and tore everything out of it looking for a USB cable that I never leave in there and since they couldn't find this used a screwdriver they pried the door open with to destroy my under dash area along with totally destroying the ignition leaving it inoperable and stealing a container of change. I feel the KIA FORTE was a target in these videos as well yet we were left out of the information on these silly things and were NOT included in the settlement. I am requesting a steering wheel lock free of charge because of this ! As a consumer we ALL pay for safety features and this I feel should have been passed on to us sooner. I have my car now in another City and have to go through so much because of something I was UNAWARE of because KIA did NOT have us down for the recall. I have to park outside a lot and for added protection would be so appreciative of the steering wheel lock. This happened to me in Indianapolis Indiana and they are participating and giving out Free steering

Complaints 1-50 of 78, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2014
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202426000Routine
202366351Do not drive
202228110Routine
202169200Routine
2020 — this page78020Routine
2019150240Routine
2018136330Routine
20173053104Fatalities reported
2016136160Routine
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.

Most recent recall on file: none. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.