general problems of the 2017 Kia Motor Forte - part 1

I am the original owner of this car and get all my oil changes and regular maintenance on time. The car has 123k miles. I was getting into the freeway evening of 10/3 and my car stopped accelerating was making a loud noise so I pulled off to the side of the road. Per the kia dealership service department my engine completely failed. This is a known issue with this year and model but kia is not helping me in any way with the replacement of my engine. Please help.

About September 6th I was driving my vehicle. It is a blue kia Forte 2017. I just had cleaned it at a local car wash. Prior to this 1-2 weeks before my ac had just started to blow hot air. So I recharged it with some recharge that I purchased a recharge can and my buddy scott helped me put it into my low pressure air conditioning valve area. Soon after like I said when I was leaving a car wash. And I drove down to a gas station and as I start braking my car started running a lot slower. Then finally it almost halted and all the dash lights all illuminated everywhere. And I had to turn the wheel super slow as I approached the left turn into the gas station. And then I noticed my car had shut off completely. I screamed to the men that were at a gas pump feet away to help me push the car into the station. They finally ran over and pushed it into the station. Soon after we attempted with one car, and one truck we tried to jump start my car with the batteries. It didn’t start or turn the engine over fully either few times we attempted jumping it. I finally called it quits and took a ride home. The next day my buddy tried to “ fix it “ he said it didn’t really work as properly and the battery isn’t probably the problem. He said it might be the ac compressor due to my air going out weeks before. But he was afraid to tell me it wasn’t gonna be a cheap or easy fix. He suggested I go to a mechanic. Months prior I received a few notices in the mail that stated my name and my vehicle info. I never really paid them any mind until now but I am thinking I should open them soon. I’m assuming that this info would be in there about a recall. I hope that this will be a substantial amount of evidence for my recall. The websites I reviewed and researched say the there’s a lawsuit and recalls involving my kia Forte 2017 as well. But the VIN didn’t match it up fully? so I’m not completely sure why. But I am sure it only had 96k miles. Which was below the kia 100k mile warranty too? thanks.

Car started hesitating the red oil light came on on the dash it flickered on and off for a few days but and still goes on and off now but 90% of the time it stays on while car is in use. I don't have an oil leak and I'm not low on fluid. I believe foreign particles are getting clogged in oil pump and or filter. Most 2017 kia Fortes already have a recall for this. I don't understand why mine isn't recalled also. Plz help. If I have engine damage and car stalls it could be a safety hazard for me and others. I have small children. Please help.

The contact owns a 2017 kia Forte. The contact stated that while his son was driving 35 mph, the timing chain tensioner snapped, causing the vehicle to lose automotive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and the contact was informed that the timing chain tensioner, and timing chain were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 111,000.

The contact owns a 2017 kia Forte. The contact stated that while on several occasions while turned on and coming to stop while driving, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to restart each time. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that debris from the skirt was found in oil and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where it has yet to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact believes that the failures were associated with an unknown recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 134,071.

Dear national highway traffic safety administration, I am submitting this safety complaint to request an investigation into the adequacy of Kia Motors’ recall coverage for oil pump failures in the 2017 kia Forte. My vehicle recently experienced a complete oil pump failure, creating a serious risk of sudden engine seizure and potential loss of vehicle control. This type of failure poses an immediate danger to both occupants and other motorists. While kia has issued recalls and service campaigns addressing oil pump defects in certain models and production ranges, my vehicle identification number (VIN) is not included—despite my case matching the symptoms, mechanical failures, and safety concerns described in those campaigns. This raises concern that the current recall scope is too limited and does not adequately protect all affected owners. Under the national traffic and motor vehicle safety act, manufacturers are required to address safety-related defects in all affected vehicles at no cost to the consumer. If the recall scope is incomplete, other kia Forte owners remain at risk of sudden mechanical failure, which could lead to crashes or injuries. I respectfully request that NHTSA review kia’s recall parameters for this defect and determine whether additional VIN ranges should be included. I am prepared to provide detailed service records, diagnostic findings, and photographic evidence of the oil pump failure in my vehicle to assist with this review. Please confirm receipt of this complaint and inform me of the next steps in your investigation. I appreciate your attention to this urgent safety matter.

My car is experiencing signs of the kia oil pump recall that my VIN was not included in. However, I believe that needs to be reevaluated, as my car is having those same issues, as in engine failure due to oil pump issues. My car is now currently unable to turn on due to this issue.

I have been financing this vehicle since 05/01/2025, I was driving to tucson, az from flagstaff, az. About 30 minutes into my drive my car made a loud noise, the engine and oil lights came on at the same time, my car started shaking and the engine was smoking. I have never experienced anything like that and I was extremely fearful for my life. I was alone on the interstate for some hours before I could figure out how to get back to flagstaff… I got my car towed to a mechanic, they ran diagnostics and said my car has catastrophic engine failure, one of the rods shot through the engine. They found a used engine to replace my engine with, but the quote is nearly $8,000. The car itself is about $11,000. I am making minimum wage, I am already struggling to make ends meet as is, I poured a lot of money into that vehicle and I really trusted camelback Subaru to help get me into a safe, reliable car to help me get to work and live my life, I just never imagined something like this would happen.

Unknown vehicle just went dead while driving.

My life was unsafe by being put in this vehicle whos engine was damaged and caught on fire while driving it as a military soldier.

Stalling when slowing or stopping.

There is high oil consumption in my catalytic converter due to a failed oil pump or piston ring. I've just got this car in March haven't even put 10,000 miles on it. Kept up with maintenance oil changes. And currently undrivable.

At ~84,000 miles the car started to ride rough. The engine would stall out while driving 55mph. I would have to roll off to the side of the road and try to restart the car. I took it to the dealership. They found metal flakes in the oil pan and now the engine is totaled. When googling 2017 kia Forte, this was a common manufacturer defect that resulted in a large class action lawsuit. My VIN isnt covered for any of these repairs.

I am writing to formally request reconsideration for including my 2017 kia Forte in the existing recall (NHTSA recall no. 21v-260, manufacturer recall no. Sc210) affecting similar 2017-2018 kia Forte models. Despite my vehicle not being initially included, I believe it should be reconsidered due to the following reasons: 1. Similar engine issues: the recall pertains to certain 2017-2018 kia Forte models manufactured at the kia mexico plant between June 5, 2017, and July 24, 2017, equipped with 2. 0l nu mpi engines. My vehicle, manufactured at the kia mexico plant, is equipped with the same 2. 0l nu mpi engine and has experienced similar issues as described in the recall, including abnormal engine noise and warning lamp illumination prior to engine failure . 2. Consistent maintenance record: I have maintained my vehicle consistently, adhering to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. The carfax records demonstrate regular oil changes, brake inspections, tire rotations, and other necessary maintenance performed both at authorized kia service centers and independent shops. The most recent maintenance was conducted at 112,530 miles, just before the engine failure occurred . This demonstrates that the failure was not due to neglect or lack of proper maintenance. 3. Premature engine failure: my vehicle’s engine failed before reaching 116,000 miles, which is significantly premature for a well-maintained engine of this type. Given the similar defect characteristics — oil pressure issues caused by foreign particles in the oil pump variable relief plunger — I strongly believe that my vehicle’s failure aligns with the recall conditions described . 4. Safety concerns: the defect described in the recall poses a significant safety risk due to the potential for loss of motive power while the vehicle is in motion. My experience aligns with this risk, as the engine failure occurred without sufficient warning, putting me and others at risk.

The contact owns a 2017 kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, the vehicle lost power with an abnormal ratting sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact coasted the vehicle into a parking lot and then had the vehicle towed to the residence. The contact later towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The mechanic called several dealers and other independent mechanics and was informed that the engine was no longer in production, and that the engine was unavailable. The manufacturer was not notified of failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the independent mechanic. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

The contact owns a 2017 kia Forte. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 mph, the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled over, but the steering wheel and the brake pedal was stiff and almost unresponsive. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and observed that the check engine warning light was flashing. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and replaced the ignition coils and spark plugs. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 72,185.

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.

Engine knocking due to engine recall.

I purchased a 2017 kia Forte from a used car dealer. Two weeks after I picked up the car, the car stalled at intersections. I checked it out at a midas and they found that oil was not getting to the engine and it needed a new engine. I towed it back to the dealer because it was within the lemon law, under 75,000 miles. He said he fixed it, and replaced the engine, but after I picked it up, the same thing happened. I towed it back again and printed a list of mechanical things to check that was online. The second time, he said they cleaned the engine. I am concerned that there is a serious problem with the car and it is not safe to drive. I would have to restart the car and it would stall again. I have not picked up the car a third time again.

My car's acceleration pedal stopped responding while driving, and the oil warning light turned on in the dashboard. Gradually, the check engine light came on, and the car stopped moving. After researching, I found that a common issue with the 2017 kia Forte is a potential problem with the oil pump, where foreign particles can become trapped inside, leading to oil pump failure and possible engine damage.

Car is continuously running out of oil, after looking here it seems to be an ongoing issue yet no recall sent out.

The contact owns a 2017 kia Forte. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where a scanner determined that there was a failure with the crankshaft. The contact replaced the spark plugs and crankshaft; however, the failure returned. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic ,where a defect with the timing belt was found, and the mechanic discovered metal shavings inside the oil pump. The contact stated that an oil change was performed on the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The contact was then informed by the mechanic that the failure was possibly linked to NHTSA campaign number: 21v260000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

I purchased this vehicle from carvana, used, with 58000 miles. I have had all the oil changes and regular maintenance performed. However, this car has been very unreliable. One time in November 2023, all the electrical went out while I was driving down the highway going 50 mph. The power steering and all dashboard lights turned off and the car shut down. Were it not for the fact the road was straight and I could veer off slightly to stop on the side of the road, I could have experienced a crash. Others have pointed this out about kia cars. More recently, I had to replace the entire transmission at 90,000 miles. I have never had a car that needed a totally new transmission under 100,000 miles or at all. The cost of all the unexpected repairs, design incompetencies, and consequences, including having to get a rental car, was around $4,500. The kia cars from 2010 - 2021 also were not equipped with an engine mobilizer, which increased their rate of theft. This cost me a higher auto insurance bill as a result. It is clear kia throws their cars together and puts anything they can on the market, then deny any responsibility and just say, "OH, you don't have a warranty?" as if it's your fault for wanting a basic car to do basic things. Not having a car in the dead of winter with a big storm was pretty scary. That was me in mississippi in January of 2025. The kia dealership there in brandon was almost incapable of repairing it, returning it to me three times and saying it was fine, with me driving off and a warning light coming on or the car saying the engine was now overheating. These are bad cars. They should not be sold to us consumers. This is a scam operation. I have the receipts for repairs and having to get a rental car, if needed.

Was driving and vehicle started to stall and slow in traffic with no warning lights at all. Discovered that oil was empty after we had checked it before a trip. No oil warning lights came on to tell us that was no oil. In turn this damaged our vehicles timing chain and it needs repaired. I spoke with dealership and wanted them to do an oil consumption test because there was a problem and should not be using oil and not warning you of a low or no oil. They advised that was not an issue and could not do it. There are recalls on kias for this exact thing but not my model. This is a safety issue because could case an accident without any warning.

Unknown I dropped my car off at the kia dealership for them to do some recalls kia say the only re calls they had seen were 22v031000 and 21v622000. That they couldn’t do it cause it don’t show on the computer at the hutchinson kia of albany.

I was driving on a road, then the car just died out of know where after driving for about a hour. I got the car to the side of the road to be somewhat more safe. I started the car back up then started hearing a knocking. Then had it towed to the dealer. They said they cant do anything.

The vehicle consumes excessive oil, requiring to top-off oil every ~1k miles to prevent engine damage and seizing. The owner of the vehicle first observed oil consumption at 90k miles oil change. Dealership performed oil consumption test, measured 0. 5qt oil burned in 1k miles. At 95k mile oil change, owner requested to record oil consumption, but dealership did not measure it. At 99k miles, owner again requested to record oil consumption, and dealership measured 1. 5qt oil burned in 3k miles (0. 5qt / 1k miles). After 99k miles, owner began topping off oil every time the oil was measured to be 1qt low. Measured adding 1qt every ~2k miles. Oil change performed at 105k miles with no additional notes. At 108k miles, dealership began second oil consumption test, and measured 1. 5qt oil burned in 1k miles (3x increase in oil consumption from 99k miles to 109k miles). Dealership recommending "hail mary" attempt to break up carbon build up in cylinders or recommending engine replacement. Manufacturer and dealership claim that even though the problem began while under warranty, it only became "bad enough" after warranty ended, so the owner must cover all costs himself.

My engine has an oil consumption problem. I already had to replace one catalytic converter due to this. It is still happening and now multiple mechanics have confirmed that this is ultimately an engine problem. Not even 1,000 miles after an oil change, it starts making noises and the oil light will flicker on and off. The mechanics all say this is a known issue with kia engines, but when I looked it up, there is no recall for this part.

The light that marks the low oil of the engine, never turned on and the engine’s time belt was damaged as a result of this, and one of the valves too, and the car just consumed the synthetic oil in just about 7 months, and this is a factory defect because the low oil light inside the car never turned on. And I need that the company replace my engine as a result of this manufacturing defect. My car after that incident has a code p0011.

Engine light came on and off intermittently and then stayed on. Idle was rough and engine almost stalled. When scanned a p0301 code was thrown (misfire on cylinder 1).

I got a code p1326. I looked online and saw this was a common kia issue. My engine light is flashing and car went into limp mode while driving. I can’t got more than 60 mph. There is occasional knocking as well.

I keep having issues with the crankshaft pulley and the drive belt.

The contact owns a 2017 kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, the low oil pressure and the battery warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired, due to the warranty being expired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage approximately 135,000.

I was getting on the interstate gradually got up to 60 miles per hour when my car started to rev high an then lost all power an stalled it almost got me hit by a tractor trailer the car has ran ok up until then an kia claims there not a recall for this but I’ve read the stories of the same situation it’s crazy to think they won’t cover to fix this issue my car only has 82k on it an it’s basically totaled an still have payments on it.

The speedometer does not work. The car will not accelerate. I always have belt problems.