Electrical System Problems of Kia Motor Forte - part 2

Timing, vvt sensor. Oil pressure.

See all problems of the 2018 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

I own a 2015 kia Forte (VIN: [xxx] ) that experienced complete engine failure. The vehicle had been running normally until it began stalling and sputtering while driving. Shortly after, the engine would only run for 1–2 seconds before shutting off entirely. This exact issue mirrors those documented in previous recalls and class-action lawsuits involving kia's 2011–2015 models with 2. 0l and 2. 4l engines. However, despite having the same failure and engine type, my VIN was excluded from the existing recall/warranty extension campaigns. Kia confirmed this is a known issue, but will not cover repairs. This failure occurred at approx. 180,000 miles. Engine failure without warning is a serious safety risk and financial burden. I am filing this complaint so NHTSA can review this issue and evaluate whether additional vins — like mine — should be included in a broader investigation or recall. A case has been opened with kia (case #xxx), and full diagnostic documentation from a certified mechanic is available. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2015 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

Hvac blower motor connector got so hot it has melted the plactic.

See all problems of the 2021 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

Kia denied repair and replacement of components damaged by a known safety recall (hydraulic electronic control unit) on my 2012 kia Forte coupe, VIN# knafw6a32c5562569. There was also a recall on the “knock sensor”, but I was unaware of the recall and paid for the repair out of pocket. Specifically, I was seeking repair or replacement of the starter and battery, as well as any other component that I wasn’t aware of, which was compromised as a direct result of the defective hecu system covered under the recall. They denied the repair because they said that the warranty was voided because the car had a salvage title, but the request to repair was not a warranty issue. The recall involves the hecu potentially causing electrical shorts and engine compartment fires, which can damage surrounding electrical components — including the battery and starter. These are not wear-and-tear items in this case, but parts affected by the consequences of a manufacturer-recognized safety defect. The internal electrical short circuit condition of the hecu fuse caused an overcurrent, which resulted in the wire from the solenoid cable of the starter burning and damaging the starter. As well as the wire of the negative battery terminal, which also resulted in the battery being damaged. I even left the battery and the starter on the floor of the car to show proof that these occurrences happened due to the defect of the hecu fused because when I purchased a new battery and starter the overcurrent of the hecu caused white smoke to appear and was about to catch fire and burn out the replacement parts as well. Kia has declined to perform these recall-related repairs, citing that the vehicle holds a salvage title, which was issued due to hail damage only. I respectfully contended that the cosmetic damage had no connection to the mechanical or electrical condition of the vehicle and in no way contributed to the failure of the battery or starter.

See all problems of the 2012 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

On [xxx] at [xxx], I was driving on [xxx] , when I noticed smoke come from the left side of the interior of the car near the fuse box. Within seconds, the fuse box exploded, and a fire developed. The fire engulfed the entire left side of the interior of the car. The car shut down and I was able to pull over to the side of the road. I tried to put the fire out with my left foot, but couldn't stop the fire. Luckily, I had 5 bottles of water with me in the car. I put all of the 5 water bottles on the fire and eventually put out the fire. But the smoke was so severe that it filled the entire car. I couldn't breath. I fell out of the car and hurt my knees. I noticed that my left toes were burnt and my new shoes that I had bought were ruined. I tried to call 911 but my phone was not working. Again I tried to call 911 and succeeded. The NJ state police arrive 15 minutes later. I was towed to a kia dealership in burlington NJ. They declared the car a total loss with over $18,000 worth of damage. Every wire in the car was destroyed information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2017 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

I am reporting a serious and ongoing safety issue involving my 2023 kia Forte gt. The vehicle has experienced persistent mechanical problems, including a check engine light and multiple diagnostic trouble codes, including p0420 (catalyst system efficiency below threshold – bank 1), p0300 (random/multiple cylinder misfire), p0304 (cylinder 4 misfire), and p0301 (cylinder 1 misfire). These codes have appeared as stored, pending, and permanent, indicating ongoing and unresolved engine and emissions system issues. In addition to these mechanical problems, the vehicle is emitting strong and concerning chemical fumes into the cabin during operation. These fumes are noticeable while driving and create a hazardous environment for occupants, raising concerns of toxic exposure and making the vehicle unsafe to operate. The vehicle also exhibits drivability issues, including jerking and performance irregularities when accelerating. Despite multiple attempts to have the vehicle diagnosed and repaired under warranty at authorized kia dealerships, including all star kia east and all star kia seigen lane, the dealerships have refused to properly diagnose or repair the vehicle. I have been informed that my vehicle or account is “flagged in all systems,” and service has been denied on that basis. The refusal to address an emissions-related defect, combined with active misfires and the presence of chemical fumes entering the cabin, presents a serious safety risk. I am requesting that this issue be investigated as a potential safety defect affecting this vehicle.

See all problems of the 2023 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

Unknown, can’t see the road at night due to the headlights not aimed towards the right direction they seem to be pointed down and at different angles. I have ran into a ditch because of this safety hazard I also have to use my high beam in order to drive which is unsafe for other drivers on the road I am very concerned and frustrated because I have tried to adjust the lights, but they just don’t seem to be able to be corrected.

I have currently been avoiding driving my car because it goes in limp mode when I’m stopped at red lights I smell oil burning sometimes ive seen small amounts of smoke coming from the engine as well as just receiving an oil change less than a month ago and it already being bad , I checked the mail the other day and I received a recall letter from kia stating my car needs to be serviced and that I can take it in for a free engine test and inspection free of cost as well as a system update free of cost , I schedule an appointment today for 11 I was told it will take half a day I receive a text to pick it back up 1 hour later I ask if an engine test was also done I received no response so I came in and was told that I would have to pay 270 for a diagnosis despite the engine inspection being different they refused to do one stating the previous owners warranty is up so the system update was done without any inspection or test to see if the damage was already which it is based off the state of my car , when trying to leave my car was not starting up and when it finally did it went into limp mode completely and wouldn’t drive at that point I reach out to kia costumer care center and they let me know that I should have gotten a inspection free of charge along side the update and to go somewhere else online also states regardless of warranty all recalls must be addressed if problems persist regardless of past service or owner , they also cleared my recall and listed it as repaired and it was not kia corporate shows it is still an open recall as well . I also received a kia multi point inspection that was not at all fully performed it is 1/4 fill out .

See all problems of the 2014 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

My vehicle is affected by NHTSA recall number 23v652000, I have taken my vehicle to jim ellis kia of kennesaw on several occasions, I believe 3 separate occasions to try and get this recall resolved. Each time I am told that the fix, a replacement fuse, is not being accepted by my vehicle. Each time they attempt to replace the fuse, the vehicle goes into anti-theft mode where the alarm goes off consistently. The dealership is unable to tell me why and states they can not complete the recall because of this. Initially, they tried to state the issue was that engine oil was seeping through into my engine harness and that I would need a new engine harness, sending me home with a quote for $3,000 to fix the issue. That same night I took my vehicle to an actual professional, who told me the dealership had no clue what they were talking about and that there was no oil in my engine harness. I returned to the dealership requesting that my vehicle only be looked at by the master technician, after the master tech reviewed the vehicle he agreed there was no oil in the engine harness and that that was a misdiagnosis. Absolutely absurd to think they can send a customer home with a $3k quote with no oversight before doing so. The master tech stated he could not figure out the incompatibility of my vehicle and the recall remedy, and stated I would have to pay $300 for them to do a full electrical review as a first step of troubleshooting. I can not believe that a massive corporation like kia is sticking a customer with a massive fire hazard of a vehicle that is a result of their negligence and telling me that 'although we have a fix, for some reason the fix doesn't work for your car and you're going to have to pay us to figure out why. ' this is absolutely unacceptable, I am a college student and while driving my only form of transportation, I constantly have to hope that I am not a victim of fatality at the hands of kia.

In a car accident I got into, my car’s airbags did not deploy like they should have and therefore I got greater injuries than I should have. I believe I hit the steering wheel and I did hurt my chest. Both my elbows were sore as well and as well as both my knees had big bruises on them. My right knee to this day still has a bruise/mark on it, which still does not feel the same since then. Very soon after my claims adjuster actually found out there was a recall on a huge amount of kia’s because of their airbags not deploying and some type of electrical wiring not working properly or something that has to do with that. However, my year car (2019) was not included in this recall. But as you can see, it should have been. My car got totaled as a result from this accident and I did end up going to the hospital afterwards to get checked out. About two weeks or so before, my car just passed its yearly car inspection. And no, there were no messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to this all.

See all problems of the 2019 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

-airbags did not deploy. -the car is available for inspection. -the driver was put at significant risk after the vehicle accidentally slid on ice while navigating a sharp curve, causing it to veer off the road and crash into trees. The impact resulted in the car being totaled from the front bumper to the back. Despite the severity of the crash, the airbags failed to deploy, making the driver's seatbelt the only factor that ultimately saved his life. -insurance agent still needs to look at the car. Police office was present, along with tow driver. -no warnings.

My radio speakers will sound like there are blown. At a certain speed, I will break and the seat will move in the passenger side and sometimes in the driver side by itself.

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.

Headlights shut off while driving at night. The right turn signal was on and was in a right hand turn when the car hit a small dip. There was the sound that you hear when you turn on the key when the car hit the dip and the healights went off. After pulling off the road and turning on the hazard lights, tried turning the headlights off then back on several times. The parking lights seem to come on then went off. Noticed that the information screen reset and was at the setup screen. Turned the car off then restarted the car and the headlights turned on. On the freeway the tone you hear when you turn on the key sounded several times as the car went over the bumps at the overpasses where the road is subsiding. This is a rental car. No police report made. No information if problem occurred previously or if rental company had problem looked into. Problem occurred 11/16/2024.

See all problems of the 2024 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

Recalls.

See all problems of the 2011 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

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!.

See all problems of the 2020 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

The necu system failed and blew the engine and caused a fire no longer available for inspection. No move running. No warning lamps at all of any sort.

After taking my 2012 kia Forte ex to the dealership for the fire risk recall (recall number 23v652), the dealership replaced fuses as part of the recall. Despite this, major safety issues persisted: 1. Brake fluid leak – the leak was not resolved after the recall repair, and my brake pedal continues to go all the way to the floor, creating a critical safety hazard. 2. Brake warning light – the brake warning light remains on, indicating ongoing brake system issues. 3. Traction control warning light – a squiggly line symbol appeared, suggesting further malfunctions related to the vehicle’s stability control system. 4. Burning smell – despite the dealership’s claim that the recall repair was completed, I still detect a burning smell from the vehicle, raising serious concerns about unresolved fire risks. When I contacted kia customer care at +1-800-333-4542, I was informed that the brake issues and fluid leak were “unrelated to the recall,” and I was told that I would have to pay out-of-pocket for towing, diagnostics, and repairs—exactly as the dealership had also insisted. This response has left me in a vulnerable position, both financially and in terms of vehicle safety, as I am unable to cover these unexpected costs on my own. Additionally, I was forced to drive my car home with the brake pedal going to the floor, endangering my life and the safety of others on the road. The dealership delayed addressing these serious issues, rushed the repair, and failed to fully assess the depth of the recall symptoms. Their negligence, coupled with kia’s refusal to take responsibility, has exacerbated the situation. Given the financial strain and the unsafe condition of my vehicle, I urgently request a loaner car until all issues related to the recall are thoroughly addressed, whether kia wants to take responsibility for these problems or not. The vehicle is simply not safe to drive in its current state, and I should not be expected to bear the financial burden of fixing what appe.

The car shuts down on my wife multiple times now more than 10 to 15 times and most of the time it’s on the freeway few times she’s had my teenage son with her and I have three videos that I have sent to kia but they’re refusing to move with buying the car back, saying because the dealership cannot duplicate the problem and the dealership drives the car 10 to 20 miles. I’ve stated to the dealership and to kia factory that this car has to be driven every day like my wife who drives it so they can discover the problem they’re not going to be able to discover the problem or just drive and get 10 to 20 miles once or twice last time I was found on my wife to take the car to the dealership on the freeway and it shut down on her on [xxx] right before the junction of [xxx] and I also have a video of that if I’m able to download it. I’ll download it for you guys. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Vechile was parked & an attempted theft took place at 4am. It happened due to no immobilizer & no security system at all!.

The contact owns a 2013 kia Forte ex. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 55 mph, she noticed smoke emerging from the vehicle. The driver pulled over and called roadside assistance. All the warning lights illuminated. Upon arrival, roadside assistance informed the driver the engine had caught fire and had seized. It was unknown how the fire was extinguished. The contact stated that the failure was due to NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed him the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted, who started a claim. The manufacturer requested a photo of the engine but the contact stated that he did not have any photos. The failure mileage was approximately 118,150.

See all problems of the 2013 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

I purchased my 2013 kia Forte ex5 used with 35,000 and now have 165,000 with normal wear n tear I've been mostly satisfied except with the head lights, tail and brake lights and the plate lights. Until reading here, I didn't make the connection that yes, I have spent a lot of time and money on getting these replaced multiple times each year-seems every oil change there's been a bulb out. No melting of the socket just a blub blown. I go to advance auto, and thankfully they are adept in swapping out the front lights but for all the rear I most have to get a mechanic.

I recently discovered that my car has a could safety recalls, regarding the hecu possibly having a short, and a brittle brake switch stopper. I called my local kia dealer - cartown kia in nicholasville, ky - about this issue, and was informed that it might not potentially be fixed for upwards of 2 months (2 weeks of I show up with my car today). This is not going to be fixed in a timely manner, especially with the risk of my car catching fire, and the dealership not providing a loaner car.

8/24/22, 2/3/23, 10/23/23. 6/14/24 I began getting random illumination of an icon of an engine. It would come on then off. When I called kia, I was told if the light stayed on then get an appointment with kia. The illumination rarely stayed on then I got a recall letter, so I got an appointment with kia rather soon initially. I didn't get much information on the matter from the mechanic and that bothered me. I started leaving the car parked due to getting a run around from kia. There were problems in slow starting the vehicle as well as light issues inside and outside the vehicle, so I got a new battery. There were some weird types of shakings or types of car seizures at times. During August 2022, kia ran some software tests. Kia continued to service my vehicle and the prices got expensive. With all the tests and repairs the vehicle mil returned then it failed to start and at times, it began having difficulty starting during 2023. I began contacting kia and its manufacturer more often about the times my car was out and had to be tolled a few times during last year until the starter had to be replaced last year. The kia dealer initially tried to scheduled appointment during the month of September, 2024 as the mia and some other haydraulic light came on and made it more difficult to even drive. I was told they were seriously busy when I called kia. Then the next appointment when I called the dealer of kia on 6/18/24 was set for 7/17/24 in vb, but I never got any calls or confirmation. I called numerous times. It was really frustrating even after I been contacting kia and the manufactural numerous times without any returned calls. I got a similar recall on my kia 2019, cadenza during the end of may 2024. I hope I can get my 2013 back soon before this other car needs fixing or breaks down, too. Both of these vehicles were purchased new. I don't understand why it is taking so long to fix with a fuse. I had considered trying to sale as I need my vehicle(s).

The contact owns a 2015 kia Forte. The contact stated that an anti-theft protection software update was performed in 2024. After the update was performed, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle unexpectedly turned off without warning. The transmission was shifted into neutral(n) and restarted to continue driving. The vehicle was reset and self-corrected after being restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, fred anderson Toyota of raleigh (9101 glenwood Ave, raleigh, nc 27617); and the dealer was unable to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

The contact owns a 2018 kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph the vehicle suddenly shut off and could not be restarted. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the positive battery terminal was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.

2018 kia Forte, purchased certified used June 2022, will randomly go into eco or sport mode on startup or while the vehicle is in motion. Vehicle is not equipped with drive mode control buttons, indicating that eco/sport modes are not supposed to be active feature. While I vaguely remember the mode change occurring during previous two years of my ownership, the first noticeable incident in 2024 was of the vehicle going into eco mode (green indicator light) happen upon startup the morning of 5/26/24. This was noticeable due to the fact that the eco mode slow down caused me to nearly be rear-ended by a semi while merging onto the freeway. The vehicle remained stuck in eco mode for several weeks. On the morning of 6/10/24, while driving, vehicle began to sputter/hesitate and eco light blinked on/off then switched to sport (yellow indicator light) mode and vehicle surged forward. Vehicle then switched back to eco mode and it remained in this mode until the morning of 6/13/24, at which point it went into sport mode upon startup. It went back into normal mode (no indicator light) upon startup the evening of 6/13/24. Vehicle was inspective by selling dealership 6/15/24 and they could not duplicate the issue nor pull trouble codes. Remained in normal mode until the evening of 7/15/24, at which point it switched back to eco mode. Dealership has been notified. It should be known that eco mode slows down the vehicle response to conserve fuel, sport mode speeds it up. While these features can be useful when wanted and properly installed with the appropriate controls, the randomness in which these features engage make them a safety hazard, especially considering the control buttons are not installed. Based on NHTSA VIN information the trim package of my vehicle, lx (which kia America has yet to confirm even though I have made multiple inquiries), drive mode is an optional feature which was not activated by the original/first owner.

Unknown.

On approximately, 04/15/2024, 8:00 am, my 2015 kia Forte with less 115,000 miles suddenly shut down going 65 mph! a severe accident was avoided by manhandling the steering wheel to get it to the side of the road. When I called the kia's consumer affair, to report the incident, I was told there was no recall on the motor so they were not labile. I am very frustrated, upset and stressed that kia's doesn't care about it reputation.

The rental vehicle, a kia Forte, was provided by a major rental company without addressing the critical anti-theft system vulnerability identified in manufacturer recall cs2305c. This recall was issued in early 2023, approximately one year before the rental date. The vehicle was stolen on April 11, 2024, using the known vulnerability method affecting the steering column and ignition system. The theft occurred despite normal security measures, demonstrating the effectiveness of the exploit that the recall was designed to prevent. Safety concerns: rental company knowingly provided vehicle without performing mandatory safety recall service anti-theft system vulnerability made vehicle susceptible to theft without traditional forced entry steering column security system failed to prevent unauthorized vehicle operation no warning indicators were present to alert the renter of this safety deficiency vehicle status: theft reported to police and rental company immediately vehicle was recovered by law enforcement insurance company has documented the incident rental company acknowledged the theft but might be continuing rental operations without addressing recall severity of safety risk: vehicle could be stolen without specialized tools or expertise known vulnerability puts both renters and public at risk lack of proper security systems creates hazard of vehicle theft while occupied unaddressed recall demonstrates systemic safety oversight failure the rental company's maintenance records would confirm that recall service was never performed despite adequate notice period. This incident represents a broader safety concern about rental fleet compliance with critical safety recalls. Police reports, insurance documentation, and rental company correspondence available for investigation upon request. Rental company's response confirms their awareness of the theft incident and their failure to address the known safety defect. No prior warning indicators.

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.

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

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.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Forte. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic and was repaired; however, the failure recurred, and the vehicle was taken back to the certified mechanic, and an unknown repair was completed. The contact was unsure of the repair that was completed. After having the vehicle repaired a second time, while attempting to accelerate, the instrument panel was flashing the check engine and the oil light warning lights. The vehicle decelerated, and there was black smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power shortly afterwards. The failure had occurred three times. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic twice. The mechanic repaired the knock sensor and drained and replaced the engine oil and cleared the codes. The failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was taken to the mechanic, and was then towed to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the knock sensor had failed. The knock sensor was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was not replaced. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was 90,000.

Driving to school and the engine started acting weird and took to good year mechanic and I received the attached invoice. Kindly refer to the invoice.