Electrical System Problems of Kia Motor Forte - part 2

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.

See all problems of the 2012 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2017 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2018 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

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!.

See all problems of the 2015 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2021 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2014 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

I was driving and the car caught on fire.

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.

The car will randomly cut off while driving, to restart the car must be put into neutral to restart and the lights go off during that time. If you are on the interstate going over 50, it will jerk and restart itself but the steering gets really stiff and you have to pull over and cut car off and restart to get the steering to work properly again.

The issue I’m having was confirmed by the dealership so when I drive on the highway, there’s a specific patch of highway that zigzags the car will follow that zigzag after getting off of the highway onto regular road. The car computer system will start a down shift erratically and feel like the car is pulling backwards. Also there is a lack of acceleration and it feels like the transmission is slipping, but I have confirmed with the dealership that the transmission was not slipping that the computer was shifting erratically. They would reset the computer and the car would would begin driving in a more normal state shifting correctly. I get on the highway again. The car once again will start shifting erratic. When you let go of the gas, the car downshift so many times that the car almost comes to a complete stop without hitting the brakes. The dealership has the car once again trying to figure out what’s going on with the car and why when I go on the highway the computer starts shifting erratically on that specific patch of highway. The car will pull left and right the entire time once you get off the highway the erratic shifting happens the dealership let me borrow a car which is a 2025 kia sorrento went on the highway with the car and had the same exact issue. The car they let me borrow is also downshifting erratically and feels like the transmission is slipping. The dealership did confirm that the car was not driving as intended, and they were confused as to why it was happening. They’ve also confirmed that the test that they’ve done on the car itself. Had not passed prior to them resetting the computer.

My windows began to roll up slower than usual. When I roll my window up seems like my lights would dim. But not all the time. On this particular day, I parked my car. It seemed to be running just fine before I turned it off. However, when I went back out to turn it on, the key would not turn nor would the gear move. Once I sat for hours waiting for a family member to assist me. The family member came and was able to get the car started. Once started we began to see and smell smoke. It smelled like electricity. The car died out and continued to smoke really bad and the smell of electricty became stronger. The car would no longer start.

Driving down the road and the car will quit running and will take 20-30 for it to start again and now won’t start at all and it quit running while driving at hyway speeds 10 times and could have been hit by other vehicles.

See all problems of the 2023 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

The hydraluic electronic control unit may short circuit and cause a fire while driving or parked and this recall has been open for months and not fixed. Recall has been open since September of 2023.

Every two months I have to change the bulb for the break lights. It burns out fast. Not only is it burning out fast but its melting and takes several days for pry the melted material out. Also smells like something is going to catch fire with this. This started over a year ago but I didnt know I can report it to be investigated as a recall.