Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Kia Motor Forte - part 1

On [xxx] my son was driving on the highway when the car suddenly shut off. . Thank god he was able to safely get to the side of the road. Had it towed to my local mechanic who stated that the engine is seized up. The car is only 6 yrs old and well maintained. There were no prior problems or signs. Need a new engine. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2019 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

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.

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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.

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I purchased the 2016 kia Forte on [xxx] from bald hill kia in warwick, ri. Within the first 30 days, there was a knocking noise which turned out to be the knocking sensor. I took the car to be checked on 11/1/2022 and paid to replace the knock sensor. On [xxx], the knock sensor acted up again so the knock sensor had to be replaced again. They also found a small evap leak and the charcoal canister was cracked and replaced. On 12/9/2022, the engine assembly was replaced. On [xxx], the check engine light came on and the O2 sensor was replaced. On 1/5/2023, the catalytic converter had to be replaced. On 1/16/2023, the canister purge valved was replaced. On 8/29/2023, the catalytic converter had to be replaced again. On 6/11/2024, the catalytic converter had to be replaced a third time! over a year passed and on Saturday afternoon on [xxx] the check engine light turned on again and kia was closed on Sunday so I took the car to firestone for a diagnostic test and it turned out that it was the catalytic converter for the 4th time. I dropped off the car in 8/4/2025 and I'm waiting to see if the car can get looked at this week to confirm the problem for a 4th time. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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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.

The oil light flickered on and off intermittently despite oil in it and was making a cackling noise during acceleration for 2 days then my engine made loud screech noise and smelled like burnt oil and shut off . I had it towed to a mechanic who stated it showed a hole in the engine block .

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1. Nhtsa safety complaint draft vehicle info: make: kia model: Forte5 sx year: 2016 VIN: [xxx] engine: 1. 6l gdi (g4fj nu engine) issue: this vehicle uses the 1. 6l gdi nu engine (engine code g4fj), which is the same engine involved in kia’s engine defect recalls and class action settlements related to connecting rod bearing failure and engine seizure risks. However, kia is refusing to provide the knock sensor detection system (ksds) update, and no internal campaigns or recalls are listed for my VIN despite the identical mechanical risk. I purchased the vehicle in 2017 and was unaware of the extended warranty and safety campaigns until now. I am experiencing symptoms of rough idle and pre-knock concerns, and yet kia and my local dealership are unwilling to escalate my case or even verify warranty eligibility. This defect poses a risk of sudden engine failure and should be addressed under expanded recall coverage. I am requesting NHTSA investigate inclusion of later-production 2016 vehicles like mine, which clearly share the same defective power train. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Oil pump on vehicle failed, result was severe internal damage to motor, entire engine needed replaced at 120,600 miles.

The contact owns a 2016 kia Forte. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 mph, and as he depressed the accelerator pedal to merge on a highway, the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle went into limp mode. The contact stated that he was not able to accelerate past 15 mph. The contact had taken the vehicle to a auto parts store and had the vehicle scanned. The contact stated that code p1326 was shown on the hand held scanner. The code was for a fault with the knock sensor detection. The contact then had the vehicle towed to a dealer and he had also contacted the manufacturer. The dealer had not diagnosed the vehicle and advised the contact that the manufacturer had advised them not diagnose the vehicle due to lack of complete oil change history. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

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. Fire was located under in the engine compartment area and fire was visible from below the engine under the car. When it happened I was driving on the freeway when noticed my car seemed to be struggling stay at the current speend and to loose speed then a it suddenly l no longer would accerlatoed so I pulled over to call 911 a passing vehicle stopped and informed me there was flames under my car. I safetly exited and called for emergency services. The safety risk of major bodily harm by fire to myself or risk of harm to the environment around me a risk. The check engine light had come on before the fire. Reached out to manufacturer for a fire investigation and was instructed to take car to dealership to for service department to inspect. Was told a eta of 2 weeks before they will check out my car.

See all problems of the 2018 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

Timing, vvt sensor. Oil pressure.

Unknown vehicle just went dead while driving.

My 2021 kia Forte gt is currently sitting in my driveway, undriveable. It started about 3months or so ago I had realized I was getting more and more frequent oil changes to the point where the car would be consuming a quart of oil in at least a week or less. Fast forward to this previous week, I now had a hard knock/rattle within my engine. The engine gave way on my way home which is a significant safety issue to myself and those who were driving around me. I have contacted kia customer as they have had previous complaints as well as a lawsuit on the engine for the excessive engine oil consumption leading to possible engine failure. There’s no reason why an only 4 year old car should have a blown motor. I am thankful that I am personally ok and didn’t hurt anyone else while in the midst of driving my vehicle home.

See all problems of the 2021 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

2021 kia Forte VIN# [xxx] 107,000 miles while driving my kia Forte on [xxx] I experienced a sudden noise without warning just 2 months to the exact date after an oil change. The vehicle became unsafe to operate and could not accelerate properly. In some cases it would no have it would feel like it was losing power and creating a scary and dangerous situation. A certified mechanic diagnosed there was no oil in my vehicle which matches the oil consumption defect identified in kia's theta ii gdi engine recalls and nationwide class action settlement. Kia has acknowledged in public filing that is defect poses a risk of engine seizing and fire. Although my VIN is not currently listed under any active recall, my vehicle exhibits the exact same defect pattern as recalled vehicles, including sudden loss of power at highway speeds which is a significant safety hazard. Manufactures response: I contacted kia corporate to request an engine replacement consistent with the recall and the settlement remedies and they refused to cover the repair solely because my VIN is not included in the recall list despite the defect being identical. Safety concern: the sudden loss of power creates a risk of rear-end collisions, loss of control and potential fire. This defect can be life threatening and should not be excluded from recall coverage simply due to VIN range. Requested action: I am requesting that NHTSA investigate why vehicles with identical engine defects, including mine have been excluded from recall coverage and compel kia to provide a no-cost repair. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Stalling when slowing or stopping.

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.

Same defective engine issue as other saftey recalls for other vehicles.

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.

The contact owns a 2021 kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 65 mph, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the cylinders and pistons had failed, and the engine needed to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 93,532.

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 🔎.

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.

I purchased my 2015 kia Forte5 in may 2024 with just over 50,000 miles. In 2025, I began smelling burning through the air vents while accelerating. I took it to a kia dealership, paid a $173 diagnostic fee, and was told they completed the ksds (knock sensor detection system) recall update, but I did not need an engine replacement because “everything looked fine. ” they gave me no clear explanation for the burning smell. When I called back and told them the smell hadn’t stopped, they said, “that’s just your oil burning — that’s normal!” and then hung up on me. I contacted 1-800-kia, and my case was assigned to a woman named tina. I explained that the dealership didn’t perform a thorough inspection and dismissed a very real concern. Tina sided with the dealership immediately and showed zero care for the danger I described. What kia called “fine” has now made my car unsafe to drive. The smell has persisted, worsening, and is clearly a fire hazard. This model is under recall sc200 for engine compartment fire risk, and yet they marked the recall “complete” — just by running a software update. No mechanical inspection or repair was done. After researching NHTSA complaints, I found multiple reports from other Forte5 owners who described this exact burning smell shortly before experiencing complete engine failure or fires. After the ksds update, kia advertised a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty for engines. But my vehicle doesn’t hit 10 years until January 2026, and it feels like they’re intentionally dragging this out to avoid honoring the warranty. I reported the issue months in advance, and I believe they’re delaying on purpose so I’ll age out of eligibility while the danger keeps growing. Kia is putting people in danger by closing out recalls without resolving the actual mechanical issues. This really needs urgent investigation and fast. I do not feel safe in this vehicle at all and and it’s stressing me out so much.

Oil pressure problems blew the engines. Yes it’s available to look at at this time car stalled multiple times while driving has been confirmed by two mechanics oil light went on when stalled.

The contact owns a 2014 kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated and then lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the radiator had failed and needed to be replaced. Then the mechanic diagnosed the vehicle as coolant leak into the cylinder, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The radiator repair was performed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the cylinders, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.

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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 2012 kia Forte koup. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced, white smoke was coming from under the hood. While the independent mechanic was starting the vehicle, there was smoke coming from the vehicle. The mechanic turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that prior to the smoke on a separate occasion, while the contact's daughter was driving 30 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine had caused the battery, starter, and knock sensor to fail. The vehicle was repaired for the prior failures. The contact stated that after the most recent failure, the independent mechanic diagnosed that the engine had failed and damaged the battery, starter, and knock sensor. The independent mechanic replaced the battery, starter, and knock sensor. Additionally, the engine needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 20v750000 (engine); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

I brought my vehicle into the kia dealership (jim ellis kia of kennesaw) due to check engine light and limp mode activation. The code p1326 was identified, which is tied to kia's extended warranty related to known engine defects. This all started Sunday [xxx], and I brought the car to the kia dealership (jim ellis kia of kennesaw) on [xxx]. Despite this I was told I do not qualify for warranty service unless the engine fails completely. The dealership also attempted to upsell me unrelated services (such as an engine flush) without performing proper diagnostics. When I pressed for answers, I was told they did not even inspect the engine's cleanliness, despite recommending a $500 service. I called kia consumer affairs and opened a claim. 2 repair orders were sent to the dealership, but the dealership did not respond to me or kia consumer affairs. I was eventually told the dealership is refusing to work on my vehicle further and I was instructed to pick it up. The most concerning part is the service advisor at the kia dealership told me I need to "drive the car until the engine blows up" before I qualify for warranty. This is extremely unsafe for me and everyone on the road, and I feel uncomfortable with doing so. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2014 kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 55 mph on the highway, there was smoke coming from under the hood. There was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and the vehicle stopped. The tpms and engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined that failure was due to the engine. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

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.

While I was driving, the check engine light, oil pressure light and battery light came on and my engine shut down in the middle of the road multiple times. Right before the lights came on my engine started making a weird noise that sounded like puttering. I used a car scan tool that showed the camshaft senser b needed to be replaced. We replaced it and the issue wasn't resolved. I then checked online for any recalls and there is a recall sc210 that describes the exact issue I'm having. This recall should be reinvestigated. I will be calling the kia roadside assistance number to have this fixed.