Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Kia Motor Forte - part 2

Stalling when slowing or stopping.

See all problems of the 2017 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2020 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

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

See all problems of the 2018 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

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.

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 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2015 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2014 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

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.

While the vehicle was approximately ten months old with approximately 11k miles, it was continuously not functioning properly and would not start/accelerate. My 2024 kia Forte, which was purchased new from a kia dealership, has continuously failed to function properly. It had a water pump replaced after failing to be operated for more than a week and has since continued to fail - this time for not starting at all, not accelerating properly, and losing all power while driving (switching off completely) on at least two separate occasions. The dealership stated that I should drive the vehicle and document it when it occurs again (video) to assist them with identifying the issue since they are unable to correct the malfunction. It has been at the dealership for more than a month with no definitive resolution concerning the safety of the vehicle. I refuse to drive the vehicle and am afraid that I may injured/killed in an accident due to the safety concerns aforementioned. As of today's date, 09/22/2025, my 2024 kia Forte remains at the kia dealership with no foreseeable actions that may lead to a safe resolution. Further: 1) component or system failed/malfunctioned - engine, fuel pump, water pump. 2) is it available for inspection - yes. 3) how was your safety or that of others put at risk - vehicle switched off multiple times while operating in traffic and barely escaping accidents. Suffered a scrape on the passenger's door as vehicle would not accelerate and stalled in a separate incident. 4) vehicle or component been inspected by manufacturer - yes, at the kia dealership again. 5) were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure - no, there were no prior warning lamps, messages, or symptoms. Kia dealership stated that the 2024 kia Forte has been "reprogrammed", but the dealership has been unable to identify the safety issues it has. I do not feel safe to operate this vehicle nor have any family members operate it.

See all problems of the 2024 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

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.

Not an incident but I have noticed a whining noise and also a knocking noise coming from the engine and I've been told that it could be lifters or pistons not sure which but alot of others have complained about the same noises on their vehicles. If they were faulty from being built shouldnt the manufacturer replace these parts? that can be costly and if people are like me on a fixed income, I simply cant afford to come out of pocket for these repairs! they should have recalls on these parts. My car needs these replaced now and I just cant afford it like I'm sure many others cant. Yall should be ashamed of yourselves for selling vehicles that you cant stand by! the whole engine probably needs replacing now. Just something that you all should be aware of, in which I'm sure you are. . . And just refuse to address the issues.

See all problems of the 2013 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

In early 2025, I encountered a serious issue with my 2022 kia Forte gt, a manual car with 76,000 miles and a 1. 6l turbo gamma engine. I took it for a routine oil change at a local non-kia shop, but they refused, finding metal particles in the oil, suggesting engine damage. Worried, I towed it to a kia dealership for a warranty-covered inspection, given my 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage. The dealership proposed a $500 engine flush, claiming it would clear contaminants, and advised me to drive 1,000 miles, even until the engine seized if needed, before returning. This shocked me—driving with metal risked catastrophic failure, potentially costing $3,000-$6,000 for a new engine, and seemed designed to avoid warranty responsibility. At 76,000 miles, I believed the metal indicated a manufacturing defect, not wear, especially since I’d used 5w-30 synthetic oil per kia’s schedule. The non-kia shop’s refusal left my maintenance history unclear, but magnuson-moss warranty act protects me from paying for fixes if it’s a defect. I contacted kia customer service (1-800-333-4542), but they wouldn’t talk, citing my lawyer’s involvement. My lawyer, however, has been unresponsive to calls and emails for weeks, leaving me stranded. . Read more...

See all problems of the 2022 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

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 2018 kia Forte. The contact stated while her daughter was driving approximately 45 mph and approaching a red traffic light, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The driver was able to pull into a nearby gas station. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to priddy automotive, where the engine was taken apart, and the mechanic diagnosed that the engine had seized. The mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

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.

The engine is failing. I took my kia Forte into the dealership in March of 2025 for a blinking engine light and loss of power. It is under a warranty for engine replacement but kia has done everything in their power not to help their own customer out. This engine issue can cause life threatening issues such as engine fires or stalling on busy roads which could lead to accidents. I will be getting further help from an attorney if the issue is not resolved.

I got a car from coparts and they told me nothing was wrong! I recently bought the car.

See all problems of the 2010 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

Unknown. Vehicle serviced since 2010. Oil changes based on recommend miles. Only 80,000 miles. Wife [xxx] only uses it mostly for store runs. Since recently inspection and oil change motor has a loud knocking at start up and gets quiet shortly after but while idling you can here a ticking noise. We have all paper work to maintenance. Fear if my wife is stranded or worse and thought I would report this. I will take it in to see what is said. Doesn't seem normal for only 80,000 and well maintained information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The car has a knock sensor that causes it to go into limp mode. I was told by the service manager to drive it until the code goes from pending to not pending. The code is 1326. I have drove it, and it is not safe to drive. You can’t go ten miles without it going into limp mode.

On Saturday, March 1, 2025, I took my 2021 kia Forte lxs for a routine oil change. I had no prior issues, warning lights or anything with my vehicle. The oil change was performed. I then drove my vehicle less than 20 miles, the vehicle would then not accelerate and started to bog down. I was able to get my vehicle off the major I-4 interstate, however eventually the vehicle then shut down. The vehicle now will still start however is making this terrible clicking noise. I have had video of the engine running looked at by several mechanics who states the engine is blown. I have contacted kia who clearly has known engine issues on several of their Fortes however kia continues to state since mine is not currently on recall, they are not taking responsibility. Kia know they have several recalls due to engine issues. I cannot get a mechanic to work on my vehicle due to the recalls as mechanics only want to put in brand new engines due to kia engine recalls. A new engine will cost upwards of $10,000. Again, kia knows and had several recalls with engine issues.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Forte. The contact stated while driving uphill at approximately 50-55 mph, the vehicle started losing motive power and made an abnormal knocking sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was restarted. The mechanic diagnosed that the engine was damaged due to rod bearing failure, and metal shavings were found in the engine. The mechanic informed the contact that the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 20v750000 (engine) and related the failure to the recall. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the recall repair could not be performed because the engine had already failed; however, the contact stated that the recall repair involved the replacement of the engine assembly as necessary. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 149,061. Parts distribution disconnect.

Burning a unnecessary amount of oil. The oil pump failed.

The contact owns a 2012 kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she observed smoke emanating from the engine compartment, after which the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. The following day, upon starting the vehicle, the contact heard an abnormal rattling sound emanating from the engine compartment, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 20v750000 (engine); the VIN was included, and parts were available. However, the dealer declined to perform the recall repair, stating that the vehicle needed to be brought in prior to the failure for the cost of the repair to be covered by the manufacturer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.

The engine went out in the middle of a busy highway road leading to a dangerous situation that I almost lost my life the vehicle was purchased in 2021. There shouldn’t be no reason that the engine should have went out that quickly when maintenance was kept up not only that there was an airbag defected issue, which is a safety hazard as well. It was the most scariest situation ever when the engine shut off in the middle of the road. Also, there was many concerns of my vehicle being reported of also being almost stolen by kia boys I have a report on that.

While driving car will shut off.

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.

I had diagnostic ran because of a knocking sound and stalling and the oil pressure warning light. I was informed by the technician that the oil pressure was extremely low. Upon further inspection they found metal shards in the oil filter blocking oil flow. They told me this is a known defect and that kia should be responsible. Contacted kia and they said it’s not covered. It has 98,289 miles.

See all problems of the 2016 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.