Equipment Problems of Kia Motor Forte - part 1

The front driver side door is ‘popping’ open while driving. In addition, the seatbelt randomly releases while driving.

See all problems of the 2022 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

While driving a 2020 kia Forte on the expressway at normal speed, the vehicle was operating normally with no prior warning lights or known issues. Suddenly, the brakes began to feel weak, as if they were failing. Immediately after, a popping sound was heard from the vehicle, followed by smoke coming from the side/underneath area. Within moments, the smoke intensified and the vehicle caught fire. The driver pulled over to the side of the road as quickly as possible. The fire spread rapidly, and within approximately 1–2 minutes the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames. There were no prior warning indicators, messages, or symptoms before the incident. The cause of the fire is currently unknown. The vehicle is available for inspection by insurance or manufacturer if needed. The incident created an immediate safety hazard due to loss of braking performance and rapid fire spread while driving at highway speed.

See all problems of the 2020 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

Backing out of a driveway that had a mud hole. Car got turned and stuck in the mud. We were trying to push it out and then it started smoking under the drivers tires and then we heard a pop. Next thing the undercarriage is on fire and we got away. Withing minutes the whole car was engulfed in flames. Unknown moderate only cause we were stuck and could exit the vehicle in a timely manner no no.

See all problems of the 2023 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

While driving on I-95 at 60mph the car began to jump as it attempted to shift gears and the speed stalled to where it slowed down to 20mph and would not go any faster. The car slowed while I was in the fast lanes of the highway and I had to work my way to the right to the slower lanes to avoid abusing traffic congestion or any accidents. It was scary. Separately, my engine light has been on for the last year. I recently had the maps replaced and the light went off for two days and came back. It’s a steady continuous light, no flashing. The analysis check gives some other reason for the light but when checked it doesn’t fix the issue.

See all problems of the 2016 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

My car suddenly accelerated while I was pulling into my canopy carport causing me to crash into an old basketball goal and then the wall of my cottage. When this happened I was slowly pulling in to park when the car suddenly accelerated on its own and kept moving forward despite me pressing the brake. The rpm gauge continued to rev after the impact and the only way that I was able to make it stop was by putting the car into park and pushing the button to turn the car off. No warning lights illuminated on my dash. I have video of the incident from my security camera in my backyard.

See all problems of the 2024 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

Never received a notice on vehicle having a recall.

See all problems of the 2010 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

Engine would run fast and then sound like was going to stop and then it would start shaking and rumbling while driving on highway and in town. Car would stall while at a stop. Gas smells inside the car. Did not feel safe driving. Had the car towed to an independent garage on February 7th and they did an oil change, change 2 sensors, changed all the spark plugs and changed all 4 cylinders and on the way home from starks garage the car was doing the same as before going to the garage with gas smells inside the car, shaking, rumbling and stalling of the engine. And the car wanting to stall while on the highway speed limit of going 60 mph. The next morning my mom and stepdad had the car towed again to another mechanic close to them at hudson import automotive -napa auto care and they emailed a list of problems after inspecting the car. Attaching the list of codes from a diagnostic test from auto zone store # 00791 , and the estimate for service from hudson import automotive - napa auto care. Have no paperwork from starks mechanic shop.

See all problems of the 2018 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

I went to kia dealership in groton CT 06340 for an oil change. They also fixed a recent recall, and after I picked up my car, both of my key fobs weren’t working. I can’t open my car. I can’t lock my car and they are refusing to fix it. I contacted kia corporate. They were not helpful. What can I do here to have this situation resolved? I’m worried that the anti theft system doesn’t work now on my car because my key fobs don’t work at all.

I am emailing I have an issue with a my vehicle I took it in to the dealership and got the recalls performed and they still have not updated in the system I am trying to rent out my car on turo and am not able to do I also contacted the dealership and they said its all electronic what can I do to clear this up or speed it up am sorry am trying to get forward any sort of way you guys can help.

See all problems of the 2017 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

Unknown concerning the front passenger steering component. Carfax showed prior accident with minor damage to the front passenger bumper. I purchased the car not long ago and and was hit in the same exact spot. When I looked up the VIN for more information online I came across the safety issue with some other 2023 Forte. I'm concerned that my vehicle could possibly have the same issue though it's not showing up right now under recall.

My son, [xxx] , has opened a complaint/case #xxx with kia. His 2023 kia Forte had been idle for at least 24 hours when the engine compartment caught fire. He became aware of this when the fire department knocked on his apartment door around 4:00 pm 12/26/25 and said they were evacuating the building because a car was on fire. He went outside and was shocked, to say the least, that it was his car. The fire department had taken off the hood to extinguish the fire. He removed his belongings once the fire was out. He contacted his insurance company but since it was a holiday weekend, he did not get a call back until 12/29/25. He then filed a claim with state farm insurance which was required to get his car towed to a kia repair location. On 1/9/25, [xxx] [xxx] t castrucci auto shop in [xxx] [xxx] he car was totaled. I talked with [xxx] who was [xxx] between the auto shop and state farm, told me that once the repair exceeded the value of the car, he was instructed by state farm it was totaled and there was no need to continue. On or around 3/4/26, kia sent engineers to assess the damaged vehicle. Kia determined it was an engine fire and the cause was undetermined due to the condition of the engine department. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6) information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The vehicle went into tasca kia for a cam shaft replacement, this did not fix the issue and the vehicle needed an entire engine replacement under power train warranty. Since then, the vehicle has continuously stalled. The vehicle is not indicating a reason for stalling, it is documented in video, and I have continued to inform the dealership where the vehicle is. This vehicle has shut off on me at rates of speed of 60 mph, comes to a complete stop, and is a huge safety concern. I have reported it to the dealer every time, I have provided video, and I have left the vehicle with them, they have continued to ask me to pick up the vehicle and return the rental because they cannot recreate the problem and cannot continue to lose money on the rental. There are no prior issues, there were no warning lights or lights remaining on the dash when the stall happens.

I had a brake system failure of some sort happen today. My life and the lives of many others were put in extreme danger. I was driving at about 40 mph and was approaching a red light. I pressed down on my brake pedal to begin slowing down, but I got absolutely nothing in response. Out of panic, I pumped my brake pedal. This again, did not slow me down at all and my brake pedal fell to the floor then went stiff. After it fell to the floor and went stiff, I pumped and pressed down on it again with all of my strength, at which point I was able to get a very small response and slow myself down to a stop. This is the 4th time this has happened to me in the past 45 days, I took the car to a local aaa shop but they found zero issues with my braking system (cylinders, fluid, lines, drums, pads, etc. ) there has never been a warning light of any kind related to my brakes, wheels, etc. The vehicle had a brake line recall several years ago, a certified dealer serviced the recall and ensured everything was safe with the vehicle and braking system.

See all problems of the 2014 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

Had to replace a p0014 exhaust camshaft position timing vct solenoid - over advanced (bank1) last year on October 1,2024. Now 2025 December 8,2025 need a nothing camshaft position timing vct solenoid and also says I need replace my engine. I think something is not right about the engine or something on the engine. Not sure but something is definitely wrong. Never had this kind of problem before , but no cars I've ever had.

Large buck deer hit car with force, did not loose control, did not slam brakes attempted to pull to side of road. The hood flew up and had to use the emergency brake to come to full stop, put in park but the gas was full throttle. Neither airbag deployed and definitely should have.

My vehicle caught fire while driving also before fire vehicle started popping and stuttering rattling sound. I was on highway.

I have 2 problems with my 2017 kia Forte sedan: 1) they have put an "environmentally friendly" coating on the wire harnesses under the front hood of the engine which emits a vanilla scent when warm and attracts rats that eat the wire harness when the vehicle is parked. They need to revert back to the original jacket material on the wire harnesses that don't attract rodents. I've spent hundreds of dollars repairing the wire harness, and it's an ongoing problem on wires I haven't replaced. The ones I've already replaced were with "original" materials that don't have the environmentally-friendly coating. 2) paint (or clear coat?) peeling on the roof and door handles in less than 100,000 miles. I'm told this could be due to a faulty primer, but kia won't do anything about it, as they say their paint warranty is only for 3 years or 36,000 miles, which is subpar.

The car turn off while driving it. This creates a serious safety concern. We took the car to a mechanic and he was not able to identify the problem, he suggested we take it to the dealership. We then took it to the kia dealer ( covina) and they have had it for months and yet are not able to fix it. Yesterday we received a call telling us, the engine failure is related to the oil pressure and it would need a new engine. This is no longer covered under warranty. This same car has already had the engine replaced once before. When we bought the kia in 2018 (new) just weeks after we took it home, it required a new engine, which kia replaced. The current issue appears to be related to oil pressure and is consistent with engine concerns reported on this model year.

Trunk open alone. Also trunk open when driver door open.

Severe, early onset clear coat paint damage.

See all problems of the 2019 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

Car steers to tilting directions. Doesn't drive straight especially on the highway. Headlights are horrible.

Car has been in several times for repair clutch assembly clutch plate, flywheel transmission, and the problem continues with shifting it does not want to go into gear it grinds even with the clutch fully to the floor. It will not go into first gear, not going to reverse intermittently and sometimes it will go from 1st to 5th third gear is missing sometimes first gear is missing this can happen at any given time shifting putting it into reverse sometimes it will not go into gear. It will just grind gears or taking off from a dead stop. It will not go into first gear. It will automatically go into third gear even though you’re putting it over and trying to put it into first gear, it will not engage in first gear. It will go to third gear and if you try to put it in a different gear, it will grind. Kia is aware of the issue with my vehicle and another vehicle that is experiencing the same problems and is unable to fix them this is an ongoing intermittent issue.

Equipment premature failure. Dashboard screen bubbling and separation. Beyond 36 months warranty but early failure 2020 vehicle with 28,000 miles.

I am writing to report a recurring and potentially dangerous issue with my kia Forte. My vehicle has randomly failed to start on multiple occasions, requiring a jump start. More concerning, it has also shut off while I was driving, which is extremely alarming and could have resulted in a serious accident. These incidents have happened several times, and I no longer feel safe driving the vehicle. I suspect this may be related to an electrical issue, as I am also experiencing:     •    intermittent failure of the backup camera     •    headlights, brake lights, fog lights, and daytime running lights failing to operate correctly     •    general electrical irregularities throughout the vehicle I have checked for recalls related to kia Fortes and found that other vehicles of the same make and model have had similar issues. However, there are no active recalls for my VIN, despite experiencing the same or more severe symptoms described in those recalls. This situation is extremely concerning and I believe it warrants further investigation. I am requesting that NHTSA review this issue and consider whether additional recalls or safety investigations may be necessary for other kia Forte owners experiencing similar electrical and engine issues. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I would appreciate any guidance on next steps or how to ensure my vehicle is properly inspected for these safety concerns.

Police report filed after the vehicle was attempted to be stolen. 3 suspects were found in the car preparing to drive off with the car using the usb method as the cord was on the floor and it is not mine amd suspects were found in the car with it running and begining to move the vehicle.

About a week ago, I noticed small chips in the pearl white paint on the hood of my kia Forte 5. One of the chips has started a peeling of the paint which has benn steadily getting larger. This indicates a delamination is occurring. Many kia owners have been posting about this with the pearl white paint. I asked my local kia service center in redding, CA today about it. He said he knew nothing of this as a problem and said it looks like I got hit by rocks which caused the problem and offered no assistance in how to resolve the problem. I hope someone will look into this issue and address the problem that many of us are experiencing. Thank you. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Kia is lying to a judge in lancaster county PA and federal court by stating I did not opt out of class action when they know I opted out end of 2023. Kia also knows these cars are still being stolen and have taken no action to prevent thefts or damage to vehicles. The "upgrade" does not work. My car sustained 7000. 00 of damage in may 2025 and had the "upgrade" installed. On the same night, the same people stole multiple other kias and caused severe damage to numerous other vehicles within a 20 mile radius. My report was made to PA state police. The only reason why they didnt actually steal my car was because on same night they tried to also steal my neighbors sorrento at same time. When they attacked her car, her alarm went off and the group fled in 2 sedan type vehicles. Kia has done absolutely nothing to prevent thefts or damage to these vehicles and now have lied to judges in my case. They are trying to force me back into the class action as they dont want to pay me for damages they caused and the class action settlement is a joke. That is why I opted out almost 2 years ago now. Kia are liars.

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.

Oil plug came out while driving causing an engine failure. We have seen several report already made for this issue.

I purchased this brand new in 2024 and about 5 months ago it started to just loose power. It almost caused me to be hit several times and the car just won’t go it looses all power and you can press the gas and it won’t go but eventually will start going again. It’s very dangerous luckily I haven’t had a wreck with me and my infant in the car and I’ve been able to move out of the way of others.

The multimedia screen is delaminating. The screen ends not working making all functions in it inaccesible. Dealer only provides solution if the vehicle has less than 3 years or 36000 miles. The manufacturer only claims to its warranty terms. The screen starts delamination and evolves day by day.

I had a crack in my windshield. I called safelite to come out and replace my windshield tape got left behind on the windshield and the roof of my car. I removed the tape and it brought the paint with it. I’ve been contacted safe flight and they told me that there was a recall on the white paint for the kia Forte coupe 2015 therefore they are not liable for any repairs on the vehicle. Now the roof of my car has two places where it’s missing paint from tape being pulled from it.

See all problems of the 2015 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

While driving on my home the car started accelerating on its own. Good thing I was already close to my house.

See all problems of the 2011 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

As I’m reading it states that my knock sensor detection system and hecu fuse needs replacement.

See all problems of the 2013 Kia Motor Forte 🔎.

Body paint on 2018 kia Forte: delamination of snow white pearl paint is causing peeling and bubbling on the car. Specific to the hood and driver car door at this time. It is available for inspection. This issue has been confirmed by an independent service center. Per the car dealer they were unaware of an issue or recall. The vehicle was inspected by the collision shop. There were no prior warning or symptoms prior to the paint peeling.