Equipment Problems of Kia Motor Forte - part 1

Kia Motor Forte owners have reported 275 problems related to equipment (under the equipment category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Kia Motor Forte based on all problems reported for the Forte.

1 Equipment problem of the 2020 Kia Motor Forte

Failure Date: 09/27/2025

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

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2 Equipment problem of the 2019 Kia Motor Forte

Failure Date: 09/16/2025

Severe, early onset clear coat paint damage.

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3 Equipment problem of the 2017 Kia Motor Forte

Failure Date: 09/13/2025

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

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4 Equipment problem of the 2024 Kia Motor Forte

Failure Date: 09/11/2025

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.

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5 Equipment problem of the 2020 Kia Motor Forte

Failure Date: 09/01/2025

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

6 Equipment problem of the 2024 Kia Motor Forte

Failure Date: 08/02/2025

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.

7 Equipment problem of the 2018 Kia Motor Forte

Failure Date: 05/30/2025

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).

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8 Equipment problem of the 2020 Kia Motor Forte

Failure Date: 05/14/2025

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.

9 Equipment problem of the 2017 Kia Motor Forte

Failure Date: 05/07/2025

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.

10 Equipment problem of the 2019 Kia Motor Forte

Failure Date: 05/04/2025

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

11 Equipment problem of the 2020 Kia Motor Forte

Failure Date: 04/05/2025

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.

12 Equipment problem of the 2015 Kia Motor Forte

Failure Date: 04/03/2025

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.

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13 Equipment problem of the 2011 Kia Motor Forte

Failure Date: 03/15/2025

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

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14 Equipment problem of the 2013 Kia Motor Forte

Failure Date: 03/14/2025

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

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15 Equipment problem of the 2018 Kia Motor Forte

Failure Date: 03/10/2025

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.

16 Equipment problem of the 2013 Kia Motor Forte

Failure Date: 02/26/2025

Issue with having to replace brake and taillights too often.

17 Equipment problem of the 2018 Kia Motor Forte

Failure Date: 02/26/2025

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.

18 Equipment problem of the 2015 Kia Motor Forte

Failure Date: 02/25/2025

While driving car will shut off.

19 Equipment problem of the 2014 Kia Motor Forte

Failure Date: 02/14/2025

My 2014 kia Forte experienced random stalling/loss of speed. The vehicle was taken to the mechanic multiple times- the crank shaft sensor was replaced, new batteries were put in, and a starter was replaced. When starting the vehicle sometimes it would not turn over or click a few times to start. A ticking noise was noted aswell and relayed to the mechanic-mechanic could not find any issues. The oil light began coming on and off-especially when stopped the light would stay on, when starting to drive if would go off. Took the vehicle to the closest mechanic-the mechanic said he has diagnosed another kia with the same issue. He said to look up recalls. I found out that my car is experiencing the exact same issues as other kias listed as NHTSA recall number: 20v750- it was diagnosed at a kia dealer in which they noted the rod is coming lose in the engine and that the whole engine would need to be replaced. When calling kia I was told I was not going to qualify because I have a 1. 8 liter engine, however the symptoms of the car are identical to the recall listed above. The car needs a whole new engine replacement. I tried multiple times to get my car diagnosed and was told by a few mechanics that nothing was wrong with the car. I do not feel that it is fair that this car is not included in the recall. It is a 2014 kia Forte, and other 2014 kia Fortes are listed in the recall. The cost of repair is more than what the car is currently valued at. The car has just recently hit 104,000 miles. All the maintenance on the car was routinely taken care of and inspections/emissions have always been up to date.

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20 Equipment problem of the 2017 Kia Motor Forte

Failure Date: 02/08/2025

I purchased a 2017 kia Forte from a used car dealer. Two weeks after I picked up the car, the car stalled at intersections. I checked it out at a midas and they found that oil was not getting to the engine and it needed a new engine. I towed it back to the dealer because it was within the lemon law, under 75,000 miles. He said he fixed it, and replaced the engine, but after I picked it up, the same thing happened. I towed it back again and printed a list of mechanical things to check that was online. The second time, he said they cleaned the engine. I am concerned that there is a serious problem with the car and it is not safe to drive. I would have to restart the car and it would stall again. I have not picked up the car a third time again.

21 Equipment problem of the 2012 Kia Motor Forte

Failure Date: 01/27/2025

The security system is locked on my kia Forte 2014. This is the second time it's happened. Now can't get it to unlock the system.

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22 Equipment problem of the 2019 Kia Motor Forte

Failure Date: 01/24/2025

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.

23 Equipment problem of the 2017 Kia Motor Forte

Failure Date: 01/10/2025

-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.

24 Equipment problem of the 2017 Kia Motor Forte

Failure Date: 11/23/2024

On November 23, 2024, the brakes gave out on my 2017 kia Forte5 ex. I found several recalls for my car regarding the brakes, trunk, engine and airbags. However, my son was in an accident and I was unaware of any recalls, as the car was purchased used. Would I still be able to get my car repaired under these recalls, or do I need to contact kia?.

25 Equipment problem of the 2021 Kia Motor Forte

Failure Date: 11/20/2024

This car was sold to me without disclosing that the manufacture failed to have a engine security system on the car to at least "deter" auto theft. If the key to the car was programmed/chipped like other cars, it would provide at least some level of protection. I've already stopped car thieves from trying to steal it once by pure luck, but I'm like the thousands out there constantly worried that someone's going to try to take it in lieu of the social media challenges. The horrible settlement that out government gave us was to upgrade the software which provides no help with deterring thieves from breaking in and trying to steal it. The reimbursement provided in the settlement is complete joke, and doesn't offer to properly repair or reimburse for after-market security systems. This is evident from the fact that insurance companies still won't insure this car, even after the software upgrade. The insurance companies are telling me that they still won't insure the car even with upgrade because it doesn't stop thieves from breaking into the car and causing comprehensive damage to the car. I can only find a few insurance companies that will insure the car, and the premium cost is twice as much as I pay to insure a car that's worth twice as much money! if our government or NHTSA was truly concerned, they would have demanded that the manufacture make significant change to the ignition/engine starter, I. E. , changing out the ignition switch system with a programmed/chipped key, and/or engine starter kill without said key. If the manufacture and the government made this change a required "recall" to properly fix and advertised it nationwide, then thieves would at least be less inclined to cause damage, and insurance companies would feel more comfortable about taking the risk. This ongoing expense/problem for me has me seriously considering if anyone in my family should every purchase another kia/Hyundai product again. Stand behind your product with some integrity.

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26 Equipment problem of the 2023 Kia Motor Forte

Failure Date: 11/19/2024

The vehicle has 20k miles and just shut down while going 40 miles per hour. It just turned off. There were no codes or warning lights. The dealership said they had could not find anything wrong and though they suspected what was wrong they could not prove it and so could not get reimbursed for the repair and wouldn’t do it. Why does a new car shut off while going to miles per hour, that is scary to drive. If it happens at the wrong place or time I and others could be in danger.

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27 Equipment problem of the 2012 Kia Motor Forte

Failure Date: 10/27/2024

Unknown.

28 Equipment problem of the 2024 Kia Motor Forte

Failure Date: 10/07/2024

2 months after I biught car, engine light came off. . And will only be off if I woul release gas cap severl times etc. . In Feb 2025 the dealer said its 02 sensor I had it replaced, 2 weeks later its exacly same. . I have read the codea and catalitic converter and emission exhaust and 02 sensor all failes. . I need a new replacement car, as this is a lemon car. . Biught oin July 2024 . . Also they made emission tests /window sticker for 2 years???? bc tehy probab;y new it has issues??? it is all very weird.

29 Equipment problem of the 2013 Kia Motor Forte

Failure Date: 10/05/2024

On October 5th, 2024, my 2013 kia Forte sx koup caught fire while I was driving on the tollway. Kia failed to notify me that I was sold a lemon car, leading to this life-threatening incident. The steering wheel and gas pedal became unresponsive, and my brakes stiffened, making it extremely difficult to stop. I feared for my life and safety as I struggled to pull over. After parking, I smelled fumes and saw fire under the hood. I called 911, and emergency services arrived to extinguish the fire. As a result, I now have respiratory issues from inhaling fumes, migraines from hitting my head, and a pulled muscle from forcing the locked steering. I have been unable to seek medical care due to the financial burden of renting a car, which has cost me $1,083. 74 so far, using funds intended for rent. I contacted kia on October 9th, 2024, but they delayed their response until October 15th. Since then, they have continuously prolonged the process, now saying it will take over a month and a half. Kia also failed to notify me of a recall related to this issue, which I later discovered on my own. I am requesting immediate action from kia, including reimbursement for my rental, vehicle replacement, and compensation for medical expenses. Kia's delays and lack of concern for my safety and well-being are unacceptable.

30 Equipment problem of the 2018 Kia Motor Forte

Failure Date: 09/08/2024

I noitce a werid sound the cooling fan was making and car started run different so I turn around came home park it came out few hrs later nd oil spilled on floor and all over the engine.

31 Equipment problem of the 2024 Kia Motor Forte

Failure Date: 08/14/2024

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).

32 Equipment problem of the 2024 Kia Motor Forte

Failure Date: 07/20/2024

There is grinding in the gears when pressing on the gas as well as down shifting and in reverse. The car will rev high and will not shift or down shift at the appropriate time and is stuck in gear.

33 Equipment problem of the 2016 Kia Motor Forte

Failure Date: 07/16/2024

I was two states away at conference for my side job. My car turned off without warning. No lights no nothing. I couldn't use my hazards or anything. It was dark outside already. I called aaa and the person with me called 911. Someone stopped and jumped me off. We got back to the hotel. The next day another consultants husband looked at my car and we discovered there was no oil in the engine. I had driven more than 450 miles to get to conference the day before by myself. The oil light had never came on during my trip. It only came on when my entire instrument panel lit up when the car cutoff. I am a female and was traveling by myself and put over 1100 miles on my car that trip. If it had turned off at any point on my trip before I had gotten to my destination I would have been alone and not known what to do. If I had not had aaa I would have possible had to pay a tow truck that night. I am disappointed that the light didn't give me a warning something was wrong or going wrong. Luckily, I didn't blow my engine.

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34 Equipment problem of the 2019 Kia Motor Forte

Failure Date: 07/13/2024

On Saturday, July 13th, 2024 my engine light came on. I stopped, checked all my fluids and hoses and all were good. I took my car into the shop on 7/16 (I did not drive it after the 13th until I could get into the shop). They used their machine to check the codes and it is showing p0867 - transmission fluid pressure code. This has never happened before and as I research it, thousands are having this problem which after the update that needs installed on the customers dime, if it does not fix the problem, we all need new transmissions. How is this not a federal recall on all 2019+ kia Forte's. I did find the TSB for the update so hopefully the dealership will not charge for the update. This is a huge issue and kia should be made to take care of the people who purchased their product, especially since they know about it and are acting like they do not see all of these cases of their defective products. Is this just being allowed to happen?.

35 Equipment problem of the 2017 Kia Motor Forte

Failure Date: 07/09/2024

The hood latch doesn't always work and the hood could fly up and obstruct vision and cause a wreck,the gas door sticks and won't open on the first try, engine is slow on excelleration some times. Not sure when it all started.



Safety Ratings of Forte Cars
Fuel Economy of Forte Vehicles
Forte Defect Investigations