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Engine & cooling

Kia Forte Engine problems by year

1,132 complaints filed with NHTSA about the Kia Forte's engine & cooling. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.

Engine complaints by model year

YearEngine complaintsCrashesInjuriesRecalls
20248000
20239000
20226000
202122000
202023000
201942100
201861201
2017158431
20162000
2015164211
2014221321
2013110101
2012167331
201151100
201087110
20091000

Engine recalls

Latest Forte engine complaints

2014 Kia ForteEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated during the failure. The vehicle was restarted and operated normally; however, the failure occurred intermittently. The contact stated that stalling occurred while driving, while idling, and while operating at moderate to low speeds. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the engine crankshaft failed, and the engine required replacement. The failure mileage was 89,000.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11776696
2012 Kia ForteEngine & coolingFire

The contact owned a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while his son was driving at approximately 35 MPH, there was smoke coming from under the hood. The driver pulled into the driveway and the engine caught on fire. The Fire Department was called to the scene and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The Police responded to the scene and filed a Police report. The contact stated that photographs were taken of the vehicle for the insurance company.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11774394
2015 Kia ForteEngine & cooling

This is the report copy and reference number for 911. I have contacted Kia multiple times during lunch breaks sent emails, and they still are not responding even after photos were sent to them. They told me in 5 days I would here back form them an still Ive heard nothing.Reference # [redacted] The fire dep "# INCIDENT REPORT Reference #[redacted] **Vehicle Smoke Incident and 911 Emergency Call** **Date of Incident:** Monday, [redacted] **Time of 911 Call:** 10:11 a.m. **Location:** Kaiser Permanente...

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Riverside Medical Center [[redacted]] [[redacted]] **Vehicle Involved:** 2015 Kia Forte ### Description of Incident On Monday, [redacted], at approximately 10:11 a.m., a 911 emergency call was placed regarding a 2015 Kia Forte that was experiencing smoke coming from underneath the hood in the engine compartment while at Kaiser Permanente Riverside Medical Center, located at [[redacted]]. Due to the smoke coming from the engine compartment, the vehicle had to be parked in a red-designated area. The situation raised concerns about a potential vehicle fire and the safety of operating the vehicle. The fire department responded to the incident and inspected the area underneath the hood. Following the inspection, I was advised not to drive the vehicle because it was smoking and there appeared to be oil that had leaked, dripped, or spread across various components inside the engine compartment. I was further advised that driving the vehicle could create a serious safety hazard and could potentially result in the vehicle catching fire until it could be properly inspected and evaluated by a qualified automotive professional. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11774120
2015 Kia ForteEngine & cooling

On October the 14th, around 10:30 AM I noticed smoke coming from my car and acceleration was lost. The vehicle continued to smoke further. As I Had someone maneuver the car out of traffic into the parking lot.\n While reaching the parking lot, more smoke was noticed, so I dispatch the Riverside fire department. After one of the fire responders checked under the hood, they noticed that there was oil in various places, including the engine area and in the PAN underneath, they checked the oil and found oil still inside. Unit. The fire man check , both told me to not drive the car any further because if I did it would catch on fire , I then had the car towed to my home address.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11773589
2019 Kia ForteEngine & cooling

While Driving, the vehicle lost power and stopped. Found out the timing chain went out/broken. This car only had 62,000. 2019 Kia Forte

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11773209
2019 Kia ForteSteeringElectrical systemEngine & cooling

I took my 2019 Kia Forte LXS to a certified Kia dealership to have the mandatory anti-theft security upgrade performed (Campaign CS2312), which involves installing an ignition cylinder protector plate inside the steering column. Immediately after picking up the vehicle, multiple severe safety and electrical defects appeared. The engine is running very rough, sputters, and loses power especially going up hills, making it dangerous to drive. Additionally, the brake light main is now malfunctioning and fail to...

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illuminate. - creating an immediate crash hazard. The radio and dashboard electronics are also cutting out intermittently. mileage is also not being calculated right. These dangerous engine and electrical safety defects were directly caused by the dealership's botched installation of the manufacturer's security campaign."

Filed Incident Steering · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11771172
2020 Kia ForteEngine & coolingDriver assistance

During a day trip on 9/19/26 my 2020 Kia Forte (purchased new and well maintained) lost power and several of the dash board lights came on including check engine, traction/stability control, and collision alerts. The car entered what I was told is "limp mode". I had the car towed home and after one shop misdiagnosed the problem I had it towed to the Kia dealership where purchased. I was told the engine had code p0017. I was sent a document that the "phaser sheared off p0017 exhaust cam and cvvd gear timing...

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off-recommend long block-cvvd replacement may still have engine damaged after replacement" with a price of $9053.39 attached. Kia service manager is supposed to be seeing about assistance for repair as it is cost prohibitive and I have proof of proper maintenance however I am not receiving info on process unless I reach out. Car has been in Kia possession since 9/24/26.

Filed Incident Engine · Forward collision avoidanceNHTSA 11769976
2020 Kia ForteEngine & cooling

My engine is failing due to excessive oil consumption despite having proof of regular oil changes and maintenance. My car has been inspected, and the dealer has stated this is due to a known manufacture defect. My safety and others are at risk because my car stalls when I decrease speed and I cannot accelerate fast enough to get up to the speed limit creating a risk anytime the speed limit changes or when I am using an on ramp to get onto an interstate or highway. Kia dealer has confirmed the issue and is currently...

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working on an estimate for a new engine. The Kia dealer is the manufacturer of my vehicle. The warning sign before this happened was my car stalled a couple times, then the check engine light came on within 10 miles. I then took it in to get looked at where the Kia dealer diagnosed the issue as the known manufacturer defect with the engine burning oil too quickly. These issues first appeared on August 12, 2026. I have attempted to get Kia corporate to assist with repairs through a Goodwill Request due to the safety issues with driving my vehicle in its current condition, to no fault of my own. Kia denied my Goodwill request. That case number is 26467063.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11769309
2014 Kia ForteEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that oil was leaking underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that at start-up the check engine and low oil pressure warning light remained illuminated with an abnormal burned oil odor. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine was failing and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (ENGINE); as a possible cause for the failure. The failure mileage was 112,000.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11768964
2024 Kia ForteTransmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

On October 4, 2026, at approximately 27,870 miles, my 2024 Kia Forte GT-Line unexpectedly shut off while I was driving and making a right-hand turn into a parking lot. The vehicle was in Drive when the engine shut off. The instrument cluster continued to indicate "D" and displayed the message: "Engine Off! Shift to P or N, then start engine." The tachometer indicated 0 RPM, and the gas pedal was unresponsive. I photographed the instrument cluster immediately following the event. This was not the first occurrence...

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of an abnormal shutdown. On two previous occasions, while backing up in a parking lot, the vehicle displayed a similar instruction requiring me to place the vehicle in Park and turn off/restart the vehicle. During those events, the vehicle would not operate normally until the ignition was completely cycled off and restarted. The October 4 occurrence is particularly concerning because the engine shut off while the vehicle was actively moving rather than while parking. Loss of engine power while turning, crossing an intersection, entering traffic, or traveling at higher speed could create a significant collision risk. The cause is currently unknown. I am reporting the condition because the vehicle has now experienced multiple intermittent events and has demonstrated an unexpected engine shutdown while being driven.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11768865
2015 Kia ForteEngine & cooling

Vehicle has developed a severe knocking during acceleration, that stops during deceleration, and returns when in idle. I'm sure it is poison slap. I know there is an extension warranty, but the dealer says my car doesn't qualify. Then NHTSA has the SC200 safety recall. I need help with this car. My engine is failing. Can you help me?

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11768141
2014 Kia ForteElectrical systemAirbagsEngine & cooling

Airbag warning light has came on had a mechanic run codes and it says all air bags unresponsive. Now my car is refusing to start. If continue to try it eventually starts. Major oil leak and consumption along with knocking. Along with my break lights not working occasionally along with my head lights and brights not working at all

Filed Incident Electrical system · Air bags · EngineNHTSA 11766256
2017 Kia ForteEngine & cooling

There was a rod failure in the engine. The vehicle is currently at the repair facility. This rod failure caused the vehicle to die while traveling down the road, so it was a safety risk. The rod failure was diagnosed by a certified mechanic. There were no warning lamps, messages, etc. This failure is the same issue that many Kia Forte's of the same year have been diagnosed with, and a recall was issued. This vehicle is not covered under the recall, but should be. The engine recall should be extended to all 2017 Kia Forte models.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11765978
2020 Kia ForteEngine & cooling

The engine has failed in this vehicle just like it has in other 2.0L kia vehicles 2020-2026. The piston rings have failed and the pistons have all pitted or developed holes in them just like in the recall 25V-099/kia safety recall SC336

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11765834
2012 Kia ForteEngine & coolingFire

VEHICLE & INCIDENT DETAILS * Vehicle: 2012 Kia Forte Hatchback * VIN: KNAFU5A26C5641380 * Incident Date: August 21, 2026 * Relevant Recalls: NHTSA Campaign 23V652000 (Recall SC284) & NHTSA Campaign 20V750000 (Recall SC200) * Kia Corporate Case Number: 26367714 * Dealership: AllStar Kia San Bernardino, CA COMPLAINT DESCRIPTION I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding a severe vehicle fire incident involving a vehicle subject to active fire safety recalls, and subsequent corporate misconduct that threatens...

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the integrity of the federal safety recall evidence. On August 21, 2026, my 2012 Kia Forte Hatchback suffered an engine compartment fire while parked. The fire originated in the center engine area, which directly aligns with the failure footprints outlined in federal fire safety recalls SC200 (20V-750) and SC284 (23V-652). I personally extinguished the fire, and the vehicle is a total loss. Following the incident, Kia America opened corporate product liability case #26367714, and the vehicle was towed to AllStar Kia San Bernardino for formal review. Kia America and its local dealership are now engaging in coercive tactics that actively obstruct a proper safety investigation. The dealership is pressuring me to sign a standard mechanical "repair order". I have explicitly refused to sign this order because it authorizes local mechanics to dismantle, alter, or touch the vehicle, which would compromise or permanently destroy critical fire evidence before a qualified corporate product liability review takes place. I have formally provided Kia Corporate with a conditional authorization allowing ONLY a certified Kia Corporate Fire Investigator to inspect the vehicle on-site. In response, Kia Corporate sent an email explicitly threatening that if I do not provide an unconditional signature on the dealership's repair order, they will refuse to proceed with the safety investigation and will force a flatbed to tow the fire-damaged vehicle back to my pri

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11765165

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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