2011 KIA Forte

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/18/2020· ENGINE

  THERE IS A CONSTANT KNOCKING COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND LOUD NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING THE ENGINE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ALSO TURNING ON AND OFF. 2012-2015 KIA FORTE KOUPS HAVE RECENTLY BEEN RECALLED, BUT NOT THE 2011 MODEL. THIS CAR HAS THE SAME THETA 2 ENGINE AND THE SAME PROBLEMS. THE ENGINE IS SHOT AND WILL NOT LAST MUCH LONGER. I SINCERELY HOPE THE RECALL IS EXTENDED TO THE 2011 MODEL KIA FORTE KOUP. *TR

• 12/14/2017· POWER TRAIN

  MY CAR BROKE DOWN IN DECEMBER 2015, WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE KIA SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND THEY FIX IT. I PAID OVER 1000 USD. 2 MONTHS LATER THERE WAS A SAFETY RECALL FOR THE SAME REASON MY CAR BROKE DOWN COUPLE MONTS BEFORE THAT RECALL. UNTIL THIS DAY I HAVE TRIED TO GET MY MONEY BACK AND THEY DONT WANT TO GIVE ME A REFUND EVEN THOUGH IT WAS A FACTORY DEFECT. I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN THE CAR STOPPED COMPLETELEY DUE TO THE HOSE OF THE TRANSMISION FLUID. 04/01/2021: ODI # CHANGED FROM 11054837 TO 11054367 AS PART OF ROUTINE DATA CLEANUP.

• 12/09/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  The centered high mounted brake light overheated during normal vehicle operation. The plastic bulb socket and housing melted, causing the bulb to dislodge and fall into the interior of the vehicle. The bulb was extremely hot and burned holes through an interior fabric item that was stored in the rear cargo area for less than 15 minutes. There was no collision or modification involved. This created a potential fire hazard inside the vehicle. No warning lights or dashboard messages appeared prior to the incident. The cause of overheating is unknown. The damaged bulb, socket, and surrounding components were available for inspection at the time of the incident.

• 12/09/2018· ENGINE

  IN 2016, JUST A FEW MONTHS PAST THE FIVE YEAR WARRANTY, ENGINE STARTED MAKING NOISE. $5K REPAIR. ENGINE HAD BROKEN ENGINE BEARING CAUSING KNOCK SOUND. LESS THAN 50K MILES. MANY MODELS THAT YEAR RECALLED FOR ENGINE PROBLEMS, SAME MODEL IN SURROUNDING YEARS RECALLED FOR ENGINE PROBLEMS, ONLY TWO REMANUFACTURED ENGINES IN COUNTRY WHEN I NEEDED A REPLACEMENT. THIS SHOULD'VE HAD A RECALL. IT'S A COVER UP BY KIA.

• 12/07/2020· ENGINE

  BOUGHT THE CAR FROM A SMALL DEALERSHIP AND IT HAD A TICKING IN THE ENGINE. THEY INFORMED ME IT WAS FROM SITTING. THE TICKING GOT WORSE AND I TOOK IT TO A KIA DEALERSHIP AND WAS INFORMED THAT I'D NEED A WHOLE NEW ENGINE.

• 12/06/2018· ENGINE

  AT 120,000 MILES A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE BEGAN COMING FROM THE ENGINE AT ENGINE START. IT PERSISTS AND SOUNDS ALMOST LIKE AN ELECTRIC SEWING MACHINE - TAKA TAKA TAKA TAKA. THE SOUND GETS LOUDER WHEN I ACCELERATE AND DECREASES WHEN I DON'T PRESS THE GAS PEDAL. THE NOISE DECREASES SLIGHTLY WHEN THE ENGINE IS FULLY WARMED UP BUT IT IS STILL AUDIBLE. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC WHO SPECIALIZES IN ENGINES, HIS DIAGNOSIS WAS "ROD BEARINGS NEED REPLACEMENT" I HAVE STARTED SEARCHING FOR THIS ISSUE ONLINE AND BECAME AWARE OF SAFETY RECALL SC147. UNFORTUNATELY THIS RECALL DOESN'T INCLUDE THE KIA FORTE MODEL. I SAW IN MY RESEARCH ONLINE THAT MANY OTHER FORTE OWNERS WERE HAVING SIMILAR ISSUES. IN ADDITION, MY CAR'S ENGINE "THETA II" 2.0 LITER APPEARS TO BE THE SAME ENGINE THAT IS INCLUDED AMONG THE RECALLED MODELS INCLUDED IN SC147. I AM WONDERING WHY THE KIA FORTE IS NOT INCLUDED AS IT SEEMS TO BE SUFFERING FROM THE SAME ISSUE. IS THIS A QUESTION OF ACCOUNTABILITY, OR LACK THEREOF ON KIA/HYUNDAI'S SIDE.

• 11/30/2014· POWER TRAIN

  TRAN. WENTOUT STILL NOT WORKING. *TR

• 11/29/2018· ENGINE

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA FORTE. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE, THE OIL PRESSURE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SHOALS UNIVERSITY KIA (4109 N JACKSON HWY, SHEFFIELD, AL 35660, (256) 978-1000) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE EXTENSION WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT WAS THEN INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

• 11/28/2012· AIR BAGSCrash

  I WAS STOPPED ON THE FREEWAY AND REAR ENDED THEN PUSHED INTO A PKUP IN FRONT OF ME AND MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. MY VEHICLE ENDED UP BEING TOTALED OUT DUE TO THE EXTENSIVE REAR AND FRONT END DAMAGE. THE CAR THAT HIT ME WAS SKIDDING AND TRAVELING AT APPROX 30-35 MPH. *TR

• 11/27/2023· POWER TRAIN

  The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and reversing, the gear shifter became stuck in reverse(R). There was no warning light illuminated. An independent mechanic assisted the contact in shifting the gear shifter linkages into park(P) manually. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the gear shifter linkages might be damaged; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to their location for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,630.

• 11/27/2023· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICFire

  The contact owned a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact stated that he had parked the vehicle and upon walking towards the vehicle, he noticed that the front end of the vehicle had caught on fire. The origin of the fire was unknown. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with the assistance of the fire department. A fire department report and a police report were filed. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard, where it was totaled. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) that he related to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was unknown.

• 11/24/2023· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

  The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that there was a burning odor entering the cabin of the vehicle. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

• 11/22/2023· ENGINEFire

  On 8/28/2022 my 2011 Kia Forte's engine caught on fire and it caused damage to my entire garage along with my personal belongings. I had contacted Kia multiple times and was put on hold for over an hour at a time and hung up on multiple times until a few weeks after the fire I finally got a hold of them and they put in a "work order". After following up with them a week later I come to find out that the work order was put in for a car pare (the engine in the car was burnt to crisp). I finally had someone help and a representative from Kia came out afterwards they conveyed that after "their investigation" that "evidence shows fire and heat attacking vehicle from outside and moving into the engine compartment". Which is completely false per fire department who where first on the scene they determined the fire started in the engine compartment of the vehicle". This was very disappointing Kia took no responsibility for this. Now I receive a recall notice dated November 14th, 2023 stating that "the Hydraulic electronic control unit may experience an electrical short circuit, which can result in an engine compartment fire while driving or parked. This is exactly what happened to my car at the time of the incident so now they are admitting they were at fault.

• 11/16/2016· STEERING

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE FROM THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. UPDATED 01/04/17*LJ

• 11/12/2021· AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  The driver airbag light came on in June 2021 - I called Kia dealership and they said there was no recall. Last month the passenger airbag light came on. Both appear to not be working. I do not have extended warranty and my car is past warranty. I am wondering if any other Kia owners have a similar problem. I have never been in any major accidents and am an excellent driver. I am hoping there is a recall issued in the near future.

• 11/10/2011· AIR BAGS,SEATSCrash

  I WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION IN WHICH I WAS ONLY TRAVELING 20 MPH. BOTH THE FRONT DRIVER AIRBAG AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG BOTH DEPLOYED. AFTER THE ACCIDENT, I REALIZED THAT THE SEAT BEHIND ME HAD UNLATCHED AND MY SON'S BOOSTER CAR SEAT WAS THROWN FROM ITS PLACE. NEEDLESS TO SAY, HE WASN'T BUCKLED IN; HE WAS AT SCHOOL. NEVERTHELESS, I THINK THAT THIS MALFUNCTION COULD HAVE POTENTIALLY SERIOUSLY HURT MY SON. THE CAR WAS DEEMED AT TOTAL LOSS AND I WILL NOT PURCHASE THIS VEHICLE AGAIN. *TR

• 11/07/2024· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMCrashFire

  The NECU system failed and blew the engine and caused a fire no longer available for inspection. No move running. No warning lamps at all of any sort.

• 11/06/2018· AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA FORTE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE AND MIDDLE SEAT BELTS FAILED TO RETRACT AND/OR LATCH WHEN PROMPTED. UPON SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO EXTEND THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE AND MIDDLE SEAT BELTS FOR LATCHING PURPOSES, THE SEAT BELTS MADE A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE THAT SOUNDED FROM THE REAR BUCKLE ASSEMBLY. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WITHOUT WARNING. ROSEN KIA MILWAUKEE (5505 SOUTH 27TH STREET, MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN 53221, (414) 282-9300) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE SEAT BELT FAILURES AND STATED THAT THE WARRANTY COVERAGE HAD EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

• 11/01/2018· ENGINE

  I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AT ROUGHLY 65 MPH ON CRUISE CONTROL. ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE WAS A VERY LOUD BANG, TACHOMETER DROPPED TO ZERO, OIL STARTED SPRAYING ALL OVER FROM UNDERNEATH CAR. I MANAGED TO COAST THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND FOUND A FIST-SIZED HOLE IN THE ENGINE BLOCK. SHARDS OF METAL AND OIL WERE ALL OVER THE ROAD, CREATING A HAZARD. EVEN THOUGH THIS ISSUE IS THE SAME AS OTHER KIA VEHICLES WITH THE SAME 2.4L THETA ENGINE, ACCORDING TO KIA, MY VEHICLE'S ENGINE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL OF THOSE ENGINES. KIA CLAIMS THAT BECAUSE THE FUEL SYSTEM IN MY CAR IS NOT "GDI", IT IS NOT INCLUDED. EVEN THOUGH, BY KIA'S OWN ADMISSION, THE ISSUE IS DUE TO CRANKSHAFT ISSUES, WHICH HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM. MY VEHICLE'S ENGINE AND THE RECALLED ENGINES SHARE THE SAME CRANKSHAFT,AND THE SAME OEM PART NUMBER, EVEN. YET, SOMEHOW BECAUSE THE FUEL SYSTEM IS NOT "GDI", MY ENGINE ISN'T INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. KIA NEEDS TO DO THE RIGHT THING AND INCLUDE FORTE 2.4L NON-GDI ENGINES IN THE RECALL AS WELL. MY CAR HAS BEEN SITTING NOW FOR OVER A YEAR WAITING FOR AN ENGINE.

• 10/29/2019· ENGINE

  ENGINE MAKES VERY LOUD KNOCKING SOUND DURING FIRST STARTUP. LOTS OF OTHER FORTES DURING SAME PROBLEM PLEASE INVESTIGATE

• 10/28/2015· AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

  TOOK MY 2011 KIA FORTE INTO THE KIA DEALERSHIP TODAY BECAUSE THE ENGINE IS MAKING A TICKING SOUND. I HAVE HAD TWO OTHER MECHANICS IN RECENT WEEKS TELL ME IT IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE LIFTERS AND/OR THE PISTONS INSIDE THE ENGINE. THE KIA MECHANIC REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THERE IS A TICKING SOUND, BUT IN FORMED ME THE AIR BAG SENSOR IS MALFUNCTIONING AND I WILL HAVE TO PAY $1100 TO HAVE THE AIR BAG SENSOR REPAIRED BEFORE I CAN SELL THE CAR. ALSO, MY BRAKES WILL OCCASIONALLY MAKE A VERY LOUD 'THUMP' WHEN I APPLY THEM, BUT THE KIA DEALER CAN FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH THEM.

• 10/21/2025· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICFire

  The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an unusual ticking sound and smoke coming from under the hood. In addition, the contact stated that several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed smoke that was coming from the HECU fuse box. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact stated that the vehicle had been at the dealer for three weeks without any communication from the dealer. The contact was unsure if the vehicle had been inspected or not. The contact received a recall notification, NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

• 10/21/2019· ENGINE

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE STALLED NUMEROUS TIMES WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TAYLOR KIA OF BOARDMAN (7870 MARKET STREET, BOARDMAN, OHIO 44512, (330)-295-2376) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT NO FAILURE CODE WAS FOUND. THE DEALER ALSO TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TAKEN TO TAYLOR KIA OF HERMITAGE (1460 NORTH HERMITAGE ROAD, HERMITAGE, PA 16148, (724) 418-4999) TO BE DIAGNOSED AND TEST DRIVEN, BUT NO FAILURE COULD BE FOUND OR DUPLICATED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY SENSOR AND THE FUEL ECONOMY SENSOR; HOWEVER, THE ENGINE AND SENSOR INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AFTER THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: [XXX]. AFTER NUMEROUS INCIDENCES OF STALLING WHILE DRIVING & FAILURE OF ANY WARNING LIGHTS OR ENGINE CODES, THE CONTACT RESEARCH THE INTERNET FOR SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THIS THE CONTACT ASK MECHANIC TO REPLACE THE REQUIRED ENTIRE SENSOR PARTS OF THROTTLE BODY. FOLLOWING THIS REPAIR THE VEHICLE HAS NOT HAD A SINGLE STALL INCIDENT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000. *TP 'PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'

• 10/20/2025· ENGINE

  I just bought this car with 79873 miles on it it now has 81853 miles and its making a ticking noise.I been looking over the engine and wondering why my check engine light doesn't come on when I left my gas cap off.I bought this car from a used car dealership..I been doing some research on this type engine and most of them have me recalled.

• 10/20/2017· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON 20000 MILES CODE# P200A INTAKE MANIFOLD SENSOR

• 10/18/2024· POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES

  Recalls

• 10/18/2018· AIR BAGS

  TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V363000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

• 10/15/2013· POWER TRAIN

  WHILE DRIVING AND ATTEMPTING TO GAIN SPEED TO ENTER THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY IN SAN ANTONIO TEXAS THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT CHANGE GEARS AND HAD TO PULL OVER. I THEN HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A KIA DEALERSHIP 10 MILES AWAY. I AM AWAITING A CALL FROM THEM REGARDING REPAIRS. *TR

• 10/14/2022· ENGINE

  About 9 months ago, I started my 2011 Kia Forte up and it cut off. Happened on and off for the next 6 months or so, gradually getting worse and more often. Decided to take it to Kia, needed an oil change done at same time. Kia dealership said there is metal in my oil and means engine is failing. The stalling they said was a computer issue and reset it. Did another oil change about 3 months later at another facility, they did not look for the metal or notice any on their own. Today, vibrations started when sitting idle at a traffic light. No check engine light on.

• 10/05/2025· AIR BAGS

  WCS Sensor Defect B1322-20 - Airbag Code WCS Communication Error B1324-20 - Airbag Code Door Ajar Lamp Circuit Failure B1323-20 - Airbag Code

• 10/02/2023· EXTERIOR LIGHTINGFire

  Light in trunk exploded and melted. This was the original light that came with the car. Thankfully the trunk was empty and it did not catch fire.

• 10/02/2020· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, I HEARD A SOUND LIKE METAL SCRAPING METAL, I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 20MPH GOING STRAIGHT DOWN S. MAIN ST DOWNTOWN WARRENTON, OREGON AND WAS PLANNING TO PULL OVER WHEN SUDDENLY MY CAR STOPPED DEAD AFTER A HORRIBLE NOISE OF WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A HEAVY METAL SNAPPING/CRUNCHING NOISE. I LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND EVERYTHING LOOKED OK, BUT SOME BLACK FLUID WAS DRIPPING ONTO THE GROUND. THE OIL HAD BEEN CHANGED ABOUT FOUR DAYS BEFORE THIS AND THEY SAID IT WAS 2.5 QUARTS LOW. I HAD ALSO TAKEN IT TO AN AUTO REPAIR SHOP TO SEE IF IT NEEDED ANY IMMEDIATE ATTENTION AS IT WAS MAKING AN ODD SCRAPING NOISE BEFORE THE OIL WAS CHANGED AND HE SAID HE SUGGESTED SOME THING TO DO WITH THE CAM BUT IT WASN'T URGENT AND TO JUST KEEP THE OIL FILLED IN CASE THERE IS A LEAK SOMEWHERE. THE OIL RESERVOIR WAS FULL WHEN I LEFT THAT MORNING WHEN IT SEIZED UP. IF I HAD BEEN GOING MUCH FASTER, I WOULD PROBABLY HAVE BEEN KILLED AS IT STOPPED COMPLETELY, NO COASTING TO A STOP. IT JUST STOPPED. FROM 20MPH TO 0 AND THE CAR JUMPED WHEN IT STOPPED. I DID NOT TOUCH THE BRAKES. IT WAS TOWED TO MARK'S AUTO REPAIR IN SEASIDE, OREGON. HE HAS NO IDEA WHAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM BUT DID SAY THAT METAL FLAKES ARE IN THE OIL AND TRANSMISSION FLUID AND OTHER PLACES TOO. HE HAS A WORK ORDER HE IS WORKING UP BUT SAID HE WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE ENGINE AT A MINIMUM. THEY CAN ONLY FIND SHORT BLOCKS FOR SALE AT THIS TIME AND SO THE ESTIMATE IS BASED ON USING A SHORT BLOCK. MY OIL GETS CHANGED REGULARLY EITHER AT KIA OR A LOCAL OIL CHANGE SHOP.*DT*JB

• 09/30/2015· POWER TRAIN

  I BOUGHT A 2011 KIA FORTE AND WAS HAVING ISSUES WHERE THE CAR SEEMED LIKE IT WAS DYING AFTER INITIAL STARTING OF THE VEHICLE AND SOMETIMES WOULDN'T GO INTO GEAR. AFTER DRIVING IT SEEMS TO CORRECT ITSELF AND I BROUGHT IT INTO KIA. THEY PUT IT UNDER A SPECIFIC CLAIM NUMBER INCASE THE WARRANTY WENT OUT IT IS STILL COVERED. A FEW MONTHS LATER THE CAR STARTED TO NOT GO INTO GEAR EVEN MORE AND ISSUE OF DYING SEEMS MORE PREVALENT. NOW KIA IS TRYING TO SAY IT COULD BE A NUMBER OF THINGS WHICH ARE NOT COVERED BECAUSE THE WARRANTY IS UP FROM FACTORY, AND THE EXTENDED WARRANTY THEY CLAIM DOESN'T COVER POWERTRAIN WHICH LAST TIME I CHECKED POWERTRAIN INCLUDES SHIFTER/GEAR SHIFTER. THEY ARE NOW REFUSING TO FIX THE ISSUE BECAUSE THEY HAVE NO CLUE WHAT THE ACTUAL PROBLEM IS BUT HAVE SEEN THE ISSUE FIRST HAND. THIS CAR HAS LESS THAN 70,000 MILES AND 70% OF THE TIME YOU CANT PUT IT INTO GEAR. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN SINCE IT COULD POP INTO ANY GEAR IT WANTED TO AND IF I AM DOING 70 MPH AND IT DECIDES TO GO INTO PARK IT WONT BE A FUN RIDE.

• 09/27/2018· AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTSCrash

  OTHER AIR BAG RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT TRAVELED LEFT OF THE CENTERLINE ON A TWO LANE ROADWAY. THE VEHICLES WERE INVOLVED IN AN OFF-SET, HEAD-ON COLLISION. THE DRIVER AIR BAG AND DRIVER SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER FAILED TO DEPLOY / ACTIVATE DURING THE SEVERE FRONTAL IMPACT. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED FATAL INJURY.

• 09/24/2015· AIR BAGS

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA FORTE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE DRIVER SIDE SHOULDER AIR BAG INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED AND THE SEAT BELT LOCKED. THE KEY FOB WAS DEPRESSED AT THE TIME OF DEPLOYMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 68,000. UPDATED 11/12/15*LJ; UPDATED 4/5/18*JB *TR

• 09/21/2016· STRUCTURE,ENGINE,VISIBILITY/WIPERFire

  WHEN DRIVING STRAIGHT ALONG AN INTERSTATE WITH MY CRUISE CONTROL SET TO THE SPEED LIMIT, A LOUD BANG CAME FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF MY KIA, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR TURNED ON, AND SMOKE BEGAN TO POUR OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND INSIDE MY CAR THROUGH THE AIR VENTS. WHEN I PUSHED THE GAS PEDAL GENTLY, THERE WAS A LOW GUTTURAL NOISE AND MY CAR WAS NOT PICKING UP SPEED. I PUT MY CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND COASTED TO THE SHOULDER WITH LOW VISIBILITY AS THE SMOKE BECAME MORE DENSE AND DARKER IN COLOR. I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE TO A FULL STOP ON THE SHOULDER AND PUT IT INTO PARK BEFORE TURNING IT OFF AND REMOVING MY KEY FROM THE IGNITION. UPON EXITING THE CAR I NOTICED THE SMOKE WAS EVEN MORE INTENSE THAN BEFORE AND PROMPTLY CALLED 911 AND GAVE MY LOCATION AND SITUATION INFORMATION TO THE 911 REPRESENTATIVE. AS I WAS SPEAKING, I NARRATED IN HORROR AS FLAMES BECAME VISIBLE FROM UNDER THE CAR ITSELF AND UNDER THE HOOD AS WELL, IN AS LITTLE AS ONE MINUTE AFTER EXITING MY CAR. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT GOT TO THE VEHICLE, THE FLAMES WERE OVER 20 FEET TALL AND THE HEAT WAS UNBEARABLE; I RELOCATED MYSELF FARTHER AND FARTHER AWAY TO STAY COOL AND SAFE AS THE TIME WENT ON. NOBODY WAS BURNED, HURT, OR INJURED AS A RESULT OF THE INCIDENT, BUT ONLY MY MERE COINCIDENCE.

• 09/20/2018· AIR BAGSCrash

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA FORTE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. A FEW MINUTES LATER, THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A FIRE HYDRANT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SOUTHWEST KIA AUSTIN (13175 N US-183, AUSTIN, TX 78750, (512) 583-1900), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V363000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO SOUTHWEST KIA. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,252.

• 09/20/2018· AIR BAGSCrash

  I HAD A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY& SAFETY BEHIND THE WHEEL OF MY 2011 KIA FORTE WHEN I WAS SUDDENLY FACING A HABITUAL DRUNK DRIVER, CREAMING US HEAD-ON AND MY AIRBAGS FATO DEPLOY. I HAVE UNDERGONE 8 SURGERIES TO TRY TO REPAIR MY BROKEN BODY. I LOST MY FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS BECAUSE MY AIRBAGS FAILED ME. IS THERE A MONETARY VALUE TO KIA'S RESPONSIBILITY?

• 09/19/2016· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  MY AIR CONDITIONING CLUTCH PULLEY ASSEMBLY HAS A FAILING BEARING THAT MAKES A WHINING NOISE. THE ASSEMBLY IS SEPARATE FROM THE A/C COMPRESSOR. I'M AFRAID THE BEARING WILL EVENTUALLY SEIZE AND CAUSE THE PULLEY TO FREEZE, WHICH WILL THUS CAUSE MY SERPENTINE BELT TO RUPTURE AND POTENTIALLY CAUSE DAMAGE TO MY CAR WHILE DRIVING. I THINK THIS IS A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD THAT KIA SHOULD FIX AS IT SEEMS TO BE COMMON ON MY MAKE MODEL AND YEAR.

• 09/18/2019· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  REAR PASSENGER LIGHT CONSISTENTLY GOING OUT REGARDLESS OF LIGHT REPLACEMENT. REPLACED LIGHT BULB NUMEROUS TIMES AND HAD HARNESS REPLACED, PROBLEM STILL REMAINED.NOW ALL REAR LIGHTING HAVE STOPPED WORKING WHILE CAR IS ON.

• 09/16/2013· AIR BAGS,SEATSCrash

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SITTING AT A COMPLETE STOP, ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING 60 MPH CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE IMPACT CAUSED THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE TO BE PUSHED FORWARD AT APPROXIMATELY TWO HUNDRED FEET AND INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEAD REST AND METAL BAR BECAME SEPARATED UPON IMPACT. THE CONTACT SUFFERED FROM WHIPLASH, NECK STRAINS, AND LACERATIONS TO THE LOWER BACK AND RIGHT LEG. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. IN ADDITION, THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 35,000.

• 09/15/2018· AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS

  I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL FOR MY KIA FORTE 2011 FOR THE SEATBELTS AND AIRBAGS. I DO NOT WISH TO PUT MY SAFETY AT RISK. I HAVE TO DRIVE TO WORK EVERYDAY AND HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO USE MY CAR. I REALLY WISH KIA WOULD GIVE ME A RENTAL CAR. WITH MY KIA, I HAVE NOTICED THAT I PUT MY SEATBELT ON AND SUDDENLY IT BECOMES UNBUCKLED AS IF IT WAS RELEASED. THIS HAPPENED OFTEN BEFORE I BECAME AWARE OF THE RECALL. THIS HAPPENED WHEN THE CAR WAS STATIONARY AFTER I TURNED IT ON. I DO NOT WISH TO BE IN AN ACCIDENT AND THEN THE SEATBELT AND/OR AIRBAG DON'T WORK. PLEASE SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE. I HAVE BEEN WAITING ALMOST 60 DAYS WAITING FOR A REMEDY. KIA DOESN'T WANT TO HELP IN OTHER WAYS! I NEED A RENTAL CAR THAT IS THE LEAST THEY CAN DO!

• 09/14/2011· TIRES

  2ND SET OF TIRES USELESS AFTER 29,000 MILES PASSENGER SIDE TIRE UNSAFE AT ANY SPEED CONTACTED DEALER REPLY TOUGH LUCK. *KB

• 09/12/2016· ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

  ESC LIGHT FLASHING NUMEROUS TIMES WITH LOSS OF POWER WHILE ON DRY, STRAIGHT ROAD. VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIRS FOUND A CONNECTION AND ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. DID NOT FIX PROBLEM. HAD KIA TECH IN AND CERTIFIED THE VEHICLE AS SAFE. THIS WAS IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER 2015. THE SAME INDICATIONS AND POWER LOSS OCCURRED AGAIN IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER 2016. IN EVERY CASE IT HAPPENED IN TRAFFIC CAUSING AN UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR ME MY FAMILY AND THE OTHER VEHICLES IN THE TRAFFIC. TO DATE THE DEALER OR KIA HAS FOUND THE PROBLEM. THE CAR WAS IN MOTION (50 MPH OR LESS) CITY STREETS OR ROAD AND NOT TURNING, IN MODERATE TO HEAVY TRAFFIC.

• 09/11/2021· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  In the last few months, the engine makes increasingly louder knocking/ticking sound. Took it to the Ray Skillman KIA service shop in Southern Indianapolis/Greenwood area . They say they have seen other cars with the same problem and that the engine will die and needs replacement, at a massive cost. KIA has recalled several other models in the same model years with this problem, but somehow skipped on the KIA Forte 2011 EX. Not sure if this is an oversight on their part or cunning. PLEASE INVESTIGATE URGENTLY. Several others are reporting this issue on NHTSA and the Dealers have probably seen a 100x number of complaints relative to what's reported here. Thanks in advance.

• 09/05/2017· ENGINE

  UPON ENTERING A HIGHWAY, A KNOCK OCCURRED AND AS RPM DROPPED THE KNOCKING SUBSIDED. NEXT DAY AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON AND WHILE WHILE IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET, VEHICLE STALLED AND RPM DROP TO ZERO. CAR WOULD NOT TURN ON AN ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER. MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ENGINE "LOCKED UP"

• 09/04/2018· AIR BAGS

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V363000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT CALLED CAMPBELL NISSAN OF EDMONDS (24325 WA-99, EDMONDS, WA 98026, (425) 774-2174) SEVERAL TIMES, BUT DID NOT RECEIVE A RESPONSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

• 08/29/2016· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA FORTE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKING FROM THE RADIATOR HOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HOSE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE HOSE WAS REPLACED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED THE TEST DRIVE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS DAMAGED FROM LACK OF TRANSMISSION FLUID DUE TO THE FAULTY HOSE, AND RECOMMENDED THAT THE TRANSMISSION BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,600.

• 08/28/2014· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

  2011 KIA FORTE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO INTERMITTENT ACCELERATION PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO MERGE ONTO THE HIGHWAY, THE ENGINE WOULD DROP TO AN IDLE. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE WOULD JUMP FORWARD, WITH THE SLIGHTEST TOUCH OF THE ACCELERATOR. THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE TRADED THE VEHICLE. *JB

• 08/27/2014· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKESCrash

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING, THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND AND THE CONTACT TO CRASHED INTO A LIGHT POST. THE VEHICLE THEN ACCELERATED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.