2020 KIA Forte

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

• 12/17/2023· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

  After 2 hours of cruise control om, Collision avoidance warning lights came on for 2nd time. Brought is to dealership the first time it happened and they could nt find anything wrong,

• 12/07/2023· UNKNOWN OR OTHERCrash

  The antitheft software upgrade that Kia installed in my vehicle after it was stolen the first time DID NOT WORK. My car was stolen again WITH the software upgrade installed. The car was locked and parked in my apartment parking lot and the Kia Boys smashed the driver side front window, ripped open the column, and were able to turn the ignition and steal my car.

• 12/05/2023· POWER TRAIN

  MAKE: 2020 KIA FORTE MODEL: FORTE ODOMETER: approximately 88,000 miles VIN: [XXX] [XXX] On [XXX], while driving my Kia towards my home driveway, I noticed that the car's speed was fluctuating unpredictably. Despite having my foot slightly on the brake and off the gas pedal, the vehicle continued to accelerate and decelerate as I made the turn into my residence. The Forte exhibited irregular and sluggish shifting, displaying a reluctance to engage or maintain gears, as well as experiencing missed or delayed gear changes. Additionally, it demonstrated unpredictable trembling and stalling occurrences multiple times while being driven in the driveway. The check engine light turned on. I promptly deactivated the engine and abstained from operating the vehicle. Afterwards, I had the vehicle undergo a scan, during which the check engine light turned on, indicating the presence of the code P0730. Without delay, I scheduled an appointment for service and maintenance at the Kia Bulldog dealership located in Athens, Georgia. Following a consultation with the service department, I scheduled a diagnostic assessment and test drive for the vehicle. On [XXX]. The mechanic at Bulldog Kia conducted a thorough examination of the vehicle and diagnosed it after performing a test drive. Additionally, he confirmed that he observed the same driving condition that I had previously described to him. It was associated with the transmission which related to the sc. However, when he scanned the vehicle for any code, the code reading was not accessible. I have photographic evidence of the exact state of distress and audio recordings of the car's engine accelerating as I approach the residence. I consulted a nearby mechanic with extensive expertise, who thoroughly examined and scanned the vehicle. The mechanic determined that the problem may be related to the transmission bearing, which corresponds to the diagnostic code P0730. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

• 11/30/2021· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  my 2020 kia forte was stolen May 4,2021- car locked and anti theft system activated at that time. Then on October 22,2021 there was an attempted theft on my car again. This time there was also a steering wheel club on car as well as the anti theft system that comes with car.

• 11/18/2023· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  My car was stolen right from my driveway. Kia’s have been targeted for a lack of safety security if back window is broken and they’re able to ride off using a usb port.

• 11/16/2020· STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  WHEN BACKING UP THE STEERING, KEY, AND WHEEL ALL LOCK. I WAS BACKING UP SO I WAS ALREADY GOING VERY SLOW. WHEN PRESSING ON THE BRAKE THE CAR SLOWS DOWN BUT STILL MOVES VERY SLOW UNTIL IT CANT MOVE ANYMORE. I TRY TO JIGGLE OUT THE KEY AND PUT THE CAR IN LOCK BUT I JUST JIGGLE EVERYTHING UNTIL SOMETHING UNLOCKS. IT HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES SINCE I GOT THE CAR IN MARCH 2020.

• 11/15/2023· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  There are significant idle issues (rpm’s shoot up & drop down irregularly while in park) and the car shut off while in park following irregular rpm movement, but was not exhibiting this behavior while previously parked elsewhere. I sent it in to be checked but nothing could be reproduced. A few weeks later the car began doing what felt like engine braking (in a manual vehicle) while I was letting the car roll forward in a traffic jam (foot off of pedals for short moment). A friend witnessed a the rpm’s rising and falling dramatically while sitting in the parked car. Later the car began shutting off at low speeds while my foot was on the gas pedal. All of the lights on the dash appeared to be on and the car wouldn’t crank again until the 2nd attempt and only stayed on when pushing the gas pedal. I sent it back again but it could not be reproduced so nothing was done. A few days ago I noticed it was idling weird again(Up and down dramatically). Today when pulling into my neighborhood my car began to accelerate on its own. - I pushed the gas lightly to make the turn from a stop and took my foot off of both pedals in a slow transition to the brake. While my foot was up in transition the car accelerated moderately quickly before I immediately pressed the brake my foot was already over. The rpm’s went up drastically (you could hear them). I let go of the brake and the car began to rev high again followed by my braking once more. I turned the car onto my street and pressed the gas as lightly as possible and the car jolted forward before I braked hard out of fear of the children in front of me darting in front of my car as they often do on my residential street. I let the car roll to my driveway (a very short distance) before needing to push the gas again to get into the short driveway. The car jolted again almost hitting the closed garage door. I genuinely feel as though had this happened anywhere outside of my neighborhood my life would have been in danger if not lost.

• 11/14/2020· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  WHEN FUELING GAS, ONCE THE PUMP CLICKS AND STOPS PRODUCING FUEL AS THE CAR IS FULL, GAS GUSHES OUT OF THE TANK AND ONTO THE SIDE OF THE CAR FROM THE OPENING. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, TURNED OFF. THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN EVERY TIME, BUT I WOULD SAY ABOUT 2 OUT OF 5 TIMES FUELING. IT DOES THIS AT ALL DIFFERENT GAS STATIONS, THERE IS NO SPECIFIC PUMP THAT IT DOES IT AT.

• 11/13/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

  The crankshaft position sensor keeps going bad and it make the forward collision trigger and it loses power and the dash stops working and causes the car to shut off

• 11/03/2024· POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  1st problem, catalytic converter code says it's bad, check engine light on ever since, car is only 4 years old. 2nd problem possible electrical or wiring issue. Had to replace front right headlight(2times), back brake lights both sides, rear top brake light (2 times), daytime running lights both(2 times), currently right light bulb works, but light on says needs replacement. All in total changed 5 to 6 bulbs within 2 weeks of each other, which leads me to believe there is electrical or wire issue? Very frustrated with both issues. Not sure if related but issue just happened, heat blows warm driver side, cold air on passenger side, possible heater core issue. Again car is only 4 years old and should not have this many issues. Please help!

• 10/30/2022· ENGINEFire

  While driving I heard a pop then the lights on my dash lit up my car came to a stop i.e cut off tried to start back up the engine caught fire burned the whole front end off total loss

• 10/13/2021· POWER TRAIN

  My expectant granddaughter was driving the vehicle on a trip. The transmission started intermittently slipping en route. She stopped and when she returned to the vehicle she discovered it would no longer go forward or backwards. It is still under warranty. The vehicle is still in Colorado. This happened Sept 4, 2021. It is now 10/13. I have contacted Kia multiple times speaking with different people. I escalated the call and was told someone named Melissa was my escalations person. I have never spoken to her. I have requested a buy back of the vehicle due to possibility of reoccurrence. My granddaughter was stranded for a week. The car is at a dealership, Ft Collins Kia. We have had to pay for hotel, car rental, and a flight out of pocket. I requested reimbursement. They have not responded. I filled out the information for the buy back, but I do not have all of the paperwork. It is in the car in Colorado. We live in South Texas. No way to get access to it. This is wrong on so many levels. We are at a loss as to what to do. If the transmission had quit while she was moving the results could have been disasterous. Kia says the part is sitting on a dock somewhere waiting to be picked up. Is there an expected timeline? We had to replace the vehicle due to the cost of car rentals.

• 10/06/2023· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  The car is extremely easy to steal costing myself and others thousands of dollars. The vehicles should be recalled.

• 09/28/2025· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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

• 09/22/2019· STRUCTURE

  OPENING TRUNK MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO REAR WINDOW AS THE TRUNK SWINGS TOO FAST WHEN ITS OPENING. THE TRUNK MAY DETACH AND STRIKE THE REAR WINDSHIELD. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY.

• 09/18/2025· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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

• 09/12/2025· ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE

  The lane assist malfunction and periodically jerks. Very unsafe I no longer use this feature . To keep control of the vehicle. I never got it inspected. As the lane assist was in use and it would jerk it would alert me of a lane departure . I mention this to include every known problem I have experienced with the vehicle. The problem That brought me here. Is my engine light came on today. Leading up to this. I have had oil leaks since I've owned the car. Im adding oil in between oil changes due to it being low. In the beginning it was a hint of smell of gas in the oil. I was informed to do more frequent oil changes. Over time the smell of gas grew stronger . No Indication to a problem then. Now the smell of gas is prominent in the oil. When the dip stick is checked its always needing more oil and smells of gas and has blackness like burning in the oil. Now there's a check engine light on. And everything I looked up says to discontinue driving the car. I am having a mechanic look at it with a code reader.

• 09/05/2020· STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKESCrash

  MY 18 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS THE DRIVER. THE CAR WAS PARKED ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET, FACING THE DIRECTION SHE WANTED TO GO. THE STREET WENT DOWNHILL IN FRONT OF HER. SHE STARTED THE CAR. WHEN SHE BEGAN TO DRIVE, THE STEERING FELT VERY STIFF, SHE COULD BARELY STEER. SHE STARTED DRIVING ANYWAY. THEN THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK. IN FACT, SHE SAID THAT PRESSING THE BRAKE SEEMED TO MAKE THE CAR GO FASTER (OR THIS COULD HAVE JUST BEEN THE EFFECT OF THE HILL). SO SHE ACCELERATED DOWN A SUBSTANTIAL HILL WITH NO BRAKING POWER. AT THE BOTTOM OF THE STREET (APPROX. 1/4 MILE) IS A T-INTERSECTION. SHE CROSSED THE STREET, THE CAR WENT UP ONTO THE CURB OPPOSITE, PROCEEDED THROUGH SOME BUSHES, KNOCKED DOWN A FENCE AS IT WENT BETWEEN A TREE AND A BRICK WALL, RAN INTO A BIRD BATH, AND THEN CAME TO A STOP IN SOMEONE'S YARD. FORTUNATELY THE CAR STOPPED BEFORE IT GOT TO THE HOUSE ITSELF. DAMAGE INCLUDED: BOTH BUMPERS, BOTH DRIVER-SIDE TIRES/WHEELS/HUBCAPS, AND EXTENSIVE DAMAGE UNDERNEATH INCLUDING TRANSMISSION.DRIVER AND PASSENGER WERE (AMAZINGLY) NOT INJURED.

• 09/04/2020· POWER TRAIN

  ON SEPTEMBER 1ST, 2020, I WAS AT A STOP AND NEEDED TO GO NORTHBOUND ON A BUSY INTERSECTION. I SAW THE OPPORTUNITY TO GO SO I STEPPED ON THE GAS BUT MY VEHICLE WOULD BARELY ACCELERATE WHICH PUT ME IN HARMS WAY OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. FOR A MOMENT THERE I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO GET T-BONED. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO GET RESOLVED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!

• 09/01/2023· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  I have brought the car in 3 times since I owed it stating it will not start at random times. I have videos and reports from corporate in regards to this. Along with the car not randomly starting I have had multiple issues of the warning lights coming on. The last 3 oil changes, the techs have said that I was completely out of oil. This car was deemed a lemon and I have been unsuccessful with the dealership on a respectful outcome

• 08/25/2026· AIR BAGS

  The contact owns a 2020 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bags warning light illuminated and then went off. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the air bag warning light was again illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,900.

• 08/25/2021· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  When there is a YouTube tutorial on how to steal a Kia or Hyundai, it is time to stop the abuse, pain and suffering of the consumer!

• 08/23/2026· ENGINE

  Engine burning excessive oil over a quart in 1000 miles. Catalytic converter code P0420 because of the excessive oil burning. Oil was always changed within the specified dealer milage range.

• 08/21/2025· ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  I own a 2020 Kia Forte LXS with approximately 136,000 miles. The check engine light came on with code P0420 (“catalyst system efficiency below threshold”), and an Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers location confirmed the catalytic converter is failing. The back pressure was measured and is within spec but slightly elevated, showing the part is deteriorating. I was also told my O2 sensors are burned due to the failing catalytic converter. This failure affects drivability and safety: the vehicle sometimes struggles on acceleration and hills, and I feel vibrations through the gas pedal. Because I commute 50 miles each way to work on the interstate, sudden loss of power would put me at risk in high-speed traffic. I have learned Kia and Hyundai vehicles from other years/models (including the Forte) have had recalls and extended warranties for premature catalytic converter failure and excessive oil consumption, but Kia has not yet extended coverage to the 2020 Forte. This appears to be the same issue. The vehicle has been inspected by Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers, and the quoted cost for replacement is $3,000–$3,600. This should be investigated for potential recall or warranty extension to include the 2020 model year.

• 08/20/2026· POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

  I experienced a check engine light and had the vehicle diagnosed with codes P0017 and P0014. The vehicle was taken to a Kia dealership, where the technician found that the exhaust camshaft was free-spinning without the phaser and that the pin connecting the two had sheared. The dealership replaced the exhaust camshaft and phaser and released the vehicle as repaired and operating normally. Less than 24 hours after pickup, the check engine light returned during normal driving. While returning the vehicle to the dealership as instructed, the engine lost oil pressure and stalled three times. One stall occurred after exiting the highway and left the vehicle disabled in a high-traffic intersection, creating a serious safety hazard. The vehicle was returned to the Kia dealership and remains available for inspection. Subsequent examination reportedly found metal debris in the engine/oil pan and a possible restriction of engine oil flow. The exact cause of the sudden oil-pressure loss has not yet been definitively explained. The failure occurred immediately following a dealership repair involving a physically sheared internal engine component.

• 08/10/2025· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  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.

• 08/07/2024· UNKNOWN OR OTHERCrash

  UNKNOWN

• 08/07/2024· UNKNOWN OR OTHERCrash

  - UNKNOWN - Just my safety in a lot of different ways from both parties, that I do not feel comfortable or know exactly how to explain as of right now and/or just over an app. - No, it has not. -No, but I would wish to do so in the near future. - Yes, all the way back in 2014 but started getting really really weird/bad/weird/disgusting around 2018-2020.

• 07/25/2023· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  I have a 2020 KIA FORTE that had a recall on the Security System, yet it is NOT listed on this or any other sites. I did receive a letter and I did the UPDATED Security install with Kia Community Service of Bloomington Indiana where I purchased it new in 2020. The Tic Tock Challenge that has been going around did NOT have my VIN number listed nor was any other FORTE'S but MINE WAS A TARGET on 7/23/2023 as I was parked in front of a home I was at. They were able to get into my LOCKED Kia with a Screw driver and tore everything out of it looking for a USB cable that I never leave in there and since they couldn't find this used a screwdriver they pried the door open with to destroy my under dash area along with totally destroying the ignition leaving it inoperable and stealing a container of change. I feel the KIA FORTE was a target in these videos as well yet we were left out of the information on these silly things and were NOT included in the settlement. I am requesting a steering wheel lock free of charge because of this ! As a consumer we ALL pay for safety features and this I feel should have been passed on to us sooner. I have my car now in another City and have to go through so much because of something I was UNAWARE of because KIA did NOT have us down for the recall. I have to park outside a lot and for added protection would be so appreciative of the steering wheel lock. This happened to me in Indianapolis Indiana and they are participating and giving out Free steering wheel locks to Kia owners BUT you have to live there and bring your registration.I have contacted our Local law enforcement and we are NOT doing this in Bloomington Indiana, but they are in Indianapolis Indiana where my car was broke into. I was told to contact My Kia Community Center in Bloomington and they don't have any and they told me to contact Kia Consumer affairs . This has been a nightmare as Seniors we are a fixed income and I have to be in Indianapolis very frequently. Please help

• 07/11/2023· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  Kia USB Hack fix is a software update. They are still working on the fix for only their own Remote start. They did not respond back when I told the remote start is from Viper. The Remote start was added before I was notified of the hack.

• 07/10/2023· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  My car was stolen due to intentional & concealed absence of engine immobilizer.

• 07/08/2026· ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

  2020 Kia Forte, 2.0L 14F engine, 109,000 miles: On July 3.2026 "check engine" light came on. Drove to local auto parts store to have code downloaded, P0017 cam position sensor. Car was performing fine, except for engine light. Drove car to Kia dealership. While driving, warning light for "front collision system came on and car began performing erratically. Left car at dealership for diagnostics. Yesterday received call from dealer, stating that engine needed total replacement due to "lack of oil". Quoted repair cost estimated at approximately $8,000. Car has been regularly serviced, including oil and filter changes per handbook. I have all records for the services. The were no indications of low oil pressure or engine overheating, no warning lights, all gauge readings displayed normal ranges. This same car had a failed transmission replaced approximately 2 years ago, which was covered by an extended warranty related to a recall. There have been 2 engine failure recalls as a result of 2 class action lawsuits for Kia cars with this same engine failure up through the 2019 model years, providing new engines and/or extended warrantees, however, this does not applicable to 2020 and newer models, even though it's the same exact same engine model with the exact issue causing the failure. Engine failure in traffic condions can obviously lead to immediate safety issues. I currently have a call into the Kia customer service/complaint department, but no resolution offerred to date.

• 07/03/2021· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  The break system fail while the vehicle motion, the brake pedal just go all the way down and can stop the car until release and try again, I follow the step owner's manual for a visual inspection for any leaking fluid on the floor, no brake pads sound alarm, no check engine light or any other warning light, the Car has inspected by Authorized Dealership technicians to perform service/repair on June 04 2020, they diagnostic say air pockets in the brake system, but the car continues with the same issue. I put my family on risk on a car accident I don't think the car is safe

• 07/01/2025· ENGINE

  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

• 06/30/2025· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

  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.

• 06/25/2026· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  The contact owns a 2020 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The failure had occurred while the contact was driving on a major highway. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that there was no oil in the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the failure was not covered under an unknown recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

• 06/24/2025· POWER TRAIN

  We were driving on vacation in the Nevada desert on a Sunday when the RPMs began to bounce between 2,000 and 4,000 RPMs causing the carto jerk back and forth when we were going up hill. This continued until it got to the point where the engine was going 8,000 RPMs but we were not moving forward. It felt like when driving a stick shift and you are out of gear. We pulled off and were towed to St. George, UT. The tow truck said it was the transmission and that we should go to a Kia dealer because it would be covered by warranty. No warning lights came on. Our mileage was 70,000 miles. The dealer said they could not find anything wrong and suggested it was bad gas. After paying $150 we were sent on our way back home through the mountains. We got about 20 minutes on the road when the car starting doing the same thing again as we went up hill. We immediately turned around and made it to the dealer in St. George. They checked the car again and found the transmission fluid was black instead of red. They eventually got approval from Kia for a new transmission. It ended up taking 5 days to finally get our car working. while the transmission installation was covered, we ended having to pay $2,000 in out of pocket expenses. Kia claims to have a Trip Interruption Policy to cover expenses when they have a failure covered by warranty when you are on vacation. At best, it only covers $100 per day for a maximum of 3 days ($300). But you have to have pre-approval before they will even pay that little amount. We made a mistake buying a Kia but it is one we will never make again. It was interesting to see how many similar transmission incidents with the 2020 Forte have happened when they hit 70,000 miles.

• 06/21/2022· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  My Kia has been stolen once and vandalized and almost stolen a second time because Kia doesn’t have the alarm connected to the back windows and Kia has made the car easy to steal. I have even been denied renewal of my car insurance because of this!

• 06/19/2025· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  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.

• 06/14/2023· AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCrash

  Car took off. Zoomed. Out of control, my safety was put at risk since car speeded off. No one else safety was at risk since no one was around. The car is currently at a collision shop. Car has been inspected by insurance and being fixed. No warning signs and air bags did not come out.

• 06/13/2024· POWER TRAIN

  Transmission was having issues, car would not accelerate properly. Engine light came on and vehicle was towed to the original dealership for inspection where they confirmed transmission had gone out and it did get replaced. Vehicle was driving strange for about 3-4 days before engine light came on (12/30/2023).

• 06/10/2026· STEERING

  Steering wheel is turning completely around and made a noise. I noticed my steering wheel is loose it has been like that for time. But yesterday was the first time it turned completely around were I could not control it.

• 06/09/2023· FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

  The forward collision warning system stopped working and the warning lights lit up saying the camera was obstructed, even though it was a clear day, and the car was clean (it had literally just been cleaned). This has happened previously at random times.

• 06/03/2025· SEAT BELTS

  The latch for the drivers seatbelt is no longer functioning properly, dealer stated that the hook that holds the buckle in was worn down. Car has 50k miles and is slightly over 5 years old, seems unreasonable that a seatbelt latch would fail that early. In the past, when inserting the buckle into the latch it would not properly latch and immediately fall out, and then once latched again it stayed. Recently it came unbuckled during a drive which caused concern to bring to dealer for inspection. Seatbelt latch issue was missed in PA state safety inspection a few weeks prior to the diagnosis of broken hook in latch.

• 06/01/2026· ENGINE

  Why is KIA still legally allowed to sell defective, death traps? Why is it ok for the service department and KIA themselves to tell me….its ok to drive unless the engine light is blinking, smoking in a car know to catch fire…..ok? Why is it ok to let them continue to sell cars under active engine fire campaigns, only to “replace it with the same junk engine” an ok remedy. Quit letting these companies take advantage of people because they created a multi billion dollar defective product, they should bite the cost and be bankrupt, I mean it’s 2025 and they are still making combustible cars, the right thing to do? 2020 Kia forte gt t1.6

• 05/24/2024· ENGINE

  The contact owns a 2020 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, there was white smoke coming from the engine compartment. In addition, the contact stated the vehicle began to lose motive power and the oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart but the contact stated the accelerator pedal would not function properly after the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnosis. The contact was informed that the drain plug was missing and had caused the oil to leak out from the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,709.

• 05/21/2026· ENGINE

  Bought the car 8 months ago from a Kia dealer. It is now pulling the same engine codes, of the infamous recalled Kia engines. After having diagnostics done at a different Kia then I had bought and had oil changed. They told me the engine and turbo was full of metal shavings and the rods were bad. I pad $10,900 for the car $15,000 to fix, they knowingly sold me a totaled car. I’m sure records reflect they took that car as a trade I knowing the engine was bad (they never checked the oil?). There were 90,000 forte sold in the US, best estimate I could find on the gt line was 4-5 thousand. All GT models do not have the turbo engine. So safe to assume that number is way lower. They know this is a manufacturing defect, and this model engine wasn’t recalled because the numbers aren’t not there. I’m sure these 2,500 or less turbo engines were manufactured in the same facility, same workers and process as the other 2020 forte recalls. The car is smoking and I’m being told “it’s ok to drive unless the engine light is flashing” which I’ll assume is before it catches fire, so I have to worry about that while not being under recall? This is a kid, who could catch on fire, would like to not go there

• 05/20/2024· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  The contact owns a 2020 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the check engine warning light, and a message that Kia had been alerted of a failure was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was able to start the vehicle and drove back to the residence. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle was making an abnormal knocking sound before stalling. The contact called an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle on site and determined that the intake and exhaust cam shaft position sensors had failed and that metal shavings were found obstructing the cam shaft sensors. Additionally, the vehicle was very low on engine oil. The vehicle had received an oil change approximately 3-months prior to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

• 05/15/2026· POWER TRAIN

  The contact leased a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle began to chug. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed as needing a transmission replacement. The vehicle was repaired. The contact eventually purchased the vehicle. After the purchase, the failure recurred. While driving, the vehicle began to chug without warning. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was called, but there was no response. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

• 05/14/2025· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  The contact owns a 2020 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,892.