2013 Kia Forte
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 195 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 6th highest complaint count among 16 Forte model years with reports.
Of the 2013 reports, 16 involved a crash and 13 involved a fire. 17 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideSep 25, 2023
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
Campaign 23V652000 on NHTSA.gov
EngineDec 2, 2020
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.
Campaign 20V750000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, air bag/restraint control moduleJun 1, 2018
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.
If the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Kia will notify owners. For model year 2011 Sedona vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to verify the ACU part number and, if necessary, install an extension wire harness kit between the ACU Connector and the Vehicle Harness Connector. For all other affected vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to install the extension wire harness kit. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.
Campaign 18V363000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, pedals and linkagesDec 1, 2017
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Forte and Forte Koup vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. This will allow the brake lights to remain illuminated continuously. It can also allow the shift lever to be moved without depressing the brake pedal, or activate the engine management brake pedal override feature.
If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 30, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC158.
Campaign 17V773000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, front, retractorMay 17, 2016
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2013 Forte vehicles manufactured September 10, 2012, to October 31, 2012. The screws that hold the front seatbelt retractor retaining plates may not have been properly tightened, and as a result, the seatbelt retractor retaining plates may break in a crash.
If a retaining plate breaks during a crash, pieces of the plate could strike the occupants, increasing risk of injury.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace both front seatbelt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. The recall began July 1, 2016. Kia's number for this recall is SC132.
Campaign 16V312000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
195 reports, newest first.
Other or unspecified, May 10, 2021, crash
I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT, PUSHED ON MY BRAKE THE CAR KEPT MOVING AND I HAD NO WARNING, MY CAR IS NOW TOTALED
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 7, 2021, fire
MY 2013 KIA FORTE KOUP WAS PARKED AS I RAN INTO THE STORE, I CAME OUT TO MY CAR ON FIRE AND IT IS NOT REPAIRABLE. IT WAS ALL FROM BEHIND THE DASHBOARD THE ELECTRICAL I BELIEVE AS MY STEERING WHEEL AND EVERYTHING WAS ON FIRE. I HAVE A 10YR WARRANTY ON MY CAR, I RECEIVED AN URGENT RECALL A FEW DAYS AFTER MY CAR FIRE IN REGARDS TO POSSIBLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE AND SOMETHING ELSE. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP WHO I PURCHASED MY CAR FROM BUT THEY SAID WE DO NOT DEAL WITH THAT YOU MUST CONTACT KIA CONSUMER ASSISTANCE SO I DID THE VERY NEXT DAY. I SPOKE WITH RYAN AND HE GAVE ME A CASE NUMBER STATED NOT TO WORRY THEY WILL GET ME IN A CAR AND HAVE MY CAR INSPECTED AND SEE WHAT THEY CAN DO FOR ME. I HEARD FROM HIM TWICE THEN NOTHING FOR TWO WEEKS THEIR SYSTEMS WERE DOWN, I HAVE CALLED AND EMAILED SO MANY TIMES WITH NO CALL BACK OR EMAIL BACK. I DEMANDED TO SPEAK WITH A SUPERVISOR BECAUSE 3 WEEKS AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE I DID NOT HAVE A REPLACEMENT CAR OR RENTAL AND MY RENTAL THROUGH MY INSURANCE COMPANY WOULD ONLY BE FOR 30 DAYS. THE MANAGER WAS JEFF STROUP WHO WAS NOT HELPFUL AND A LITTLE SHADY ALSO LAUGHED AT ME BECAUSE I WAS UPSET I HAD NO CAR NO ANSWERS NO RESULTS. HE SAID IT TAKES A WHILE TO HAVE VEHICLE INSPECTED AND THEN ANOTHER MONTH FOR THE RESULTS, BUT YET I AM AT THEIR MERCY BEING I HAVE NO CAR AND I HAVE A WARRANTY. HE WAS RUDE AND NOT HELPFUL AT ALL. HE ASKED ME TO SEND HIM THE BILL FOR THE RENTAL CAR I HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET, I DID AND HAVE NOT HEARD FROM HIM. I HAVE CALLED MANY TIMES AND THEY DO NOT GIVE YOU ANYONES DIRECT NUMBER OR EMAIL. IT IS ABOUT 2 MONTHS SINCE MY CAR FIRE AND NO PHONE CALLS NO INSPECTION OF MY CAR AND ABSOLUTELY NO HELP FROM KIA! I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW THEY GIVE HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE AND FAIL TO ASSIST SOMEONE WHO SPENT A LOT OF MONEY ON THEIR CAR AND HAS A WARRANTY. I CURRENTLY HAVE NO VEHICLE BUT A WARRANTY THAT DOES NOTHING
Engine, Mar 30, 2021
TOOK CAR TO GET WASHED. DROVE HOME EAST TO WEST. CAR IN MOTION SLOWED U.W. BAY DRIVE 40 MILES, 30, 20. CAR STATIONARY 1 HOUR OR MORE. POLICE JUMP. DIDN'T TURN
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 10, 2021, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT NOTICED HER CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, SHE STOPPED FOR FUEL AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT OFF. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD SPUTTER AND SHAKE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A MISFIRE SHORT IN THE WIRING. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PARKED A BURNING ODOR WAS DETECTED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Mar 3, 2021, fire
MY KIA WENT ON FIRE AND I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED BY KIA, I FOUND OUT FROM CARFAX AND SET UP APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THIS RECALL FIXED AND FOUND OUT THERE WAS 2 RECALLS. SET UP THE APPT FOR SATURDAY, WHILE MY CAR WAS PARKED AND OFF I RAN INTO THE STORE CAME OUT AND MY CAR WAS ON FIRE ALL OF THE DASHBOARD ALL BEHIND IT. MY CAR WAS TOTALED BY INSURANCE. 2 DAYS AFTER MY CAR GOES ON FIRE I AM SUDDENLY GETTING RED EMERGENCY RECALL NOTICES IN THE MAIL. DEALERSHIP WILL NOT SPEAK WITH ME, THE KIA CONSUMER ASSISTANCE GAVE ME A CASE NUMBER BUT HAS DONE NOTHING IN OVER 2 WEEKS. I STILL HAD MY 10YR WARRANTEE AND KIA SAID I WOULD SETTLE WITH YOUR INSURANCE YOU WILL GET MORE MONEY FROM THEM. THEY DO NOT RETURN CALLS OR EMAILS AND THEY DO NOT WANT TO TAKE RESPONSABILITY AT ALL.
Electrical system, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Mar 3, 2021, fire
I RECEIVED AN EMAIL FROM CARFAX NOTIFYING ME OF A RECALL FOR MY CAR PERTAINING TO A POSSIBLE FIRE, I CALLED DEALERSHIP TO SET UP APPOINTMENT AND FOUND OUT THERE WAS 2 RECALLS FOR MY CAR BUT NEVER ONCE RECEIVED ANY NOTIFICATION FROM KIA. MY APPOINTMENT WAS FOR THE COMING SATURDAY BUT ON WEDNESDAY AFTER I PARKED AND RAN INTO THE GROCERY STORE FOR LESS THAN 15MINS I CAME OUT TO A GENTLEMAN WHO ASKED IF THIS WAS MY CAR, WHEN I LOOKED AT IT I WAS CONFUSED BECAUSE ALL THE WINDOWS WERE BLACK AND SMOKE WAS COMING I BELIEVE FROM EITHER THE HOOD OR WINDOW, HE SAID YOUR CAR IS ON FIRE. BEFORE I KNEW WHAT WAS HAPPENING THERE WERE FIRE TRUCKS AND POLICE. MY ENTIRE INSIDE OF MY CAR BEHIND THE DASHBOARD AND ALL ELECTRICAL WIRES WERE BURNED THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD STEERING WHEEL RADIO EVERYTHING. MY CAR WAS DESTROYED, I CALLED MY INSURANCE COMPANY RIGHT AWAY AS THE POLICE ADVISED ME TOO AND LATER ON A FRIEND GAVE ME THE NUMBER TO THE KIA CONSUMER ASSISTANCE WHERE I NOTIFIED THEM.
Engine, Feb 23, 2021
LOUD TICKING OR KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM ENGINE. SOUNDS EXACTLY THE SAME AS OTHER ENGINES THAT WERE REPLACED BECAUSE OF 'ROD KNOCK'. THIS SAME ENGINE WAS RECALLED ON MANY OTHER MODELS SO WHY NOT ON THE 2013 KIA FORTE?
Engine, Feb 15, 2021
SEVERAL RECALLS HAVE BEEN ISSUED FOR THE THETA II ENGINE. I OWN A 2013 KIA FORTE KOUP EX WHICH IS EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.0L MPI ENGINE. THE 2.4L ENGINE OF THE SAME TYPE WAS RECALLED JUST A FEW WEEKS AGO. THE ONLY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THESE TWO ENGINES IS THE SIZE. THEY ARE NOT FUNDAMENTALLY DIFFERENT OTHER THAN A FEW TWEAKS TO ACCOUNT FOR THE EXTRA VOLUME. LIKELY THIS MEANS THE SAME MANUFACTURING PROCESSES WERE USED FOR BOTH ENGINES. IT WOULD BE INCREDIBLY INEFFICIENT TO CREATE NEW MANUFACTURING PROCESSES FOR EACH OF THESE ENGINES. THEREFORE, IF THERE WAS A MAJOR MANUFACTURING ERROR IN THE 2.4L PRODUCTION (SAY METAL SHAVINGS THAT BLOCK OIL ACCESS TO THE ROD BEARINGS CAUSING CRITICAL WEAR AND DAMAGE), THEN THAT ERROR PROBABLY OCCURRED IN THE 2.0L MANUFACTURING. I WANT TO KNOW WHY THE 2.0L MPI ENGINE HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED. THE 2.0L MPI ENGINE ON MY KIA FORTE KOUP EX HAS BEGUN TO KNOCK. BY THE SOUND, THE ROD BEARING HAS PROBABLY WORN THROUGH AND THE LIFE OF MY CAR AND MY OWN SAFETY ARE AT A HIGH RISK. I CANNOT AFFORD A NEW ENGINE OR A NEW CAR RIGHT NOW JUST BECAUSE KIA SCREWED UP. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE. JUST BECAUSE NOT AS MANY PEOPLE HAVE CARS WITH THE THETA II 2.0L MPI ENGINE DOESN'T MEAN OUR SAFETY AND OUR LIFE SAVINGS CAN BE THROWN OUT THE WINDOW.
Engine, Feb 5, 2021
WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER MY CAR IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST FOR 20V750000, BUT WAS TOLD I NEED AN ENGINE REPLACEMENT DUE TO ROD BEARINGS AND PISTONS. VEHICLE MAKES KNOCKING NOISES. VEHICLE HAS BEEN WELL KEPT AND HAS ONLY 45,000 MILES ON IT. I WAS TOLD A NEW ENGINE WOULD COST $5,600. MY CAR IS ONLY WORTH $5,600. PLEASE ADD THIS VIN TO THE RECALL LIST, I CANNOT AFFORD A NEW ENGINE. AND THE ENGINE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS THE OTHER THETA II ENGINES BEING RECALLED. I AM AFRAID IT WILL CATCH FIRE AS OTHERS HAVE, BUT I CANNOT AFFORD TO REPLACE IT
Air bags, Feb 4, 2021
I HAVE A 2013 KIA FORTE WITH THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON. I FOUND A RECALL ON 2011-2013 KIA FORTE FOR AIR BAG: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE WHERE IN AN EVENT OF A CRASH, THE AIR BAG CONTROL MAY SHORT CIRCUIT PREVENTING THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS AND SEAT BELT PRETENSIONERS FROM DEPLOYING. I LOOKED UP MY VIN # TO FIND OUT THAT IT WAS NOT ON THE LIST. IT WAS DIAGNOSED BY A KIA SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO BE THE DRIVER ANCHOR PRETENSIONER. MY QUESTION IS WHY MY FORTE IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST? MY REQUEST IS TO HAVE MY VEHICLE PLACE ON THE LIST SO WE CAN HAVE THIS ISSUE TAKEN CARE OF. THANK YOU, MARY DENISE BROWN
Power train, Engine, Jan 18, 2021
2013 KIA FORTE SEDAN, 2.4L THETA II, MY MPI ENGINE APPROX. 98K MILES (DEC 18 2020), LIGHT TICKING WAS OBSERVED WHILE DRIVING AS USUAL. THIS TICKING QUICKLY ESCALATED (DEC 21, 2020) TO THE POINT OF STOPPING THE CAR AND NOT DRIVING ANY FURTHER. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO AN ASE SHOP TO LOOK INTO THE ISSUE (DEC 25, 2020). WITHIN A FEW DAYS (DEC 28 - JAN 31) IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS INTERNAL ENGINE DAMAGE HAVING METAL IN THE OIL AND FILTER. BASED ON MY RESEARCH, I HAVE FOUND OTHER COMPLAINTS, FORUMS AND RELATED RECALLS POINTING TO THE FACT THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. HOWEVER, TO DATE (JANUARY 18, 2021) THERE IS NO ACTIVE RECALL ON THIS PARTICULAR PLATFORM. ACCORDING TO THE INFORMATION I HAVE FOUND, KIA IS TO ANNOUNCE A RECALL (JANUARY 27, 2021) OF THIS SPECIFIC SERIES OF ENGINES AS WELL. CURRENTLY THE DEALER FROM WHERE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED HAS NOT MADE ANY EFFORT TO FACILITATE THIS ENGINE PROBLEM. ONLY THE FACT THAT THE SERVICE DEPT HAS AGREED TO KEEP THE CAR UNTIL MORE RECALL INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE. PLEASE HELP WITH INFORMATION OR CONTACT TO FACILITATE A SOLUTION TO THIS MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THIS CAR HAS BEEN EXTREMELY WELL KEPT WITH REGULAR OIL CHANGES AND ROUTINE MAINTENANCE PRACTICES.
Engine, Jan 15, 2021
I HAVE A RATTLING NOISE AT 45000 MILES AND I WAS TOLD BY TAYLOR KIA AFTER DIAGNOSTICS THAT AN ENGINE REPLACEMENT IS NEEDED. KIA HAS A DEFECTIVE ENGINE AS SHOWN ON MANY FORUMS AND THIS MODEL NEEDS TO BE RECALLED.
Engine, Jan 14, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, AN ABNORMAL NOISE APPEARED AS THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BACK TO HIS RESIDENCE WHERE THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FERGUSON KIA (1501 N ELM PLACE, BROKEN ARROW, OK 74012, (918) 258-1800) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ROD BEARING FAILED AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE CONTACT MENTIONED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V750000 (ENGINE)AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 133,000.
Engine, Jan 1, 2021, fire
DRIVING ON INTERSTATE I-70 MD AT 65MPH WHEN I HEARD A TICKING SOUND AND I WASNT GETTING ANY POWER. CAR WAS STRUGGLING TO MOVE WHEN ALL THE SUDDEN BANG!!!! SMOKE, PLASTIC AND METAL WENT FLYING EVERYWHERE FROM THE ENGINE BAY, RICOCHETING OFF THE ASPHALT TOWARDS THE SIDES OF MY VEHICLE AND OTHER CARS TRAILING BEHIND ME. CARS SWERVED TO AVOID THE DEBRIS FROM HITTING THEIR VEHICLES. POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND I STRUGGLED TO MOVE THE CAR OVER TO THE SHOULDER ACROSS ANOTHER LANE. I COULDVE EASILY BEEN KILLED HAD A DRIVER NOT BEEN PAYING ATTENTION OR LOOKING AT THEIR PHONE CROSSING LANES AS THE VEHICLE QUICKLY WAS COMING TO A STOP, INABLE TO MOVE. I SOMEHOW SAFELY GOT TO THE SHOULDER AND GOT THE CAR TOWED AT MY EXPENSE TO THE MECHANIC. CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. ROD SNAPPED AND BLEW A 2 INCH HOLE THROUGH THE ENGINE BLOCK AND CAR LIT ON FIRE BRIEFLY. BOUGHT A NEW (USED) THETA II ENGINE (THE SAME ENGINE RECALLED IN HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OTHER KIAS AND HYUNDAIS) BUT NOT FOR THE 2013 KIA KOUP WITH THE SAME ENGINE PROBLEM. $4800+ LATER, IM STILL SCARED DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AS I COULDVE EASILY BEEN SMASHED THAT DAY BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. KIA NEEDS TO RECALL EVERY SINGLE MAKE YEAR AND MODEL WITH THE THETA 2 ENGINE. HAVE NEW (USED) ENGINE RECIEPT AND ALL DOCUMENTATION PERTAINING TO THE INCIDENT.
Engine, Dec 21, 2020
COMING HOME ON SEPTEMBER 25TH 2020 AT 1AM ON NJ TURNPIKE CAR STARTED TO TAP VERY LOUDLY AND LOST POWER AT 65 MPH. CAR HAS 83,659 MILES. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALER ON SEPTEMBER 29TH ,2020 DEALER NOTIFIED US ON OCTOBER 1ST THAT THE ENGINE FAILED AND IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER ANY RECALL. BOUGHT THE CAR WITH 21,530 AND WAS TOLD WE HAD THE FULL FACTORY WARRANTY. CAR HAS FULL SERVICE RECORDS, VERY WELL MAINTAINED AND STILL LOOKS NEW. KIA CONSUMER AFFAIRS HAS ESCALATED THIS CLAIM TWICE AND STILL REFUSES TO FIX. THEY KNOW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND STILL WILL NOT HONOR THE REPAIR. WE ALSO OWN AN 2013 OPTIMA THAT HAD SAME PROBLEM AT 90,000 AND THEY FIXED IT RIGHT AWAY. CAR IS STILL SITTING AT DEALER FOR 83 DAYS NOW AND THEY ARE STARTING TO GET AGGRAVATED
Engine, Dec 20, 2020
I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT HIGHWAY SPEED AND IT BEGAN TO MAKE A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE, THE ENGINE INCREASINGLY BECAME LOUDER AND I LOST THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE. THERE WAS A LOT OF TRAFFIC AROUND ME AND MY 9 YEAR OLD SON WAS IN THE CAR. WE WERE SCARED. I BARELY GOT THE VEHICLE TO THE BREAKDOWN LANE WHERE OTHER CARS AND TRACTOR TRAILERS WERE PASSING US ONLY FEET AWAY FROM US. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE AT ALL AND THE ENGINE WAS IDLING ROUGHLY. I HAD THE CAR TOWED OFF OF THE HIGHWAY. FROM THE RESEARCH THAT I HAVE DONE OVER THE WEEKEND, IT SEEMS AS THOUGH MANY KIA FORTE EX OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME NIGHTMARE THAT I HAVE GONE THROUGH. THE ISSUES RECALL DOES NOT APPEAR TO INCLUDE THE EX MODEL WITH THE 2.0L ENGINE EVEN THOUGH SYMPTOMS ARE IDENTICAL IN EVERY INSTANCE. MY CAR HAS BEEN SERVICED REGULARLY SINCE IT WAS NEW AND ALWAYS MAINTAINED ACCORDING TO MANUFACTURERS RECOMMENDATIONS. ANY VEHICLE THAT LOSES THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE IN TRAFFIC SHOULD BE DEEMED UNSAFE AND THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD MAKE GOOD ON THEIR PRODUCT. MANY OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS AND BEING TOLD AT THE DEALERSHIP THAT COST WOULD BE THE OWNERS RESPONSIBILITY. HOWEVER, CERTAIN MODELS THAT ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE ARE COVERED UNDER THE GOVERNMENT MANDATED SAFETY RECALL.
Engine, Dec 20, 2020
ENGINE MAKING CLICKING SOUND. SOUNDS EXACTLY LIKE THE OTHER ENGINE ISSUES KIA HAS RECALLED.
Engine, Dec 9, 2020
THE ENGINE MAKES A LOUD RATTLING SOUND AND VIBRATION DURING INITIAL START AND INITIAL ACCELERATION, THE SAID NOISE IS MUCH LOUDER DURING COLD ENGINE START UPS. THE PROBLEM ONLY STARTED WHEN THE MILEAGE REACHED AROUND 70,000 MILES. MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN RELIGIOUSLY FOLLOWED ESPECIALLY OIL CHANGE. I EVEN USE FACTORY ENGINE OIL FILTER.
Engine, Dec 9, 2020
THERE WAS A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD OF MY CAR AND I COULD SMELL SMOKE. WHEN I LIFTED THE HOOD, I COULD SEE SMOKE ARISING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. UNSURE WHY MY CAR HAD BEGUN SMOKING, I CALLED FOR A TOW TRUCK TO COME GET MY CAR BECAUSE I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS WRONG AND IF IT WOULD CATCH FIRE. I HAD THE TOW COMPANY TAKE MY CAR TO A MECHANIC FOR HIM TO IDENTIFY WHY MY CAR WAS SMOKING. WHEN THE MECHANIC LOOKED AT MY CAR, IT WAS NO LONGER SMOKING. WHEN I GOT INTO MY CAR TO BEGIN DRIVING I CONTINUED TO HEAR THE KNOCKING NOISE UNDERNEATH MY HOOD. I WAS NOT ABLE TO GO THE FULL SPEED LIMIT AS THE NOISE GREW LOUDER, AND HAD TO DRIVE UNDER THE SPEED LIMIT. AS I BEGAN DRIVING, MY OIL LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN I STOPPED AT THE RED LIGHT, MY ENGINE AND BATTERY LIGHTS CAME ON. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND I TRIED TO PROCEED, AND MY CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. IT WAS COMPLETING STOPPED AND NON-OPERATIONAL. THIS SCARED ME BECAUSE IT WAS DARK, I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC ON ONE OF THE BUSIEST STREETS IN MY AREA, AND I HAD MY YOUNG SON IN THE CAR WITH ME. MY FATHER AND A POLICE OFFICER ARRIVED TO ASSIST ME WITH MOVING MY CAR OUT OF TRAFFIC. I HAD TO HAVE A TOW SERVICE COME GET MY CAR AND TAKE IT BACK TO THE MECHANIC. AFTER EXPLAINING TO THE MECHANIC WHAT HAPPENED AND HIM REVIEWING THE CAR TO DETERMINE WHY IT HAD ABRUTLY SHUT OFF, I WAS TOLD THAT THE ENGINE HAD LOCKED UP. I HAD TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED TO MY HOME BECAUSE IT WAS NO LONGER OPERATIONAL.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 7, 2020
I SAW THAT KIA RECALLED THE SAME YEAR AND MODEL OF THIS CAR FOR FAULTY ENGINES WHICH MAY CATCH FIRE DUE TO ENGINE MALFUNCTION, ROD BEARING FAILURE AND FUEL LEAK BUT, ONLY FOR THE 2.4L ENGINE. WHEN TECHNICALLY SPEAKING THE 2.0L ENGINE WHICH IS NOT RECALLED IS NEARLY IDENTICAL BOTH INTERNALLY AND EXTERNALLY BESIDES CUBIC INCHES. IN FACT WHEN ORDERING PARTS FOR THE 2.0L ENGINE ON KIA'S SITES AND OEM PARTS DISTRIBUTORS, THE PART NUMBERS ARE THE SAME FOR THE INTAKE MANIFOLD, FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEMS, INTERNAL BEARINGS, THE ONLY VARIANCE IN MANUFACTURING AND DESIGN ARE THE CRANKSHAFTS, CAMSHAFTS AND OIL PUMPS DUE TO THE DIFFERENCE IN DISPLACEMENT. FURTHERMORE MY CAR RECENTLY BEGAN LEAKING FUEL FROM THE FUEL DELIVERY TUBE GOING FROM THE FUEL PUMP TO THE RAIL WHICH IS THE SAME PART NUMBER AS THAT ON THE 2.4 AND SAME DESIGN AND ROUTING. DUE TO THE CLOSE PROXIMITY OF THE EXHAUST THE FUEL COULD HAVE IGNITED IF NOT CAUGHT JUST THE SAME AS THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE 2.4L WHICH PROMPTED THE RECALL. HOWEVER THE 2.0L OWNERS ARE NOT PROTECTED AND ARE AT THE SAME RISK.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Nov 23, 2020
I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR ABOUT 8 YEARS NOW AND I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE REAR TAIL LIGHT/ BRAKE LIGHT BULBS CONTINUOUSLY BLOWING OUT. I HAVE TO REPLACE THEM ALMOST EVERY 1-2 MONTHS. WHEN REPLACING THEM, THEY ARE VERY HOT. NOT SURE IF THIS IS A WIRING ISSUE AMONG MANY OTHER FORTES AS I HAD READ UPON NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FROM OWNERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE.
Wheels, Service brakes, Engine, Oct 26, 2020
MY ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON , NOW IT'S SAYING THAT IT'S SOMETHING DIFFERENT EVERY TIME . STARTED MY CAR UP THE NEXT DAY THEN THE LIGHT WILL GO OUT . SOMETHING ISN'T RIGHT . MY BRAKES ARE ACTING WEIRD , AND TIRE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON .
Engine, Oct 23, 2020
AT ABOUT 80000 MILES I NOTICED A RATTLING SOUND FROM THE ENGINE OF THE CAR, A SIMILAR ISSUE OTHERS ARE MENTIONING HERE. I THINK WE NEED A RECALL ON THE ENGINE OR AT LEAST WHATEVER PART IS CAUSING THIS PROBLEM.
Exterior lighting, Oct 13, 2020
I HAVE OWNED MY VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY 6 YEARS. SINCE 2017, I HAVE STARTED HAVING AN ISSUE WITH THE DRIVER'S BRAKE LIGHT BURNING OUT. AT THE FIRST SIGN OF TROUBLE AND MULTIPLE REPLACEMENTS WITHIN A 4 MONTH PERIOD, I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER RECOMMENDED REPLACING THE ENTIRE TAILLIGHT ASSEMBLY. THE REPLACEMENT SERVICE WAS COMPLETED AND THE ISSUE WAS FINE FOR ABOUT 1 YEAR. IN 2018, I BEGAN HAVING ISSUES WITH THE BRAKE LIGHT AGAIN FOR THE LEFT AND RIGHT. IT STARTED WITH NEEDING TO REPLACE THE LIGHTS EVERY QUARTER. NOW, I REPLACE THE BRAKE LIGHTS AT LEAST EVERY 1-4 WEEKS. THE LIGHT EITHER HAS BECOME SO HOT AND BLOWN OUT, OR WHEN I HIT A SLIGHT BUMP IN THE ROAD -- THE LIGHT DISLODGES. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY HAVE SURMISED THAT THE ISSUE IS NOT RELATED TO ELECTRICAL WIRING, BUT THEY BELIEVE THE SOCKET IS NOT HOLDING THE BULB SNUGLY TO RETAIN LIGHTING. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE DUE TO THE INABILITY FOR OTHER DRIVERS TO KNOW THAT I AM BRAKING. THERE WAS ONE INSTANCE THAT BOTH BRAKE LIGHTS WENT OUT AT NIGHT. AS A RESULT, I CARRY A SPARE PACKET OF TAILLIGHT BULBS IN MY VEHICLE AT ALL TIMES. I INTEND TO RETURN TO THE DEALERSHIP ON 10/15/2020 TO REQUEST ANOTHER REPAIR TO THE LIGHT AND TO PURCHASE A NEW TAILLIGHT ASSEMBLY. I HAVE TAKEN CARE OF THE VEHICLE ENSURING SERVICE IS COMPLETED IN A TIMELY FASHION. THIS HAS BEEN THE ONLY NEGATIVE EXPERIENCE WITH THE VEHICLE, BUT IT IS A CRUCIAL ISSUE AS IT PUTS MY LIFE AND OTHERS' LIVES IN DANGER. THIS IS NOT A NEW ISSUE WITH THE 2013-2014 KIA FORTE. THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE IN FORUMS. YET, THERE IS NO RECALL.
Engine, Aug 2, 2020
KIA FORTE TRAVELING ABOUT 55MPH SHUT OFF ON A BUSY MOUNTAIN PASS. IT WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP AND FOUND TO HAVE A SEIZED MOTOR RELATED TO CRANK BEARING FAILURE. THERE WERE 3 CHILDREN IN THE CAR AS THE TIME OF MOTOR FAILURE