What 134 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Kia Forte Koup

The contact owned a 2016 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while her grandson was driving at an undisclosed speed, he was involved in a hit-and-run accident and after the impact, the vehicle crashed into a tree. The contact stated that all of the air bags failed to deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact's grandson did not require medical attention. A police report was filed. The insurance company towed the vehicle to one of their tow yards and at that time the vehicle was deemed totaled. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 118,000.

NHTSA ODI 11492108

When driving on a divided four lane highway, after about one hour and at about 60 mph, vehicle would not accepperate to pass. Loss of power in traffic. Felt like transmission slipping, but the check engine light came on. P0240 code. It got progressively worse. An experienced mechanic diagnosed it as the engine, and was not sure I could drive to dealership. I had it towed. The warranty (10 year, 100,000 mile), covers engine, as agreed by delar. First, the dealer said it was catalytic converter $2200. When questioned, price was "corrected" to $1,200. Most for part and less than one hour labor. On a differen phone call, repair cost increased to $3300, saying the tech mistakenly thought it was the cat near muffler, but its the cat near engine, and comes as one pice with exhaust manifold. I am waiting on written estimate that I requested, and the dealer assurance there are no other problems with the car. I suggested they drive the car, and see that the problems are the same ones they used to have to video tape and send to Kia to get repairs approved on other engines. Still waiting on the written estimate and the assurance from dealer there is no safety risk in me driving it home. I can buy the Kia part they say it needs for about $500.

NHTSA ODI 11487611

Driving 8 miles to work my engine started making noise and then car started slowing down. I pulled over on to the side road and seen oil everywhere and my car wouldn’t start again and I had to get it towed.

NHTSA ODI 11484077

The headlights flicker off when the turn signal is applied and also sometimes on bumps in the road. This could be very dangerous because there are no headlights when they’re supposed to be on. The dealer told me that they’ve seen that issue before, but told me there’s no recalls on my model and year, so I have to pay to replace a multi function part. I wrote to Kia as well and they told me since my car is out of warranty, it’s up to me to fix that and pay. I don’t even have 50,000 miles on my car! And this problem is not due to me but due to a malfunction of the car. I researched this and see that there are other models of Kia that have the same issue that were recalled to repair by Kia. I have attached information from the web about a recall for Kia’s that is the same year as my car, but a different model. There are no warning lights when this happens, so I have to pay attention to make sure the lights come back on. I have also attached the case number from Kia in which they told me they are not responsible for this.

NHTSA ODI 11483549

Car shakes a lot with AC in setting 1 & 2. Kia official has checked and rechecked and stated to be “normal”. Car getting average of 17mpg and 250 miles per tank average. Despite being up to date. Car shakes excessively at idle

NHTSA ODI 11478339

2016 Kia Forte Had the oil changed ~15 miles ago and now there’s no oil in it. There’s no leaks either. Mechanic said that the car is just using it up and exhausting it. It has happened twice. The check engine light has been coming on and blinking.

NHTSA ODI 11477245

On June 16 2022 at 9:15 am I was driving my Kia Forte 18 miles from my home to the airport. I was taking my 8 year old granddaughter to meet her grandfather for a flight. There were no indicator lights that ever showed up. My car started making a banging sound. I got off the interstate into a parking lot immediately. I shut the car off and checked the tires.. and underneath the car. I didn’t see any damage or anything leaking. I parked the car and had it towed home. There is only 64,900 miles on it. The oil and fluids are checked and changed according to manufacturer. I have not had a diagnostic test run. I had it towed home because I don’t have the funds to leave it at a shop. I still owe three payments on it.

NHTSA ODI 11469890

The contact owned a 2016 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle caught fire. The vehicle was burning an excessive amount of oil and fuel. There were no warning indicator lights illuminated. While his wife was driving, the vehicle was making abnormal engine noises. The contact stated he sustained emotional distress and medical attention was provided. The vehicle was towed to an independent towing lot. A police report was filed. The fire department extinguished the fire. The vehicle was taken to an unknown local dealer where it was diagnosed that the pulley needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11465876

THE HEATER CORE LEAKED AND COOLANT WAS SLOWLY LOST AND CAR OVERHEATED

NHTSA ODI 11461903

The contact owns a 2016 Kia forte. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was not able to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the vehicle failed to start. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact mentioned that there was a knocking noise coming from the vehicle while the oil pressure light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken back to the mechanic where the contact was informed that the oil was changed and the oil was not reaching the top of the engine block as needed. The dealer was informed of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

NHTSA ODI 11445437

My daughter was in a collision. A car hit her Kia forte on passenger front side and the front drive side caved in which bent the frame. The air bag didn’t deploy. Her head hit the review mirror and it broke from the windshield. The insurance adjuster mentioned that he would have thought the air bag would have deployed. I also thought so to. I googled the Kia Forte and found reporting of air bag deployment issues. Please investigate.

NHTSA ODI 11443957

I was involved in a fatal accident involving my car that i struck a tree at 65mph and no airbags deployed

NHTSA ODI 11441028

Im a retired mechanic I have 2016 Kia Forte lx 1.8l 6spd manual from my diagnostic scanner it showed the instrument cluster has a short in it which caused all the warning lights to come on when really the only thing that was really bad was a right front wheel speed sensor I replaced it but with the instrument panel short the ecu cant tell what's working and what's not the car only has 64000 miles and all this is still going on a diagnostic scanner cant tell what real and what's not I will never own another Kia product in my life and [XXX] sure wouldn't recommend one. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11439661

Kia dealer states the engine is blown. Because of lack of oil in engine. I changed the oil in a timely manner and on a regular basis but the engine still failed only after 77,000. No prior warning of engine failure until the engine failed.Kia warranty refuses to cover cost of $8000 engine replacement because I didn’t keep receipts proving the oil was changed in a timely manner.

NHTSA ODI 11432242

1. Windshield wipers have been changed three time and when it rains they Smear. Not one pair has ever cleaned right. 2. The tire pressure light came on and has stayed on Kia wants $200.00 to look into it. 3. The Front seats vibrate ( don’t know about the back seats). A lot. I talk to a service man at Kia Cerritos and nothing was ever done or checked.

NHTSA ODI 11431740

While driving my vehicle - My 2016 Kia Forte LX all of sudden had my dashboard light up with check engine light oil etc. before the engine turned off My vehicle gave me no warning signs up until the engine shut off The oil change and service is up-to-date After I had my vehicle towed to a garage— it was determined that my car barely had any oil left in it with my engine being ruined as a result of the defect. I’ve contacted Kia every single day since this occurred but I’ve not gotten any assistance whatsoever Meanwhile I have no vehicle and I’ve had to pay for a rental car daily while I wait for a response to rectify this travesty

NHTSA ODI 11431150

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 70 mph, she heard a knocking sound coming from the front passenger’s side of the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine and battery warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle decelerated independently and before the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast to a stop. The contact stated that a bystander jumped the battery however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11426951

Car engine caught fire driving on freeway. No apparent reason

NHTSA ODI 11423010

WHEN TRAVELING OVER 60-65MPH ON A HIGHWAY I NOTICE THE VEHICLE PULLING ONE WAY OR ANOTHER. FEELS AS IF THE STEERING WHEEL IS TOO LOOSE AND THE TIRES ARE TOO EASILY SWAYED RIGHT OR LEFT. FEELS AS THOUGH I HAVE MINIMAL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HAVE TO CONCENTRATE ON KEEPING THE WHEEL STRAIGHT. ALSO SHAKY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IDLING

NHTSA ODI 11416192

EMERGENCY WARNING LIGHT FOR TIRE PRESSURE COMES ON AND STAYS ON DESPITE TIRES BEING BALANCED AND AIRED PROPERLY BY SERVICE TECHNICIAN. LIGHT CAME ON WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY.

NHTSA ODI 11404153

THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY ROUTE 50 WHEN SMOKE ENTERED THE VEHICLE FROM THE AC VENTS. I TRIED TO PRESS THE BRAKES BUT THEY FAILED. THEN THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE FRONT AND BACK, THE BRAKES CONTINUED TO FAIL, I JUMPED FROM THE VEHICLE ON GOING 40MPH, THEN THE CAR EXPLODED.*DT*DT*JB*DT*DT*DT*DT*DT*DT*JB*JB*DT*DT*DT*DT*DT Consumer contacted the dealer and has obtained a case # [XXX] and paid invoice # [xxx]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).”

NHTSA ODI 11403582

I WAS SOLD A 2016 KIA FORTE WITH A BAD TRANSMISSION AND THE DEALERSHIP CANCELLED MY WARRANTY THE YEAR THAT I BOUGHT THE CAR I WAS NOT AWARE THAT THEY CANCELLED IT UNTIL I FOUND OUT MY TRANSMISSION WAS BAD AND WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO TRY TO HAVE THEM FIX IT AND THEY TOLD ME THE WARRANTY WAS CANCELED. I SPOKE TO A MECHANIC AND THEY TOLD ME THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WITH THEIR 2016 KIA FORTE'S. I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN ORDER TO GET MY SON TO HIS SPECIALISTS HE HAS SPINA BIFIDA HE NEEDS TO SEE A NEUROLOGIST, ORTHOPEDICS, UROLOGIST, ETC OVER AN HOUR AWAY NOW MY TRANSMISSION IS COMPLETELY GONE AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO BECAUSE I CAN'T AFFORD THE REPAIR. PLEASE RECALL THIS CAR. I KNOW A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE TRANSMISSION ISSUES WITH THEIR KIA'S MY MOTHER FOR EXAMPLE BACK IN 2010 SHE PURCHASED THE KIA RIO IT WAS BRAND NEW AT THE TIME AND A YEAR LATER THE TRANSMISSION WENT BAD ON IT EVERY KIA TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO BE A HUNK OF CRAP I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO DEAL WITH THESE REPAIRS

NHTSA ODI 11389222

MY OIL KEEPS ON BURNING FAST .. I HAD TO GET OIL TEST FROM KIA DEALER BUT THEY DIDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE ENGINE AND NO LEAKAGE. COUPLE MONTHS LATER MY ENGINE IS BURNING MY OIL FAST BEFORE EVEN OIL CHANGE. THIS IS NOT NORMAL. THE MOTOR WILL MAKE A CLUSTER SOUND WHILE AT THE STOP SIGN. UNCOMFORTABLE SOUND ALL OF THE SOUNDED.

NHTSA ODI 11389328

I PURCHASED MY 2016 KIA FORTE IN MARCH 2017 USED AND SINCE THEN I'VE BEEN HAVING SUSPENSION PROBLEMS. MAY 2017 I HAD 3 ALIGNMENTS AND I CONSTANTLY BEEN GETTING ALIGNMENTS AND REPLACING MY BRAKES AND TIRES. AUGUST 2020 MY CAR STARTED TO CUT OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND ACCELERATE WHEN I TRIED TO STOP. MY CHECK ENGINE CODE AN IGNITION COILS PROBLEM SO I DID A FULL TUNE-UP AND OIL CHANGE IN SEPTEMBER. BUT IT DIDNT FIX THE PROBLEM SO AFTER THAT MY CAR CODE AN INTAKE FAILURE. I HAD IT REPAIRED IN OCTOBER BUT IT STILL DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM AND ON TOP OF THAT THE PISTONS IN THE ENGINE STARTED GRINDING. I TOOK MY CAR BACK TO THE SHOP AND THEY SAID THAT I NEED A WHOLE NEW ENGINE. NOW MY CAR BEEN SITTING EVERY SINCE THE BEGINNING OF NOVEMBER.

NHTSA ODI 11385722

DRIVING THE CAR SMELLED A GAS SMELL, THEN LATER A BURNING SMELL, THEN THE CAR STALLED, CRANKED IT AGAIN IT STALLED AGAIN. WAS SMOKING UNDER THE HOOD. HAD JUST HAD THIS CAR OIL CHANGE AND MULTIPOINT INSPECTION THEY STATED THE CAR WAS FINE. TODAY THEY TELL ME IT'S ENGINE FAILURE. WE WERE DRIVING WHEN THE CAR STALLED.

NHTSA ODI 11384216