What 71 owners told NHTSA about the 2020 Kia Forte Koup

Transmission from the original factory failed on it. I was driving when the engine check engine light came on and my car started ringing at me to get it serviced. I got the transmission replaced and not even 2 days later a brand new transmission failed yet again. This time the transmission (new) was revving up and down while driving at a consistent speed for a few minutes. Then my car started slipping gears when I tried to accelerate. The check engine light then came on again after my car started slipping gears stating to get it serviced. It is currently having its THIRD transmission put in.

NHTSA ODI 11654037

My vehicle has 74,000 miles on it. While driving on the highway at 70 mph, the RPMs began fluctuating erratically, jumping from 2,000 to 3,000 and then from 2,000 to 5,000 before the car completely slipped into neutral. I was stranded in the middle of nowhere. Took it to the dealership and since it's out of warranty they quoted me 3500 American dollars to replace the transmission. Don't buy a Kia.

NHTSA ODI 11637111

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!

NHTSA ODI 11623315

- 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.

NHTSA ODI 11606939

UNKNOWN

NHTSA ODI 11606940

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).

NHTSA ODI 11594205

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.

NHTSA ODI 11590625

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.

NHTSA ODI 11589673

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the residence. An independent mechanic informed the contact that the battery needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced, and the contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic, who stated the failure was due to the transmission pressure. The contact stated that there was an abnormal knocking noise after restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.

NHTSA ODI 11582509

Check engine light came on, got a code of P0867-Trans Fluid Pressure reading. May need a transmission fluid pressure sensor replacement, or to replace the transmission control module. Lastly, it could be a leak.

NHTSA ODI 11573509

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,

NHTSA ODI 11560539

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.

NHTSA ODI 11558895

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)

NHTSA ODI 11558544

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.

NHTSA ODI 11555768

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.

NHTSA ODI 11555184

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

NHTSA ODI 11548585

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

NHTSA ODI 11542039

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

NHTSA ODI 11534383

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.

NHTSA ODI 11531689

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

NHTSA ODI 11531443

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.

NHTSA ODI 11526961

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.

NHTSA ODI 11526192

I leased car 2020 Illinois. No problems. I had car transported to in 2022 to Los Angeles, and after a few months, the car would check engine light ALL lights I believe, and car suddenly stops and dies out at each stop light. This happened 3 times and frightened me. It happened every couple months and the repair people NEVER put notes on the repair invoice!! About exactly why I was bringing car in for repair, even if nothing on computer showed up, almost like the defect was bypassing (tricking computer) inspection. Have to restart and it would lost all power seconds later and on rainy days, passenger floor soaked. NOTHING on repair places nor dealership would show any problem to fix?? However, when brought back to Illinois, no problem with car, so far since January. So car did not like California OR their emission gasoline no good. Plus even in heavy snow and rain last 3-months in Illinois, passenger carpet never got wet.

NHTSA ODI 11518182

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Forte. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the passenger’s side headlight became inoperable and no longer illuminated as needed. The light bulb was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 100.

NHTSA ODI 11518016

On highway at 65mph engine began revving, accelerating higher on its own then speed would drop down 10-15 mph, erratic tachometer going up to max 6 at 65 mph, slipping gears and took total control of speed and then dropped down to 10mph at 6 tachometer and then wouldn’t go past 5 mph. No warning lights, no check engine.

NHTSA ODI 11507460