A used Kia Forte may be a sensible option if you’re seeking a small car with some big-time personality. Specifically, this compact car can seat up to five passengers in its surprisingly roomy cabin, making it a great choice for single riders, couples and small families alike.
What are the most common Kia Forte problems?
You’ll want to know before you decide to purchase a pre-owned model. Some of the more commonly reported issues on the Kia Forte, according to NHTSA complaints and Vehicle History reviews, include:
- Engine knocking sounds
- Overheating exterior lights/bulbs
- Airbag light issues
- Rough engine operation
You can find out more about all the Kia Forte has to offer, as well as details about these common complaints, in the article below.
More about the Kia Forte
Kia’s five-passenger compact car, the Forte, made its debut in the North American market for the 2009 model year. As of 2020, the Forte remains in production and is a top-seller for the Kia brand.
All Kia Forte models are equipped with a standard four-cylinder engine and can seat five passengers.
However, specific features and trim levels can vary from one model year to the next.
The 2010 Forte, a popular model, comes in three trim configurations with standard equipment, including Bluetooth® connectivity, a four-speaker sound system and 15-inch steel wheels.
Meanwhile, the range-topping SX trim boasts such features as larger 17-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, exclusive cloth upholstery, and a sport-tuned suspension for a more composed ride.
Common Kia Forte Problems
2010 Kia Forte: Engine Knocking Sounds
NHTSA Complaint IDs: 11351648, 11302387
There have been a number of complaints about the 2010 Kia Forte’s engine. Specifically, these complaints are related to strange “knocking” noises that come from the engine while it is running.
In one NHTSA complaint posted in August of 2020, the owner of a 2010 Forte reported that the motor had been making strange noises for a “period of time.”
However, on the date of this particular incident, the vehicle’s engine stalled out in the road. Even after getting the engine re-started, the owner reported a persistent knocking sound.
In another NHTSA report from January of 2020, another 2010 Kia Forte problem involved the vehicle making a knocking sound while running after it was taken in for a scheduled oil change.
Upon taking the vehicle back to the dealer for inspection, metal shavings were found in the engine, and the owner was told the engine needed a $6,000 replacement.
2011 Kia Forte: Overheating Exterior Lights and Bulbs
NHTSA Complaint IDs: 11075198, 11171813, 11256490
Another troubling complaint that seems to affect the 2011 Kia Forte is related to its exterior lighting. Specifically, it seems that the rear bulbs and brake light bulbs can become overheated and, in some cases, burn out frequently.
In one 2018 NHTSA complaint, an owner claimed that the vehicle frequently needed its brake lights replaced and that the component in which the bulb is plugged became extremely hot, sometimes to the point of melting and causing the bulb to burn out.
In another NHTSA complaint posted in 2019, a Kia Forte owner reported that the brake light bulbs on the vehicle were “burning out every three weeks,” and that the plastic bulb connectors were getting “very, very hot.”
2014 Kia Forte: Airbag Light Illuminating
NHTSA Complaint IDs: 11352871, 11353495, 11352425
Numerous NHTSA complaints bring up potential issues with the 2014 Kia Forte’s airbag system. Namely, the issue seems to be that the airbag warning light illuminates for seemingly no reason.
In a complaint filed with the NHTSA in September of 2020, the owner of one 2014 Forte reported that the airbag light on the vehicle frequently came on, shut off, and came back on again. However, there is no mention in the report as to whether the vehicle was checked out by a dealer.
Another NHTSA report (also from 2020) mentioned that the vehicle’s airbag light stayed on even though no error codes were found. The owner of this Kia believed that the issue was a defective clock spring based on online research, but had not had this diagnosis confirmed by a mechanic.
2017 Kia Forte: Rough Engine Operation
NHTSA Complaint IDs: 11349949, 11350053
Even the newer 2017 Kia Forte model does not seem to be immune to complaints. One of the most common complaints with this model year is related to the engine running roughly.
In one 2020 complaint filed with the NHTSA, the owner of a 2017 Forte reported that the vehicle was brought to the dealer multiple times for engine issues. Specifically, the engine began to shake while the vehicle was in motion, and in some cases, the engine then stalled. The dealer was not able to diagnose or repair the issue.
Another owner reported earlier in 2020 that his or her 2017 Kia Forte was having similar engine problems issues, with rough idling and rough gear shifting the main problems reported. Upon taking it to a dealer on two separate occasions, the mechanics were unable to duplicate the issue or determine the cause.
According to Vehicle History reviewer Joseph Mckey, these engine problems are caused by faulty ignition coils.
