2011 Kia Forte Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 48 1 crash 6 fire

“The NECU system failed and blew the engine and caused a fire no longer available for inspection. No move running. No warning lamps at all of any sort.”
NHTSA complaint #11623917, 2024 · crash · fire

“I was driving and the car caught on fire.”
NHTSA complaint #11572205, 2024 · fire

“The car had a slow ticking noise that was very faint in the front for about 20 minutes 20 minutes later the noise continue to get louder about 45 minutes later six gear was lost in the car in about an hour and a half later the engine failed and the car Came to a failure lock down procedure all lights on the front door shut on steering wheel locked on friendship Road exit 8 and the vehicle had to be towed to a shop we’re now it was put on a lift and there is a hole in the bottom of the engine , And the transmission is not in tact”
NHTSA complaint #11508036, 2023 · fire

Air Bags 36 20 crash 1 fire 28 injury 1 death

“OTHER AIR BAG RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT TRAVELED LEFT OF THE CENTERLINE ON A TWO LANE ROADWAY. THE VEHICLES WERE INVOLVED IN AN OFF-SET, HEAD-ON COLLISION. THE DRIVER AIR BAG AND DRIVER SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER FAILED TO DEPLOY / ACTIVATE DURING THE SEVERE FRONTAL IMPACT. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED FATAL INJURY.”
NHTSA complaint #11131971, 2018 · crash · 1 death(s)

“TAKATA RECALL. WE WERE TAKING OFF FROM A STOP LIGHT WHEN WE WERE REAR ENDED ON 4/2/18. THE DRIVER WAS GOING ANYWHERE BETWEEN 50-70 MPH. MY AIR BAGS NEVER INFLATED CAUSING ALOT OF INJURIES. MY DRIVER HEAD REST WAS EJECTED CAUSING INJURY TO MY DAUGHTERS FACE.”
NHTSA complaint #11101097, 2018 · crash · 4 injury(ies)

“TAKATA RECALL: I WAS INVOLVED IN A NOT AT FAULT SIDE IMPACT CAR ACCIDENT IN WHICH THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, AND I WAS INJURED AND AM CURRENTLY SEEKING MEDICAL ATTENTION.”
NHTSA complaint #11229112, 2019 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

Service Brakes 28 3 crash 3 fire 2 injury

“The contact owned a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied, a bystander went into the contact's place of employment and stated that there was a fire inside the vehicle in the parking lot. The contact became aware that his vehicle was the one on fire. No warning lights were illuminated prior to parking the vehicle. The cause of the failure was unknown. The contact's wife attempted to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher but was unable to extinguish the fire. The contact called the Fire Department, and the firemen were able to extinguish the f…”
NHTSA complaint #11754070, 2026 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“I WAS HIT FROM BEHIND IN MY 2011 KIA FORTE AT 70 MPH WHILE I WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP. MY BRAKES DID NOT WORK AT ALL FOR ME TO STOP ON THE ROAD BEFORE I WAS PUSHED INTO AN 8FT DEEP DITCH, INTO BIG BRANCHES AND MY CAR THEN BOUNCED THROUGH A HUGE FIELD. MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AS THEY SHOULD HAVE, THE FRONT OF MY CAR IS DENTED IN FROM THE IMPACT OF THE DITCH AND THEN THE SEATBEAT DID NOT LOCK UP, IT THREW ME INTO THE STEERING WHEEL. I AM VERY UNHAPPY ABOUT THIS. THIS IS THE 3RD TIME I HAVE PERSONALLY HEARD ABOUT THE AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOYING IN A KIA AND THE SEAT BELT NOT LOCKING UP. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10585980, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an unusual ticking sound and smoke coming from under the hood. In addition, the contact stated that several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed smoke that was coming from the HECU fuse box. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact stated that the vehicle had been at the dealer for three weeks without any communication from the dealer. The contact was unsure if the vehicle h…”
NHTSA complaint #11694817, 2025 · fire

Power Train 19 1 crash

“ON 7/24 MY 21 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING ON A SIDE STREET WHEN THE CAR BEGAN TO ACCELERATE ON IT'S OWN. SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES (WITH BOTH FEET) AND THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP ACCELERATING. SHE ENDED UP COLLIDING WITH A WALL WHICH DISCONNECTED THE POWER AND THE CAR STOPPED ABOUT 50 FEET FROM POINT OF IMPACT.”
NHTSA complaint #10888941, 2016 · crash

“The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and reversing, the gear shifter became stuck in reverse(R). There was no warning light illuminated. An independent mechanic assisted the contact in shifting the gear shifter linkages into park(P) manually. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the gear shifter linkages might be damaged; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to their location for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired.…”
NHTSA complaint #11556977, 2023

“No incident yet, but I see other Kia's that have been recalled for powertrain system and air bag issues. The power train issue comes up when I get my engine light checked and the airbag light is on. Also, a constant problem is the break switch, the push button car won't start sometimes and the steering wheel doesnt lock because immobilizer Is a problem and other Kia's have been recalled but not mine, instead they sent me a wheel car lock. I see online so many people complaining about the push button car not starting like mine which may be due to the immobilizer issue and theft. It is annoying…”
NHTSA complaint #11535370, 2023

Electrical System 16 1 crash 5 fire

“The NECU system failed and blew the engine and caused a fire no longer available for inspection. No move running. No warning lamps at all of any sort.”
NHTSA complaint #11623917, 2024 · crash · fire

“I was driving and the car caught on fire.”
NHTSA complaint #11572205, 2024 · fire

“MY ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE AND THE ELECTRICAL WIRES WERE BURNED”
NHTSA complaint #11405273, 2019 · fire

Unknown Or Other 13 1 crash 1 fire 4 injury

“KIA FORTE 2011,ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN,AND CAUSE ME TO HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME,KEPT ACCELERATED,UNTIL I SHUT THE ENGINE OFF. WENT FROM 30 MPH TO 50 MPH,AND TOTALED MY CAR. I WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET,WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED. NO WARNING,NO ENGINE LIGHT,AND IT NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE.”
NHTSA complaint #11062079, 2017 · crash · 4 injury(ies)

“TAKATA RECALL CAR STARTING SMOKING WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY.AFTER THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF SMOKE INCREASED FIRE INITIATED IN CAR ON THE LEFT SIDE(DRIVER SIDE) IN THE CORNER UNDERNEATH WINDSHIELD. ENTIRE CAR ENGULFED IN FLAMES.”
NHTSA complaint #11120051, 2018 · fire

“While driving on my home the car started accelerating on its own.Good thing I was already close to my house.”
NHTSA complaint #11651644, 2025

Vehicle Speed Control 12 6 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“DRIVING IN A SHOPPING CENTER PARKING LOT. MADE A RIGHT TURN INTO AN ALLEY. VEHICLE THEN RAPIDLY ACCELERATED THROUGH THE ALLEY AND THEN SMASHED INTO THE TREE. CAN'T REMEMBER IF BRAKES WERE APPLIED OR NOT. IT ALL HAPPENED TO QUICKLY. KIA FORTE WAS TOTALED AND DRIVER WAS HOSPITALIZED WITH EXTENSIVE INJURIES (FOOT BROKEN, HAND WAS BROKEN, VERTIBRAE DAMAGE) HOSPITALIZED FOR APPROX. 5 DAYS AND NURSING HOME FOR APPROX. 10 DAYS. LAST VISIT TO SURGEON FOR SMASHED FOOT IN 4/2013. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10520892, 2012 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE PASSENGER'S SIDE WINDOW. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHEN THE DAUGHTER APPLIED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, IT FAILED TO FUNCTION AND THE VEHICLE GRADUALLY STOPPED COMPLETELY. THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND SAW A RED FLUID UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT AT THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED OR TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V…”
NHTSA complaint #11001351, 2017 · fire

“ON 7/24 MY 21 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING ON A SIDE STREET WHEN THE CAR BEGAN TO ACCELERATE ON IT'S OWN. SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES (WITH BOTH FEET) AND THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP ACCELERATING. SHE ENDED UP COLLIDING WITH A WALL WHICH DISCONNECTED THE POWER AND THE CAR STOPPED ABOUT 50 FEET FROM POINT OF IMPACT.”
NHTSA complaint #10888941, 2016 · crash

Exterior Lighting 8 1 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“TRAVELING 45 TO 55 MPH RAN INTO FOUR LARGE DEERS AND RAN OFF ROAD. DAMAGE FRONT OF CAR. AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON BUT DID NOT FLATE. I SUBSTAIN SEVERE SHOULDER INJURY.”
NHTSA complaint #11079973, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Light in trunk exploded and melted. This was the original light that came with the car. Thankfully the trunk was empty and it did not catch fire.”
NHTSA complaint #11547751, 2023 · fire

“The centered high mounted brake light overheated during normal vehicle operation. The plastic bulb socket and housing melted, causing the bulb to dislodge and fall into the interior of the vehicle. The bulb was extremely hot and burned holes through an interior fabric item that was stored in the rear cargo area for less than 15 minutes. There was no collision or modification involved. This created a potential fire hazard inside the vehicle. No warning lights or dashboard messages appeared prior to the incident. The cause of overheating is unknown. The damaged bulb, socket, and surrounding co…”
NHTSA complaint #11703885, 2025

Structure 8 3 crash 2 fire 6 injury

“I WAS IN MOTION, TURNING LEFT FROM 13TH STREET NORFOLK NE, INTO THE GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT, WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO MY DRIVERS SIDE AND REAR DOOR DIRECTLY IN THE MIDDLE. MY DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WAS UNABLE TO OPEN, AND THE FRAME BETWEEN BOTH DOOR WAS DENTED IN.*DT”
NHTSA complaint #11404931, 2019 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“I WAS HIT HEAD-ON AT 65MPH AND MY AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. IT HAS CAUSED ME HORRIBLE INJURIES INCLUDING A CERVICAL NECK FUSION, BILATERAL SACROILIAC JOINT FUSIONS, NECESSITY OF A TOTAL HYSTERECTOMY DUE TO MY UTERUS & FELOPIAN TUBES PERFORATING, GASTRIC ADHESIONS AND A TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT. I HOLD KIA RESPONSIBLE. I HAD CONFIDENCE THAT I WOULD BE SAFE IN MY 2011 KIA FORTE. I LOST MY VERY ESSENCE OF BEING A WOMAN BECAUSE MY AIRBAGS FAILED AFTER BEING CLOBBERED HEAD-ON BY A FULL-SIZE PICK-UP TRUCK. MOST FRUSTRATING IS THE CONSTANT PAIN AND SUFFERING, ADDED TO MY ALREADY A 100% DISABLED NAVY VE…”
NHTSA complaint #11084652, 2013 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“TRAVELING 45 TO 55 MPH RAN INTO FOUR LARGE DEERS AND RAN OFF ROAD. DAMAGE FRONT OF CAR. AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON BUT DID NOT FLATE. I SUBSTAIN SEVERE SHOULDER INJURY.”
NHTSA complaint #11079973, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 6

“ONE MORNING I STARTED THE CAR AND THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT CAME ON. THE CAR ALSO MADE A KNOCKING/TICKING SOUND THAT WAS NOT USUAL AND THE ENGINE HAD AN ABNORMAL SOUND TO IT WHEN STATIONED AND IN MOTION. IT PROGRESSIVELY GOT WORSE, ESPECIALLY AS IT WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER RIGHT AFTER THE LIGHT CAME ON. WE BROUGHT IT INTO THE DEALER WE BOUGHT IT FROM AND FOUND OUT THAT THE LIGHT WAS FOR A CODE ABOUT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD (BUTTERFLY) VALVES NOT OPENING/CLOSING PROPERLY. IT LATER ENDED UP BEING COMPLETE INTERNAL ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO THE CONNECTING ROD BEARING FAILING. THE CAR REQUIRED A COMPLETELY…”
NHTSA complaint #11183518, 2019

“I GOT INTO AN AUTO ACCIDENT A YEAR AGO AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY BUT THE VEHICLE WAS CONSIDERED A TOTAL LOSS. I DISCOVERED THAT MY VEHICLE WAS STILL DRIVABLE BECAUSE I CAN'T AFFORD ANOTHER ONE. WELL JUST THE OTHER DAY MY INSIDE DASH LIGHTS AND BRAKE LIGHTS , WELL BASICALLY ALL LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING IN AND OUT. MADE THE CAR BREAK DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. I BOUGHT A NEW BATTERY. NEW FUEL PUMP, CHECKED STARTER AND ALTERNATOR. ALL OF THOSE ARE FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. BUT MY CAR IS STILL BROKE DOWN ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD.”
NHTSA complaint #11170159, 2019

“I KEEP REPLACING LIGHT BULBS AND THE PART WHERE U INTRODUCE THE LIGHT BULBS IS MELTING. I WAS TOLD TO CHECK FOR RECALL ON THESE. THANKS. I BOUGHT THIS CAR USED FROM A DEALER 1 YR AGO AND HAD REPLACED LIKE 4 BULBS WITHIN A YEAR.”
NHTSA complaint #11064298, 2018

Seat Belts 6 3 crash 5 injury 1 death

“OTHER AIR BAG RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT TRAVELED LEFT OF THE CENTERLINE ON A TWO LANE ROADWAY. THE VEHICLES WERE INVOLVED IN AN OFF-SET, HEAD-ON COLLISION. THE DRIVER AIR BAG AND DRIVER SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER FAILED TO DEPLOY / ACTIVATE DURING THE SEVERE FRONTAL IMPACT. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED FATAL INJURY.”
NHTSA complaint #11131971, 2018 · crash · 1 death(s)

“I WAS HIT FROM BEHIND IN MY 2011 KIA FORTE AT 70 MPH WHILE I WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP. MY BRAKES DID NOT WORK AT ALL FOR ME TO STOP ON THE ROAD BEFORE I WAS PUSHED INTO AN 8FT DEEP DITCH, INTO BIG BRANCHES AND MY CAR THEN BOUNCED THROUGH A HUGE FIELD. MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AS THEY SHOULD HAVE, THE FRONT OF MY CAR IS DENTED IN FROM THE IMPACT OF THE DITCH AND THEN THE SEATBEAT DID NOT LOCK UP, IT THREW ME INTO THE STEERING WHEEL. I AM VERY UNHAPPY ABOUT THIS. THIS IS THE 3RD TIME I HAVE PERSONALLY HEARD ABOUT THE AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOYING IN A KIA AND THE SEAT BELT NOT LOCKING UP. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10585980, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“IN A MULTI HIT CAR ACCIDENT, INITIAL 30 MPH FRONT END, THEN 20 MPH REAR HIT. SEAT BELTS DID NOT LOCK, AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY.”
NHTSA complaint #10747798, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Fuel/Propulsion System 5 2 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“DRIVING IN A SHOPPING CENTER PARKING LOT. MADE A RIGHT TURN INTO AN ALLEY. VEHICLE THEN RAPIDLY ACCELERATED THROUGH THE ALLEY AND THEN SMASHED INTO THE TREE. CAN'T REMEMBER IF BRAKES WERE APPLIED OR NOT. IT ALL HAPPENED TO QUICKLY. KIA FORTE WAS TOTALED AND DRIVER WAS HOSPITALIZED WITH EXTENSIVE INJURIES (FOOT BROKEN, HAND WAS BROKEN, VERTIBRAE DAMAGE) HOSPITALIZED FOR APPROX. 5 DAYS AND NURSING HOME FOR APPROX. 10 DAYS. LAST VISIT TO SURGEON FOR SMASHED FOOT IN 4/2013. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10520892, 2012 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The NECU system failed and blew the engine and caused a fire no longer available for inspection. No move running. No warning lamps at all of any sort.”
NHTSA complaint #11623917, 2024 · crash · fire

“THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, I HEARD A SOUND LIKE METAL SCRAPING METAL, I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 20MPH GOING STRAIGHT DOWN S. MAIN ST DOWNTOWN WARRENTON, OREGON AND WAS PLANNING TO PULL OVER WHEN SUDDENLY MY CAR STOPPED DEAD AFTER A HORRIBLE NOISE OF WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A HEAVY METAL SNAPPING/CRUNCHING NOISE. I LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND EVERYTHING LOOKED OK, BUT SOME BLACK FLUID WAS DRIPPING ONTO THE GROUND. THE OIL HAD BEEN CHANGED ABOUT FOUR DAYS BEFORE THIS AND THEY SAID IT WAS 2.5 QUARTS LOW. I HAD ALSO TAKEN IT TO AN AUTO REPAIR SHOP TO SEE IF IT NEEDED ANY IMMEDIATE ATTENTION AS IT WAS MAKI…”
NHTSA complaint #11362492, 2020

Steering 5

“I went to Friendly Way Motors sometime on April 28th for a 2011 Kia Forte, there I met salesperson [XXX] who showed me the vehicle, it were my first time dealing with a dealership I'm sure he were aware, I then went on to have him jump it so I could go on a test drive, when then I noticed a whistling sound but [XXX] used his kinda old OBD or OBM meter to check and stated there may be nothing to it, so I listened to his expertise and later went on to purchase the vehicle through [XXX] in the office with [XXX] the owner I think, I kinda began to feel something was off when I had spent over $584…”
NHTSA complaint #11470093, 2022

“WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL, THERE IS A CLICKING NOISE AND A SLIGHT LOOSENESS TO IT. ALSO AT SOME SPEEDS OR ON BUMPIER ROADS, THERE IS A VIBRATION, WHICH IS NOT DUE TO ANY OTHER MECHANICAL ISSUES SINCE I HAVE HAD IT LOOKED AT. UPON CALLING THE DEALER, THEY EXPLAINED THAT IT IS THE SAME STEERING COUPLING PROBLEM THEY ARE HAVING WITH THE OPTIMA, BUT THERE IS NO RECALL ON THE KIA FORTE. THE PART IS LESS THAN $5.00, BUT THE LABOR IS $440 BECAUSE IT TAKES 4 HOURS TO REPLACE A RUBBER COUPLING. THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE COVERED AS IT IS WITH THE OPTIMA, SINCE IT IS THE SAME ISSUE.”
NHTSA complaint #11113101, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE FROM THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. UPDATED 01/04/17*LJ”
NHTSA complaint #10926391, 2016

Engine And Engine Cooling 3

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA FORTE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKING FROM THE RADIATOR HOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HOSE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE HOSE WAS REPLACED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED THE TEST DRIVE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS DAMAGED FROM LACK OF TRANSMISSION FLUID DUE TO THE FAULTY HOSE, AND RECOMMENDED THAT THE TRANSMISSION BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,600.”
NHTSA complaint #10899315, 2016

“KIA FORTE 2.4L AUTOMATIC 6 SPEED, CHECK ENGINE CODE P200A FOR INTAKE RUNNER ISSUE - , APPARENTLY DEFECTIVE PART WAS REPLACED BY SHOP(WARRANTY)BUT COMPUTER STILL REPORTING THE CODE, DEALER SHOP INDICATED KIA MOTOR HAS NOT AVAILABLE UPGRADE TO CORRECT THE ISSUE. CONCENR NOW, THIS ISSUE MAY AFFECT INTAKE-EXHAUST-CATALYTIC SYSTEM IF VEHICLE EXPERIENCE ANOTHER ISSUE, UNABLE TO DETECT DUE TO A PRIOR CHECK ENGINE STATUS NOT CLEARED.”
NHTSA complaint #10443873, 2011

Seats 2 2 crash 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SITTING AT A COMPLETE STOP, ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING 60 MPH CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE IMPACT CAUSED THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE TO BE PUSHED FORWARD AT APPROXIMATELY TWO HUNDRED FEET AND INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEAD REST AND METAL BAR BECAME SEPARATED UPON IMPACT. THE CONTACT SUFFERED FROM WHIPLASH, NECK STRAINS, AND LACERATIONS TO THE LOWER BACK AND RIGHT LEG. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. IN ADDITION, THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DES…”
NHTSA complaint #10543930, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION IN WHICH I WAS ONLY TRAVELING 20 MPH. BOTH THE FRONT DRIVER AIRBAG AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG BOTH DEPLOYED. AFTER THE ACCIDENT, I REALIZED THAT THE SEAT BEHIND ME HAD UNLATCHED AND MY SON'S BOOSTER CAR SEAT WAS THROWN FROM ITS PLACE. NEEDLESS TO SAY, HE WASN'T BUCKLED IN; HE WAS AT SCHOOL. NEVERTHELESS, I THINK THAT THIS MALFUNCTION COULD HAVE POTENTIALLY SERIOUSLY HURT MY SON. THE CAR WAS DEEMED AT TOTAL LOSS AND I WILL NOT PURCHASE THIS VEHICLE AGAIN. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10435204, 2011 · crash

Tires 2

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA FORTE COUPE EQUIPPED WITH NEXEN N5000 TIRES, SIZES P215/45/R17. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW. THE TIRE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOTISIC REVIEW AND THEY COULD NOT INDICATE THE CAUSE FOR THE BLOW OUT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,900. PAM”
NHTSA complaint #10598852, 2014

“2ND SET OF TIRES USELESS AFTER 29,000 MILES PASSENGER SIDE TIRE UNSAFE AT ANY SPEED CONTACTED DEALER REPLY TOUGH LUCK. *KB”
NHTSA complaint #10425506, 2011

Equipment 1

“THE WARNING INFORMATION IS NOT CORRECT ON THE SPARE TIRE ON MY 2011 KIA FORTE. IT'S LISTED IN KILOMETERS PER HOUR AND KILOMETERS ON THE WARNING STICKER. THERE IS NO INFORMATION FOR MILES AND MILES PER HOUR. THE CAR WAS BOUGHT NEW IN THE UNITED STATES, IT SHOULD HAVE THE CORRECT LABEL INFORMATION. *JS”
NHTSA complaint #10608389, 2014

Suspension 1 1 fire

“The car had a slow ticking noise that was very faint in the front for about 20 minutes 20 minutes later the noise continue to get louder about 45 minutes later six gear was lost in the car in about an hour and a half later the engine failed and the car Came to a failure lock down procedure all lights on the front door shut on steering wheel locked on friendship Road exit 8 and the vehicle had to be towed to a shop we’re now it was put on a lift and there is a hole in the bottom of the engine , And the transmission is not in tact”
NHTSA complaint #11508036, 2023 · fire

Traction Control System 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA FORTE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ANTI-SKID WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SOUTHWEST KIA AUSTIN (13175 N, US -183, AUSTIN, TX 78750, 512-583-1900), BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 96,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11120471, 2015

Visibility 1

“THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM (A/C) IS CREATING MOLD IN THE VEHICLE. KIA WILL NOT REPAIR AND HAS REFUSED TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE DEVELOPED A VERY STRONG ODOR WHILE RUNNING THE A/C AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. BOTH THE DEALER AND KIA MOTORS, USA HAVE DONE NOTHING TO ADDRESS THE MOLD ISSUE. BOTH ASPERGILLIUS/PENICILLIUM AND STACHYBOTRYS/MEMNOIELLA WERE FOUND IN GREATER ABUNDANCE IN THE INTERIOR AIR SAMPLE THAN IN THE EXTERIOR AIR SAMPLE. THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMPANY PERFORMING THE TEST RECOMMENDED THAT "THE DUCT SYSTEM IN THE VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE TREATED WITH A FUNGICIDE TO KIL…”
NHTSA complaint #10713264, 2014

Visibility/Wiper 1 1 fire

“WHEN DRIVING STRAIGHT ALONG AN INTERSTATE WITH MY CRUISE CONTROL SET TO THE SPEED LIMIT, A LOUD BANG CAME FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF MY KIA, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR TURNED ON, AND SMOKE BEGAN TO POUR OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND INSIDE MY CAR THROUGH THE AIR VENTS. WHEN I PUSHED THE GAS PEDAL GENTLY, THERE WAS A LOW GUTTURAL NOISE AND MY CAR WAS NOT PICKING UP SPEED. I PUT MY CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND COASTED TO THE SHOULDER WITH LOW VISIBILITY AS THE SMOKE BECAME MORE DENSE AND DARKER IN COLOR. I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE TO A FULL STOP ON THE SHOULDER AND PUT IT INTO PARK BEFORE TURNING IT OFF AND REMOVIN…”
NHTSA complaint #10908482, 2016 · fire

Wheels 1

“THE WARNING INFORMATION IS NOT CORRECT ON THE SPARE TIRE ON MY 2011 KIA FORTE. IT'S LISTED IN KILOMETERS PER HOUR AND KILOMETERS ON THE WARNING STICKER. THERE IS NO INFORMATION FOR MILES AND MILES PER HOUR. THE CAR WAS BOUGHT NEW IN THE UNITED STATES, IT SHOULD HAVE THE CORRECT LABEL INFORMATION. *JS”
NHTSA complaint #10608389, 2014