2017 Kia Forte Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 144 4 crash 4 fire 3 injury

“My vehicle caught fire while driving also before fire vehicle started popping and stuttering rattling sound. I was on highway.”
NHTSA complaint #11701841, 2025 · fire · 2 injury(ies)

“I ALREADY FILED A COMPLAINT ON THIS PREVIOUSLY, HOWEVER IN 2020 MY ENGINE FAILED STOP WORKING. AND I WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE IT OR FIX IT. I LOST MY JOB, I HAD TO GET A RENTAL CAR. THE CAR LOST SPEED WHILE DRIVING AND WOULD NOT GO ANYMORE..”
NHTSA complaint #11408511, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“my life was unsafe by being put in this vehicle whos engine was damaged and caught on fire while driving it as a MILITARY soldier.”
NHTSA complaint #11688218, 2025 · fire

Unknown Or Other 49 6 crash 4 fire 5 injury 2 death

“The 2017 Kia was parked in the attached garage of a private residence when a fire broke out. The building was fully involved by the time first responders arrived shortly after midnight on May 19, 2022. Both residents of the home were deceased at the scene, in separate bedrooms. The point of origin of the fire was determined to be at the Kia, which was heavily damaged in the fire. The individual making this report is the attorney representing the estates of the decedents.”
NHTSA complaint #11471163, 2022 · fire · 2 death(s)

“My vehicle caught fire while driving also before fire vehicle started popping and stuttering rattling sound. I was on highway.”
NHTSA complaint #11701841, 2025 · fire · 2 injury(ies)

“THE CAR WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY INFORMED THE LIENHOLDER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS POSSIBLY A TOTAL LOSS AND THE LIENHOLDER IGNORED THEM AND SOLD THE VEHICLE TO A PUBLIC AUCTION WITHOUT CONTACTING THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE CAR TO PAY ON THE VEHICLE EITHER. THE OWNER OF THE CAR WAS INJURED IN THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION AS WELL AS A PASSENGER AND THE LIENHOLDER IS AWARE AND STILL SOLD WITHOUT PROPER NOTICE AND THEY CHANGED THE LOCKS OF THE VEHICLE TO PREVENT THE INSURANCE COMPANY FROM DOING A PROPER INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE DRIVEN ON A HIGHWAY AND SHA…”
NHTSA complaint #11112914, 2018 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

Electrical System 46 3 crash 2 fire 2 injury

“THE CAR WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY INFORMED THE LIENHOLDER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS POSSIBLY A TOTAL LOSS AND THE LIENHOLDER IGNORED THEM AND SOLD THE VEHICLE TO A PUBLIC AUCTION WITHOUT CONTACTING THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE CAR TO PAY ON THE VEHICLE EITHER. THE OWNER OF THE CAR WAS INJURED IN THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION AS WELL AS A PASSENGER AND THE LIENHOLDER IS AWARE AND STILL SOLD WITHOUT PROPER NOTICE AND THEY CHANGED THE LOCKS OF THE VEHICLE TO PREVENT THE INSURANCE COMPANY FROM DOING A PROPER INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE DRIVEN ON A HIGHWAY AND SHA…”
NHTSA complaint #11112914, 2018 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“On [XXX] at [XXX], I was driving on [XXX] , when I noticed smoke come from the left side of the interior of the car near the fuse box. Within seconds, the fuse box exploded, and a fire developed. The fire engulfed the entire left side of the interior of the car. the car shut down and I was able to pull over to the side of the road. I tried to put the fire out with my left foot, but couldn't stop the fire. Luckily, I had 5 bottles of water with me in the car. I put all of the 5 water bottles on the fire and eventually put out the fire. But the smoke was so severe that it filled the entire car.…”
NHTSA complaint #11684362, 2025 · fire

“MY CAR WAS PARKED OUTSIDE LIKE IT ALWAYS IS. WENT FOR A WALK AND WHEN I CAME BACK, MY CAR HAD BEEN ON FIRE. AFTER FIRE DEPARTMENT DID THEIR INVESTIGATION, IT WAS DEEMED ELECTRICAL. THE LIGHT IN MY VISOR OR THE WIRING TO IT HAD GONE WRONG. MY WHOLE FRONT OF THE SEATS IS TOTALED.”
NHTSA complaint #11328786, 2020 · fire

Exterior Lighting 43 2 crash 2 fire

“My car was parked in the car port. The rear back light on the driver side caught on fire. The police and fire department were called. I was not at home at the time, my neighbors used a plastic container to put out by time the fire department got there. The firs department stated that is was faulty wiring. I am waiting for the report from police, fire department, and insurance representative. The car was parked and there was no waring lamp. Fire department had to disarm my car alarm. I will be calling the dealer after this.”
NHTSA complaint #11505112, 2023 · fire

“MY CAR WAS PARKED OUTSIDE LIKE IT ALWAYS IS. WENT FOR A WALK AND WHEN I CAME BACK, MY CAR HAD BEEN ON FIRE. AFTER FIRE DEPARTMENT DID THEIR INVESTIGATION, IT WAS DEEMED ELECTRICAL. THE LIGHT IN MY VISOR OR THE WIRING TO IT HAD GONE WRONG. MY WHOLE FRONT OF THE SEATS IS TOTALED.”
NHTSA complaint #11328786, 2020 · fire

“Unknown, can’t see the road at night due to the headlights not aimed towards the right direction they seem to be pointed down and at different angles. I have ran into a ditch because of this safety hazard I also have to use my high beam in order to drive which is unsafe for other drivers on the road I am very concerned And frustrated because I have tried to adjust the lights, but they just don’t seem to be able to be corrected”
NHTSA complaint #11646410, 2025 · crash

Fuel/Propulsion System 29 2 crash 2 fire 5 injury

“My vehicle caught fire while driving also before fire vehicle started popping and stuttering rattling sound. I was on highway.”
NHTSA complaint #11701841, 2025 · fire · 2 injury(ies)

“At 86575 miles after routine check ups at the dealership and routine maintenance being done regularly my check engine light came on I tried to put gas in my car and it sprayed all over me and the car and the gas tank I can’t put gas in my car and the dealership is expecting me to cover this costs and I’ve seen many other documented incidents with the same complaints”
NHTSA complaint #11531151, 2023 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“I ALREADY FILED A COMPLAINT ON THIS PREVIOUSLY, HOWEVER IN 2020 MY ENGINE FAILED STOP WORKING. AND I WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE IT OR FIX IT. I LOST MY JOB, I HAD TO GET A RENTAL CAR. THE CAR LOST SPEED WHILE DRIVING AND WOULD NOT GO ANYMORE..”
NHTSA complaint #11408511, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Air Bags 18 13 crash 14 injury 2 death

“VEHICLE WAS IN A MAJOR CRASH ON ILLINOIS ROUTE 15 IN BELLEVILLE IL. VEHICLE WAS STRUCK IN THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OFF CENTER BY A WRONG WAY DRIVER. PASSENGER IN THE KIA WAS TRAPPED UNDER THE DASH. PASSENGER WAS WEARING SEAT BELT AND IT APPEARS THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO LOCK. PASSENGER AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. PASSAGER WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE SCENE. DRIVER WAS WEARING SEAT BELT. DRIVER SUFFERED SEVERE INJURIES TO HIS HEAD FROM IMPACTING THE STEERING WHEEL AND WAS EJECTED OUT OF THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW. SUBJECTS SEAT BELT BROKE AND RIPPED. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AS WELL. SUBJECT WAS PRONOUNCED DEA…”
NHTSA complaint #11120867, 2017 · crash · 2 death(s)

“AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN VEHICLE CRASH AT ABOVE 30 MPH”
NHTSA complaint #11408393, 2021 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“ON 3/9/2021 I WAS INVOLVED IN A HIT AND RUN ACCIDENT AND MY KIA WAS HIT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. IT WAS HIT SO HARD THAT THE IT LEFT A HOLE IN THE DOOR AND MY TODDLER WAS SITTING IN HIS CAR SEAT. WHEN THE FORE DEPT ARRIVED THEY NOTICED THAT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY. I WAS ADVISED THAT MY AIR BAGS SHOULD'VE DEPLOYED. I WAS TRAVELING NORTH ON A CITY STREET AT ABOUT 35 MILES AND HOUR WHEN I WAS HIT.*DT*DT*JB*JB”
NHTSA complaint #11402586, 2021 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

Vehicle Speed Control 17

“The vehicle exhibits a chronic, systemic electrical failure characterized by the intermittent loss of critical lighting systems, including turn signals and brake lights. This failur5e has persisted over several years and thousands of miles, independent of battery replacements or specific usage patterns. The issue has been confirmed via multiple independent service interventions. Most notably, in February 2024, a third-party professional repair - which included the replacement of the Power Distribution Unit (Central Fuse Box) was performed to address these electrical faults. Despite this profe…”
NHTSA complaint #11745123, 2026

“The headlights and dashboard lose power intermittently while driving at highway speeds, specifically triggered by using the turn signal. This is ongoing since January when I started having to take it for a recalls.More things kept happening. I kept having to have more repairs. Every time I went, I told them about this and it just keeps going on. Today I took a huge list of things they should check to see why it’s doing this. This is the following list that I gave them -2017 Kia Forte - Service Request: •Issue: Headlights/dash icons flicker specifically when using turn signals. •Issue: Average…”
NHTSA complaint #11736367, 2026

“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the catalytic converter was clogged. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under a class-action lawsuit exten…”
NHTSA complaint #11627436, 2024

Engine And Engine Cooling 13

“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where a scanner determined that there was a failure with the crankshaft. The contact replaced the spark plugs and crankshaft; however, the failure returned. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic ,where a defect with the timing belt was found, and the mechanic discovered metal shavings inside the oil pump. The contact stated that an oil change was performed on th…”
NHTSA complaint #11687610, 2025

“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle lost power with an abnormal ratting sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact coasted the vehicle into a parking lot and then had the vehicle towed to the residence. The contact later towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The mechanic called several dealers and other independent mechanics and was informed that the engine was no longer in production, and that the engine was unavailable. The manufacturer was no…”
NHTSA complaint #11659260, 2025

“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the catalytic converter was clogged. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under a class-action lawsuit exten…”
NHTSA complaint #11627436, 2024

Power Train 12

“Was traveling on interstate inside lane in heavy traffic and all of a sudden lost power,no throttle response, no warning lights,no priors,wasn't able to move to shoulder.. very close to being rear ended..all of a sudden power returned.. happened 8-12 times trying to get home.. no warning lights .. after got home hooked up my diagnostic scanner and ECU had code P050400 and BCM had no codes but in pids list under stop lamp fuse pid read broken. Checked fuses non were bad.tested brake switch and tested ok and adjusted correctly. Wiring and connectors appeared undamaged...”
NHTSA complaint #11697826, 2025

“About September 6th I was driving my vehicle. It is a blue Kia forte 2017. I just had cleaned it at a local car wash. Prior to this 1-2 weeks before my ac had just started to blow hot air. So I recharged it with some recharge that I purchased a recharge can and my buddy Scott helped me put it into my low pressure air conditioning valve area. Soon after like I said when I was leaving a car wash. And I drove down to a gas station and as I start braking my car started running a lot slower. Then finally it almost halted and all the dash lights all illuminated everywhere. And I had to turn the whee…”
NHTSA complaint #11690694, 2025

“I purchased this vehicle from Carvana, used, with 58000 miles. I have had all the oil changes and regular maintenance performed. However, this car has been very unreliable. One time in November 2023, all the electrical went out while I was driving down the highway going 50 mph. The power steering and all dashboard lights turned off and the car shut down. Were it not for the fact the road was straight and I could veer off slightly to stop on the side of the road, I could have experienced a crash. Others have pointed this out about KIA cars. More recently, I had to replace the entire transmis…”
NHTSA complaint #11642089, 2024

Steering 9 1 crash 2 injury

“ACCELERATING BETWEEN 35MPH AND 45MPH, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE. DRIVER LET OFF GAS AND ATTEMPTED BRAKES WHICH DID NOT ENGAGE. VEHICLE STRUCK GUARDRAIL ON FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. VEHICLE THEN DID A 180, DRIVER SIDE DOOR THEN COLLIDED WITH THE GUARDRAIL. DRIVER SEATBELT DID NOT LOCK, NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES INCLUDING WHIPLASH AND HEAD INJURY. VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING DOWN A 2 LANE CITY ROAD. VEHICLE HAD 46,000 MILES AND WAS JUST SERVICED BY KIA DEALER.”
NHTSA complaint #11172094, 2018 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“I am submitting this formal complaint regarding a serious safety issue I experienced with my 2017 Kia Forte. While driving, my steering wheel suddenly locked up & I was unable to turn left or right. This failure occurred in the middle of the road & put my life at serious risk. Thankfully, I was not involved in an accident. I was able to activate my hazard lights & safely maneuver to a stop before calling for assistance. My vehicle had to be towed to a repair shop, where I was informed that this is a known issue related to the MDPS (Motor Driven Power Steering) & ECU (Electronic Control Unit).…”
NHTSA complaint #11690342, 2025

“Car steers to tilting directions. Doesn't drive straight especially on the highway. Headlights are horrible.”
NHTSA complaint #11687131, 2025

Structure 9 2 crash 2 injury

“THE CAR WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY INFORMED THE LIENHOLDER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS POSSIBLY A TOTAL LOSS AND THE LIENHOLDER IGNORED THEM AND SOLD THE VEHICLE TO A PUBLIC AUCTION WITHOUT CONTACTING THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE CAR TO PAY ON THE VEHICLE EITHER. THE OWNER OF THE CAR WAS INJURED IN THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION AS WELL AS A PASSENGER AND THE LIENHOLDER IS AWARE AND STILL SOLD WITHOUT PROPER NOTICE AND THEY CHANGED THE LOCKS OF THE VEHICLE TO PREVENT THE INSURANCE COMPANY FROM DOING A PROPER INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE DRIVEN ON A HIGHWAY AND SHA…”
NHTSA complaint #11112914, 2018 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“THE 2017 KIA FORTE MY CLIENT WAS DRIVING WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHICH RESULTED IN MODERATE TO HEAVY FRONT END DAMAGE, APPROXIMATE SPEED OF IMPACT WAS 20-25MPH, THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11327763, 2020 · crash

“When I arrived at my destination after driving through rain my paint peeled back on my hood.”
NHTSA complaint #11510784, 2023

Service Brakes 8 1 crash

“On November 23, 2024, the brakes gave out on my 2017 Kia Forte5 EX. I found several recalls for my car regarding the brakes, trunk, engine and airbags. However, my son was in an accident and I was unaware of any recalls, as the car was purchased used. Would I still be able to get my car repaired under these recalls, or do I need to contact Kia?”
NHTSA complaint #11627025, 2024 · crash

“Was traveling on interstate inside lane in heavy traffic and all of a sudden lost power,no throttle response, no warning lights,no priors,wasn't able to move to shoulder.. very close to being rear ended..all of a sudden power returned.. happened 8-12 times trying to get home.. no warning lights .. after got home hooked up my diagnostic scanner and ECU had code P050400 and BCM had no codes but in pids list under stop lamp fuse pid read broken. Checked fuses non were bad.tested brake switch and tested ok and adjusted correctly. Wiring and connectors appeared undamaged...”
NHTSA complaint #11697826, 2025

“I have 2 complaints with my Kia Forte. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Yes it can be inspected. 1st complaint-The component or system that malfunctioned was the brakes, possibly caused from the entire braking system, the electronic parking brake software and any damaged intermediate shafts. The problem is like the Telluride SUV KIA. 2nd complaint is an intermittent burning smell mostly in the rear area after I get out of the car to park in the garage for the night. It does not occur all the time. How was your safety or the sa…”
NHTSA complaint #11580445, 2023

Visibility/Wiper 8 1 crash

“On November 23, 2024, the brakes gave out on my 2017 Kia Forte5 EX. I found several recalls for my car regarding the brakes, trunk, engine and airbags. However, my son was in an accident and I was unaware of any recalls, as the car was purchased used. Would I still be able to get my car repaired under these recalls, or do I need to contact Kia?”
NHTSA complaint #11627025, 2024 · crash

“Came outside to back windshield shattered. Cars all around me were perfectly fine and mine had a huge hole and was completely shattered. After googling, this is apparently a common problem with kias”
NHTSA complaint #11551760, 2023

“The front and rear windshields has some kind of defect when oncoming headlights are approaching there is a snowburst type of glare affect that is not clear but blurry. Can't see oncoming objects or street signs clearly.”
NHTSA complaint #11454092, 2022

Latches/Locks/Linkages 6

“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the trunk release failed to open the trunk as designed. The contact was able to use the key fob to open the trunk. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V622000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 4…”
NHTSA complaint #11474504, 2022

“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V622000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
NHTSA complaint #11455252, 2022

“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Forte. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V622000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) however, the dealer informed the contact that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the trunk was making rattling sounds. The contact veered to the side of the road and manually closed the trunk and the trunk engaged and locked securely. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving and he was unable to close the trunk using the key fob or by…”
NHTSA complaint #11448804, 2022

Wheels 6

“ON TWO OCCASIONS I HAVE HAD THE TIRES BLOWOUT ON MY VEHICLE. ONCE WHILE DRIVING AND THE OTHER OCCASION WHILE MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE AND HAD NOT BEEN MOVED FOR THREE DAYS. MY VEHICLE ONLY HAS 27,000 MILES AND HARDLY ANY THREAD WEAR. THE TIRES ARE KUMHO 205/R16 55”
NHTSA complaint #11289366, 2019

“I WAS GOING 65MPH ON HIGHWAY, WHEN ALL OF SUDDEN, I HEARD A LOUD POP ANF CAR STARTED SHAKING. THE HAZARD LIGHT CAME ON AND LOW TIRE PRESSURE AS I WAS TRYING TO CAREFULLY EXIT HWY. MY DRIVER SIDE TIRE WAS COMPLETELY BUSTED. THIS IS THE SECOND TIRE THAT HAS BLOWN. LAST YEAR IT WAS MY FRONT PASSENGER TIRE. I BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW AND IT ONLY HAD 12MILES ON IT WHEN PURCHASED. MY CAR CURRENY HAD LESS THAN 20 000 MILES ON IT. ..IN BOTH EVENTS, I DID NOT RUN OVER ANYYTHING NOR OBSERVED ANY POTHOLES OR UNEVEN ROAD.”
NHTSA complaint #11205314, 2019

“I EXPERIENCED 2 SPONTANEOUS TIRE BLOWOUTS, ON 8/25/18 AND 10/4/18. I HAD HAD THE TIRES ROTATED AND CHECKED ON 8/23/18. NEXEN HAS NOT RESPONDED TO MY NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO GET THIS RESOLVED.”
NHTSA complaint #11140483, 2018

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 5

“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the ESC warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where unknown sensors were replaced. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop immediately. Additionally, the ABS warning light and the check engine warning light were illuminated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11508874, 2022

“I TOOKEN MY 2017 KIA FORTE IN TO THE DEALERSHIP COUNTLESS OCCASIONS FOR THE SAME ISSUE AND STILL WITH NO AVAIL. AS I'M DRIVING THE CAR ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR STARTS SHAKING THE ENGINE LIGHT GOES ON THEN THE CAR EITHER SHUTS OFF ON ITS OWN THEN GOT TO WAIT IT OUT FOR IT TO START. IF I GO TO TURN ON THE AC THE CAR ALSO SHUTS OFF. I'VE ALMOST GOTTEN HIT DUE TO THE CAR UN RELIABILITY.”
NHTSA complaint #11350053, 2020

“I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE DEC. 2017 WITH 318 MILES. VEHICLE BEGAN TO SPUTTER WHEN TRYING TO START. FIRST TIME, TOWED IN WAS TOLD NOTHING WAS WRONG. WENT HOME, NEXT MORNING THE VEHICLE SPUTTERED TO START. AFTER 3RD TRY & LOUD SOUNDING, I POPPED THE HOOD & THE ENTIRE ENGINE WAS SHAKING IN ITS CRADLE. TOWED IN AGAIN, DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED COILS MISFIRE & REPLACED. VEHICLE DUPLICATED THE SAME PROBLEM A WEEK LATER. I REPLACED THE BATTERY. VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AGAIN THE NEXT DAY. THIRD TIME, DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED FUEL PUMP BUT ENDED UP REPLACING THE ENTIRE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM BECAUSE REPLACING THE…”
NHTSA complaint #11322902, 2020

Seat Belts 3 3 crash 3 injury 2 death

“VEHICLE WAS IN A MAJOR CRASH ON ILLINOIS ROUTE 15 IN BELLEVILLE IL. VEHICLE WAS STRUCK IN THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OFF CENTER BY A WRONG WAY DRIVER. PASSENGER IN THE KIA WAS TRAPPED UNDER THE DASH. PASSENGER WAS WEARING SEAT BELT AND IT APPEARS THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO LOCK. PASSENGER AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. PASSAGER WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE SCENE. DRIVER WAS WEARING SEAT BELT. DRIVER SUFFERED SEVERE INJURIES TO HIS HEAD FROM IMPACTING THE STEERING WHEEL AND WAS EJECTED OUT OF THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW. SUBJECTS SEAT BELT BROKE AND RIPPED. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AS WELL. SUBJECT WAS PRONOUNCED DEA…”
NHTSA complaint #11120867, 2017 · crash · 2 death(s)

“ACCELERATING BETWEEN 35MPH AND 45MPH, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE. DRIVER LET OFF GAS AND ATTEMPTED BRAKES WHICH DID NOT ENGAGE. VEHICLE STRUCK GUARDRAIL ON FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. VEHICLE THEN DID A 180, DRIVER SIDE DOOR THEN COLLIDED WITH THE GUARDRAIL. DRIVER SEATBELT DID NOT LOCK, NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES INCLUDING WHIPLASH AND HEAD INJURY. VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING DOWN A 2 LANE CITY ROAD. VEHICLE HAD 46,000 MILES AND WAS JUST SERVICED BY KIA DEALER.”
NHTSA complaint #11172094, 2018 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE ANOTHER DRIVER FAILED TO YIELD AND CAUSED THE IMPACT ON 3 LANE ROAD GOING AT ABOUT 40MPH. AT THE POINT OF IMPACT, I WAS THROWN INTO THE STEERING COLUMN. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY NOR DID THE SEATBELT LOCK TO KEEP ME FROM HITTING THE STEERING WHEEL. MINOR INJURIES SUSTAINED BECAUSE OF LACK OF PROTECTION. THE POLICE OFFICER ON SCENE NOTED THAT NEITHER SAFETY DEVICE WORKED IN MY VEHICLE. THE OFFICER EXAMINED THE BELT. BASED ON THE FACT MY CHEST WAS HIT BY THE STEERING WHEEL THE OFFICER IMMEDIATELY ASSUMED I WAS NOT WEARING A BELT AND ASKED ABOUT IT, BUT I HAD TO COR…”
NHTSA complaint #11282974, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Suspension 2

“The contact owns a 2015 Charmac Outlaw Trailer hauled by a 2017 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V838000 (Suspension). The contact stated that while towing the trailer at an unknown speed, the splines on the axle fractured and the two wheels separated from the axle. Additionally, the contact stated that the trailer was towed to the residence. The contact notified the manufacturer of the failure but was advised to contact the axle manufacturer. The trailer had not been repaired. The contact stated that the axle manufacturer denied fault of the failure. Th…”
NHTSA complaint #11515440, 2023

“2017 KIA FORTE [XXX], WHEN I HIT A BUMP, THE REAR END GOES TO THE RIGHT OF LEFT OUT OF CONTROL, ALSO I LOOSE POWER BETWEEN 40- 50 MPH. AT TIMES THE CAR WOULD SHAKE. AFTER ABOUT 60, 000 MILES THE NUMBER 3 CYLINDER MISFIRED. I REPLACED THE COIL PACK AND SPARK PLUG, HOWEVER I'M STILL LOOSING POWER, INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11265806, 2019

Fuel System 1

“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Forte. The contact stated while making a stop the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the fuel pump, but the failure occurred several times. On a different occasion the vehicle stalled and shut down completely. The vehicle would not start. The vehicle was towed to a repair facility where they replaced the vapor canister purge valve and the canister solenoid, but it did not repair the vehicle. The vehicle then was towed to a Kia dealer where they did a fuel injector service and clear codes and a transmission fluid flush on…”
NHTSA complaint #11479835, 2022

Visibility 1

“Came outside to back windshield shattered. Cars all around me were perfectly fine and mine had a huge hole and was completely shattered. After googling, this is apparently a common problem with kias”
NHTSA complaint #11551760, 2023