2019 Kia Forte Problems & Owner Complaints

Power Train 47

“Transmission was getting stuck in gear and slipping intermittently would cause the car to not accelerate over 20mph especially in the cold unless you switched it to the manual mode and manually shifted up two gears ans then back down two gears. If you looked at the tach while it did this is would bounce between 500 and 1500rpm and then would stutter and bounce between 1500 and 2500rpm until you did the manual gear trick. Eventually it started making a strange noise. I have serviced it on time and complained to Kia before about the issue which they stated they could not repeat so there was noth…”
NHTSA complaint #11722394, 2026

“When turning on the car the check engine light comes on. Then when accelerating there is a clicking noise and smoke coming from the engine.”
NHTSA complaint #11715716, 2026

“My daughter was driving on the highway. She was driving at 65 mph and then the car started to jolt a couple of times. She kept driving and then it started to feel sluggish and lost some power. Would not accelerate over 45 mph. She was almost rear ended several times and people continually swerving in and out around her as she couldn’t maintain the car at a normal pace. It eventually wouldn’t go over 35 mph. Extremely DANGEROUS speed on a highway commute. She was able to finally get off highway. The car stalled. No warning lights ever lit. She was close to home at this point. Drove it home wit…”
NHTSA complaint #11691425, 2025

Engine 35 1 crash 2 fire

“Car caught on fire while driving down the highway. Had engine replaced with a remanufactured engine in January of 2026 and car engine seized again 30 days later.”
NHTSA complaint #11729517, 2026 · fire

“October 2, 2025 @ approximately 7:30a. I was heading east on I-10 on my way to work when I seen white smoke coming from under my car. I pulled over, noticed it was on fire. There was a man passing by who seen me & was nice enough to stop & put the fire out. The firefighter then stated my oil pan came a loose and caught fire when it hit the ground. Which caused a lot of damage including me need a new engine. The firefighter stated the pan is useless & is a safety hazard.”
NHTSA complaint #11699674, 2025 · fire

“As I was driving on the turnpike the car engine literally just shut down on me! It could have caused a serious accident. This is the 3rd time when driving the car just stopped on its own on me! Gas tank full, oil good and battery good, but the engine is not! It gave me NO WARNING either. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL. I could have been hit all 3 times! Family came to help and tried to jump it and it wouldn't start so I had to get it towed. Dates happened March 28, 31st and April 6, all 2026. Also the key fog lock is defective! It works when it wants too.”
NHTSA complaint #11729604, 2026 · crash

Electrical System 22 3 crash 2 fire 1 injury

“In a car accident I got into, my car’s airbags did not deploy like they should have and therefore I got greater injuries than I should have. I believe I hit the steering wheel and I did hurt my chest. Both my elbows were sore as well and as well as both my knees had big bruises on them. My right knee to this day still has a bruise/mark on it, which still does not feel the same since then. Very soon after my claims adjuster actually found out there was a recall on a huge amount of Kia’s because of their airbags not deploying and some type of electrical wiring not working properly or something…”
NHTSA complaint #11643557, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“So I've been going back and forth with Kia for a year now my car completely lost all capability of driving and reversing after taking it to the dealer at Perris kia they claimed it was my wiring harness and that I needed to pay $7,200 because I'm the second owner of the vehicle and it's not covered under their 60,000 mile warranty as I have 70,000 on my vehicle that was after 3 months of them having my car and I was not given a rental during this time and when I didn't have the 7200 fixed they threatened to put a lien on my car if I didn't tow it that day out of there so I went and got it and…”
NHTSA complaint #11619681, 2023 · fire

“Alternator overheated and caught on fire.”
NHTSA complaint #11530214, 2023 · fire

Unknown Or Other 22 4 crash 3 injury

“In a car accident I got into, my car’s airbags did not deploy like they should have and therefore I got greater injuries than I should have. I believe I hit the steering wheel and I did hurt my chest. Both my elbows were sore as well and as well as both my knees had big bruises on them. My right knee to this day still has a bruise/mark on it, which still does not feel the same since then. Very soon after my claims adjuster actually found out there was a recall on a huge amount of Kia’s because of their airbags not deploying and some type of electrical wiring not working properly or something…”
NHTSA complaint #11643557, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owned a 2019 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at night in foggy weather conditions at 55 mph, the contact rear-ended a parked vehicle while trying to avoid hitting a deer. The gear shift was still in DRIVE but the vehicle was completely stopped from the impact. The driver air bag deployed upon impact and the seat belt did not restrain the contact in her seat during impact. The contact was transported to the hospital for injuries sustained to her head from hitting the windshield and her hips from hitting the steering wheel, which prevented her from flying out of the…”
NHTSA complaint #11441000, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY, LIGHTING WAS LIMITED, THE SENSORS DID NOT WORK”
NHTSA complaint #11307414, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Forward Collision Avoidance 17

“While driving, the Forward Collision Warning system activated unexpectedly without any apparent hazard or obstruction in front of my vehicle. Immediately after the warning appeared, the vehicle suddenly lost speed and became very slow to accelerate. I was unable to safely increase my speed while traveling on a busy roadway, creating a dangerous situation and nearly resulting in a collision with surrounding traffic. Due to the sudden loss of power and inability to accelerate normally, I activated my hazard lights and was forced to pull onto the shoulder of the road for my safety and the safety…”
NHTSA complaint #11741432, 2026

“February 1st 2026, I done my oil change. My car was running fine. No check engine light was on or anything, my forward collision warning started disabling itself when I always kept it on. When I try to accelerate my vehicle it would take a while to accelerate. March 7th 2026, while I was driving, my car quit while it was still running. It also quit the same day again just in park. March 8th 2026, I went to take my vehicle to get a diagnostics and when leaving my home. My car stalled out and quit while in drive. After taking my vehicle to the mechanic, the mechanic reported to me my car had no…”
NHTSA complaint #11724175, 2026

“the safety of others are put at risk due to system on and off due to shortage and wire triggering. The vehicle listed above collision system wire harness have a shortage and causes the vehicle not to be safe and unable to operate on roadways, highways and streets. there were warning light indicators on the dashboard and need a full-inspection and harness replacement before resale or auction sale.”
NHTSA complaint #11709278, 2026

Exterior Lighting 15 2 crash 1 injury

“THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY, LIGHTING WAS LIMITED, THE SENSORS DID NOT WORK”
NHTSA complaint #11307414, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 KIA FORTE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS WERE VERY DIM AND THE CONTACT DID NOT SEE AN ANIMAL IN THE ROAD. TO AVOID THE ANIMAL, THE CONTACT VEERED OFF THE ROAD AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000. *DT*JB”
NHTSA complaint #11271614, 2019 · crash

“Power loss, engine failure. Will not start”
NHTSA complaint #11750089, 2026

Steering 8

“On June 18, 2021 our vehicle was taken to the West Hills Kia located in Bremerton, WA for routine maintenance. During this visit, we reported a sound coming from the steering wheel and indicated that the sound was loud and wanted it inspected. The technician reported this as follows: MR 10DIAG: Diagnose Customer Concern Customer states when turning the steering wheel, it sounds like something is being wound up. The Technician, Michael Moore (102) verified the noise confirming that it was coming from the Output Shaft Bearing area of the Steering Column Housing. The Technician also indicated…”
NHTSA complaint #11426467, 2021

“ON 8/26/20 IN THE DEALERSHIP WITH STEERING ISSUES. ADVISED FAULTY CLOCKSPRING. 9/3/20 REPLACED CLOCKSPRING. HOWEVER, ADVISED THERE WAS AN INTERNAL FAILURE. 10/19/20 BACK TO DEALER. ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. STEERING COLUMN REPLACED, HOWEVER, STUDS OR BOLTS WERE STRIPPED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ON 1/21/21 CAR BACK IN THE SHOP WITH SAME STEERING ISSUE. LOCAL DEALER IS UNABLE TO REPAIR AND THEY HAVE CONTACTED KIA. KIA STATES THIS IS A PROBLEM ON THIS MODEL AND THEY ARE WORKING ON A "REMEDY". I AM CONCERNED THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THIS IS A 2019 KIA FORTE AND I SH…”
NHTSA complaint #11389231, 2020

“HAVE ONLY HAD MY CAR FOR 1 YEAR AND I HAVE TO HAVE A NEW STEERING SHAFT PUT IN. I WAS HEARING A GRINDING NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN. HAD IT CHECKED AND THAT IS WHAT THEY FOUND. THANK GOD IT WAS COVERED UNDER OUR WARRANTEE.”
NHTSA complaint #11355709, 2020

Vehicle Speed Control 7 1 crash

“I HAVE LOST POWER PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC, CAR HAS LOST ALL FUNCTION WHEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC, 1 TIME WHEN PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT THE CAR LOCKED THE WHEELS AND SLAMMED IT ONTO A CURB. EVERY TIME THE SCREEN DISPLAY IN THE CAR GLITCHES. I HAVE BEEN GOING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKING APPLIED FOR NO REASON. HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY WAS GOING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE CAR SHUT OFF (AT NIGHT) KIA HAS HAD THIS CAR MULTIPLE TIMES AND HAS NO IDEA WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT. I FILED A REPORT WITH KIA CAUSE I WANT MY MONEY BACK AND THIS CAR SHOULD NOT BE SOLD TO AN INDIVIDUAL UNTIL THEY F…”
NHTSA complaint #11407211, 2021 · crash

“February 1st 2026, I done my oil change. My car was running fine. No check engine light was on or anything, my forward collision warning started disabling itself when I always kept it on. When I try to accelerate my vehicle it would take a while to accelerate. March 7th 2026, while I was driving, my car quit while it was still running. It also quit the same day again just in park. March 8th 2026, I went to take my vehicle to get a diagnostics and when leaving my home. My car stalled out and quit while in drive. After taking my vehicle to the mechanic, the mechanic reported to me my car had no…”
NHTSA complaint #11724175, 2026

“I'VE BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH THE FCW (FORWARD COLLISION WARNING) NOT WORKING PROPERLY OVER A YEAR. AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WOULD CORRECT ITSELF, BUT THE PROBLEM BECAME MORE PREVALENT, AND WITH RESEARCH, OTHERS HAVE SAID THEY'VE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM AS WELL. THERE HAVE ALSO BEEN NUMEROUS TIMES WHEN I'VE BEEN MERGING ONTO AN INTERSTATE AND THE CAR WOULD NOT GO OVER 60-65 MPH NO MATTER HOW HARD I PUSHED THE GAS. YESTERDAY WAS WHEN THE REAL ISSUES BEGAN. I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET WHEN MY ENTIRE SYSTEM BLACKED OUT. I COULD SEE ANYTHING ON THE SCREEN, AND THIS WAS SURPRISING TO ME BECAUSE I HAD…”
NHTSA complaint #11394266, 2020

Air Bags 6 6 crash 4 injury

“In a car accident I got into, my car’s airbags did not deploy like they should have and therefore I got greater injuries than I should have. I believe I hit the steering wheel and I did hurt my chest. Both my elbows were sore as well and as well as both my knees had big bruises on them. My right knee to this day still has a bruise/mark on it, which still does not feel the same since then. Very soon after my claims adjuster actually found out there was a recall on a huge amount of Kia’s because of their airbags not deploying and some type of electrical wiring not working properly or something…”
NHTSA complaint #11643557, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Air bags did not deploy during car accident. I sustained severe injuries to the face. Puncture wound to jaw, forehead laceration to skull, spinal cord damage, and fractured ribs. Unknown if problem has been reproduced or confirmed by dealership. Car was totaled not sure if it’s available for inspection. Vehicle is being investigated by insurance and police did complete a report. Check forward avoidance assist system.”
NHTSA complaint #11502550, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY, LIGHTING WAS LIMITED, THE SENSORS DID NOT WORK”
NHTSA complaint #11307414, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Lane Departure 5

“the safety of others are put at risk due to system on and off due to shortage and wire triggering. The vehicle listed above collision system wire harness have a shortage and causes the vehicle not to be safe and unable to operate on roadways, highways and streets. there were warning light indicators on the dashboard and need a full-inspection and harness replacement before resale or auction sale.”
NHTSA complaint #11709278, 2026

“The contact owns a 2019 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Lane Keep Assist system activated briefly, taking control of the vehicle and the vehicle started pulling to the right lane. As a result of the failure, the contact completely lost control of the vehicle and spun out into oncoming traffic narrowly avoiding a crash. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufactu…”
NHTSA complaint #11646235, 2025

“It’s very hard to see at night and I know there is a recall for 2019 Kia forte with low beam aiming the recall is SC171. Also when I start driving I hear a rattling sound and there is another recall for 2019 Kia fortes. Power train axle assembly. The recall is SC195”
NHTSA complaint #11606729, 2024

Engine And Engine Cooling 4

“The contact owns a 2019 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 70 MPH, the contact had exited when the oil and battery warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle rolled over to the side of the road. The contact exited the vehicle and, upon inspection, noticed that an excessive amount of oil had leaked onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the drain plug had failed and the engine was damaged. The independent mechanic replaced the drain plug. However, the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to…”
NHTSA complaint #11736553, 2026

“The contact owns a 2019 Kia Forte. The contact stated that during start-up, the vehicle was rattling and vibrating abnormally with a clanking sound while shifting into gear. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the crankcase sensor was faulty, and that there were metal shavings inside the engine oil. The contact was advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 108,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11710946, 2026

“The contact owns a 2019 Kia Forte. The contact stated that after driving to the local store and turning off the vehicle, after returning to the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with a timing chain failure caused by low engine oil. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the vehicle had experienced excessive oil consumption and engine oil was constantly added to the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 124,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11744427, 2024

Fuel/Propulsion System 4 1 crash

“As I was driving on the turnpike the car engine literally just shut down on me! It could have caused a serious accident. This is the 3rd time when driving the car just stopped on its own on me! Gas tank full, oil good and battery good, but the engine is not! It gave me NO WARNING either. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL. I could have been hit all 3 times! Family came to help and tried to jump it and it wouldn't start so I had to get it towed. Dates happened March 28, 31st and April 6, all 2026. Also the key fog lock is defective! It works when it wants too.”
NHTSA complaint #11729604, 2026 · crash

“While driving, the Forward Collision Warning system activated unexpectedly without any apparent hazard or obstruction in front of my vehicle. Immediately after the warning appeared, the vehicle suddenly lost speed and became very slow to accelerate. I was unable to safely increase my speed while traveling on a busy roadway, creating a dangerous situation and nearly resulting in a collision with surrounding traffic. Due to the sudden loss of power and inability to accelerate normally, I activated my hazard lights and was forced to pull onto the shoulder of the road for my safety and the safety…”
NHTSA complaint #11741432, 2026

“I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK AND MY CAR STARTED SHAKING AND GOING REALLY SLOW UNTIL IT GOT TO THE 3RD GEAR AND IT WOULD DRIVE A LITTLE FASTER.I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED IT THEY TOOK IT TO KIA DEC.26,2020 AND IT'S STILL THERE THEY SAID MY GAS CONTAMINATED AND CHARGED 620.00 THEN WHEN I GIVE THEM THE OK TO FIX THAT PROBLEM 1DAY LATER THEY TELL ME IT'S BEEN A RECALL ON MY TRANSMISSION I'VE ONLY HAD THIS CAR FOR 5MONTHS”
NHTSA complaint #11389524, 2020

Service Brakes 4 1 crash

“WE HAVE CONTACTED THE KIA DEALER WHERE WE BOUGHT THE CAR MULTIPLE TIMES ABOUT BRAKE ISSUES. THE CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. WELL TODAY IT HAPPENED. WHEN MY HUSBAND HIT THE BRAKES THE CAR PULLED TO ONE SIDE, ALMOST FLIPPED AND HIT A GUARD RAIL.”
NHTSA complaint #11416193, 2021 · crash

“The contact owns a 2019 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle shut off and independently restarted. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed of a Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) engine compartment failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced or repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown manufacturer’s recall. The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was informed that…”
NHTSA complaint #11604556, 2024

“While driving, I've observed that my vehicle's forward collision alert system triggers prematurely. It brakes suddenly, as if I'm approaching another vehicle too quickly or on the verge of a collision, despite there being a significant distance between us. Two days ago, the FCA warning lights came on stating to "Check Forward Collision Avoidance Assist System" .”
NHTSA complaint #11575988, 2024

Structure 4 2 crash 1 injury

“ON NOVEMBER 12,2018 I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY DOING 65 MPH WHEN I WAS REAR ENDED BY A HIT AND RUN DRIVER THAT SEEMED TO BE DOING FULL SPEED, AND I SAY THAT BECAUSE I NEVER HEARD ANY SCREECHING BRAKES BEHIND ME. THE IMPACT TOTALED MY CAR, WITH THE MAJORITY OF THE DAMAGE TO THE TRUNK. THE IMPACT MADE MY CAR SPIN AROUND AND AT SOME POINT MY FRONT BUMPER HIT SOMETHING, BUT NO AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED WHATSOEVER. MY SEAT BELT WAS STILL LOCKED IN PLACE, BUT SOMEHOW MY SEAT RECLINED BACK JUST ENOUGH FOR ME TO BE DISLODGED FROM THE DRIVERS SEAT AND END UP IN THE BACK SEAT, RESULTING IN A BROKEN VERTEBRAE IN M…”
NHTSA complaint #11154023, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I HAVE LOST POWER PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC, CAR HAS LOST ALL FUNCTION WHEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC, 1 TIME WHEN PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT THE CAR LOCKED THE WHEELS AND SLAMMED IT ONTO A CURB. EVERY TIME THE SCREEN DISPLAY IN THE CAR GLITCHES. I HAVE BEEN GOING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKING APPLIED FOR NO REASON. HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY WAS GOING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE CAR SHUT OFF (AT NIGHT) KIA HAS HAD THIS CAR MULTIPLE TIMES AND HAS NO IDEA WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT. I FILED A REPORT WITH KIA CAUSE I WANT MY MONEY BACK AND THIS CAR SHOULD NOT BE SOLD TO AN INDIVIDUAL UNTIL THEY F…”
NHTSA complaint #11407211, 2021 · crash

“Rapid Delamination and paint peeling of front bumper. There are so many Kia Forte owners experiencing this same issue for it not to be recognized and resolved by now. Please help us. It’s not right.”
NHTSA complaint #11614929, 2024

Suspension 2

“The contact owns a 2019 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the vehicle would pull to the right direction and drift to the left direction. Also, while driving at highway speeds the vehicle would shake and rattle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who recommended replacing the front tires. The front tires were replaced but the failures continued to occur. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11578670, 2024

“WHILE DRIVING THE CRASH RESPONSE SYSTEMS TURNS ON & SHOWS ERROR CODES WHICH HAS CAUSED VEHICLE TO STOP BY IT SELF. ALSO THE DRIVER ASSIST HAS PULLED MY WHEEL OUT OF MY HAND & JERKED HAD TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY SEVERAL TIMES.... THE LEFT STRUT MOUNT BEARING IS ALSO DEFECTIVE ON THE VEHICLE”
NHTSA complaint #11302528, 2019

Wheels 2

“WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, DASHBOARD ALERTED TO FRONT END COLLISION WARNINGS BUT I WAS NOT IN A COLLISION THEN MOMENTS LATER THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW CAUSING BODY DAMAGE TO THE BUMPER AND GUARDS, TOTALLY SHREDDING THE TIRE. THE CAR HAS ONLY 18,500 MILES AND TIRES WERE PROPERLY INFLATED. NORMAL DRIVING USE. TIRES ARE MADE BY KUMHO AND THE CAR IS A KIA FORTE. I HAVE SEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THESE SPECIFIC BRAND TIRES BLOWING OUT AROUND 20,000 MILES EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE GUARANTEED FOR 70,000 MILES. UNFORTUNATELY BLOW OUTS, BUBBLES, ETC ARE ALL NOT COVERED UNDER TIRE WARRANTY OR UNDER CAR WA…”
NHTSA complaint #11384543, 2020

“I BOUGHT THIS CAR 2 MONTHS AGO AND THEY NEVER TOLD ME IT DOESNT COME WITH A DONUT OR SPARE TIRE ......THIS IS UNSAFE”
NHTSA complaint #11149930, 2018

Back Over Prevention 1

“CarPlay digital screen is bubbling on the right side, up the top and now to the left part of the screen. I was told by Kia Service it would take $1200 to repair and to use it til it breaks. I googled this issue and learned a lot of Kia cars from 2019 have the same issue. This bubbling is caused by the car heating up internally, which no car owner has control over. This bubbling results in the screen not working. Which means I will be driving and pressing the screen and nothing happens. Then, I have to agressively press deeply onto the screen until it works and it takes my focus off the road…”
NHTSA complaint #11629358, 2022

Seats 1 1 crash 1 injury

“ON NOVEMBER 12,2018 I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY DOING 65 MPH WHEN I WAS REAR ENDED BY A HIT AND RUN DRIVER THAT SEEMED TO BE DOING FULL SPEED, AND I SAY THAT BECAUSE I NEVER HEARD ANY SCREECHING BRAKES BEHIND ME. THE IMPACT TOTALED MY CAR, WITH THE MAJORITY OF THE DAMAGE TO THE TRUNK. THE IMPACT MADE MY CAR SPIN AROUND AND AT SOME POINT MY FRONT BUMPER HIT SOMETHING, BUT NO AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED WHATSOEVER. MY SEAT BELT WAS STILL LOCKED IN PLACE, BUT SOMEHOW MY SEAT RECLINED BACK JUST ENOUGH FOR ME TO BE DISLODGED FROM THE DRIVERS SEAT AND END UP IN THE BACK SEAT, RESULTING IN A BROKEN VERTEBRAE IN M…”
NHTSA complaint #11154023, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Tires 1

“I rented a Kia Forte from Avis. I got a flat tire that was not repairable. I called AAA. There was no spare tire. I learned that Kia and many other manufacturers now do not provide a spare tire. This is exceptionally dangerous because you could get trapped in a remote location, in a desert, wilderness or very cold area and die. I propose that NHTSA require all rental cars to have spare tires (The Kia had a space for one), and further that new cars disclose prominently that there is no spare tire.”
NHTSA complaint #11434979, 2021

Visibility 1

“The contact owns a 2019 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the rear brake lights failed to illuminate while depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, the contact stated that the A/C was blowing hot air. Additionally, the front and rear passenger’s side windows were rolling down independently. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired. The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously in a crash, and the frame was overheating. The contact confirmed that the vehicle did not have a Salvage Title. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was…”
NHTSA complaint #11627947, 2023