2023 Kia Forte Problems & Owner Complaints

Steering 13 3 crash 1 fire 1 injury 1 death

“My father was in a fatal vehicle accident in which the car was going very fast and then he crashed into a building. The car then started on fire. The black box was unable to be recovered to check car function. There were no medical findings”
NHTSA complaint #11703022, 2023 · crash · fire · 1 death(s)

“I was driving home, on my way while driving I approached a curve on my way around the curve my vehicle continued to accelerate to the right as I was going around the curve. I tried to redirect the vehicle back to the left by trying to turn the steering wheel towards the left but I could not control the direction of the way the vehicle continued on. Still trying to turn the steering wheel back towards the left it kept to the right and ran off the road into a tree. Also once impact occurred i don’t remember if the airbags deployed because my head was laying flat on the steering wheel. Once the e…”
NHTSA complaint #11740816, 2026 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Unknown Concerning the front passenger steering component. Carfax showed prior accident with minor damage to the front passenger bumper. I purchased the car not long ago and and was hit in the same exact spot. When I looked up the VIN for more information online I came across the safety issue with some other 2023 forte. I'm concerned that my vehicle could possibly have the same issue though it's not showing up right now under recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11709300, 2026 · crash

Electrical System 9 1 crash

“Good morning, I want to report extreme safety concerns about my KIA Forte GT - Line 2023.When I first came home with the car days later the car shut off in the middle of the street while driving just one house up from my house. I attempted to turn it back on and the car would not turn back on and it automatically proceeded to call roadside assistance.I immediately informed the dealership. The car often hesitates, fails to shift and turns completely off. Last Sunday on December 11, 2022 I was about to get on the Roosevelt Boulevard expressway while I was on a street which is a hill that leads…”
NHTSA complaint #11498196, 2022 · crash

“I am reporting a serious and ongoing safety issue involving my 2023 Kia Forte GT. The vehicle has experienced persistent mechanical problems, including a check engine light and multiple diagnostic trouble codes, including P0420 (catalyst system efficiency below threshold – Bank 1), P0300 (random/multiple cylinder misfire), P0304 (cylinder 4 misfire), and P0301 (cylinder 1 misfire). These codes have appeared as stored, pending, and permanent, indicating ongoing and unresolved engine and emissions system issues. In addition to these mechanical problems, the vehicle is emitting strong and concer…”
NHTSA complaint #11727865, 2025

“My low beam headlights seem to burn out at an unusually high rate. Multiple times per year, and this is much higher than any other vehicle that I've owned. I believe there may be some type of electrical issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11707776, 2025

Engine 9 2 fire

“My son, [XXX] , has opened a complaint/Case #XXX with Kia. His 2023 KIA Forte had been idle for at least 24 hours when the engine compartment caught fire. He became aware of this when the Fire Department knocked on his apartment door around 4:00 PM 12/26/25 and said they were evacuating the building because a car was on fire. He went outside and was shocked, to say the least, that it was his car. The Fire Department had taken off the hood to extinguish the fire. He removed his belongings once the fire was out. He contacted his insurance company but since it was a holiday weekend, he did not ge…”
NHTSA complaint #11726670, 2025 · fire

“The car caught fire on the highway. Per firemen there was a problem with the engine and fuel and it caught fire in under 3 minutes...”
NHTSA complaint #11563850, 2024 · fire

“The contact owns a 2023 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made abnormal knocking sounds. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle later lost motive power while driving with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that a week prior to the failure, the vehicle was taken to another dealer to determine the trade-in value, and no failures wer…”
NHTSA complaint #11752655, 2026

Forward Collision Avoidance 9 1 injury

“Auto Emergency Breaking & Forward Collision Warning: Yes it available for inspection ASAP My safety was risk, while driving on the freeway I was staying in my lane driving and all of a sudden it said Forward Collision: warning when passing a vehicle that was driving in the next lane to the right , then immediately the auto emergency brakes turned on and once it did that I had trouble with steering the vehicle it felt as if it was pulling me to the right lane where the vehicle next to me was driving. Then following moments when stepping on gas peddle it vibrates, puts the other driver at…”
NHTSA complaint #11575453, 2024 · 1 injury(ies)

“Driving home. Unexpectedly foward collision warning came on light never turned off even after a reset was done on the car”
NHTSA complaint #11677136, 2025

“Recently I purchased a 2023 Kia Forte on 11/09/2024 with only 53,848 miles on the odometer. Within a month the car has lost total power four times. The Advanced Driver Assistance Systems keeps faulting and kicks in taking drive control of the vehicle making it challenging to control. The current miles on the vehicle is 58,281. When I called in to have the vehicle serviced through a Kia dealership, they indicated the earliest date to bring it in is on 01/23/24, I am on the schedule for 7 am. I also contacted Kia Corporate office today 01/07/24 to inform them of the issue being that it is sti…”
NHTSA complaint #11634724, 2025

Power Train 7

“The contact owns a 2023 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 25,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11690318, 2025

“Catastrophic clutch pressure plate failure - while attempting to shift into gear, teeth on clutch pressure plate sheared horizontally when interacting with input shaft. No indicators appeared when failure originally occurred, only grinding sound when clutch pedal is depressed. Malfunction occurred at a stoplight leading to traffic blockage and no major safety risk. However due to nature of failure if issue occurred at speed there would have been immediate loss of power from engine to drivetrain, causing car to "coast" in effectively neutral until stopped. Vehicle has since been inspected a…”
NHTSA complaint #11657651, 2025

“The contact owns a 2023 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, another vehicle was driving on the incorrect side of the road coming towards the contact head-on. While attempting to avoid crashing into the other vehicle, the contact swerved over to the side of the road and drove downhill. The contact then heard a loud thud, and the vehicle became undriveable. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the clutch assembly needed to be placed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure…”
NHTSA complaint #11633927, 2024

Lane Departure 6 1 crash 1 injury

“The contact owns a 2023 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed when the vehicle inadvertently merged to the right lane while the lane assist feature was active. The contact stated that lane assist feature failed to alert her that the vehicle had merged. As a result, the vehicle crashed into a guard rail. The air bags deployed. The contact sustained injury to her right arm, cuts and abrasions and an air bag rash on her chest. Medical attention was required. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.…”
NHTSA complaint #11538487, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Electrical issues since 44K miles I’m at 50 K miles. I’ve complained multiple times and they kept saying electrician wasn’t available. Then they lie about it being a waitlist for a loaner car. All the lights on the dashboard goes on and all the dealership couldn’t diagnose the problem. The second time the check engine lights went out the back up camera. They said it was the back up camera the backup camera was replaced the backup camera now messes up all the time and does not cut on when backing up randomly cut on when driving Kia issue was flashing lights, but they decided to worry about the…”
NHTSA complaint #11691550, 2025

“The contact rented a 2023 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving approximately 75 MPH, the contact noticed that the Lane Keep Assist was following the lines on the right side of the vehicle, causing the vehicle to veer towards an exit several times. The contact was able to steer the vehicle back into the correct lane. The rental company was notified of the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. The VIN was not available.”
NHTSA complaint #11640377, 2024

Suspension 6

“Passenger front side makes noises like something is clicking. It makes like a rattle noise too”
NHTSA complaint #11669077, 2025

“My brand new 2023 Kia Forte LXS (Koa the Kia)'s lower right control arm is completely broken, the rack & pinion inner tie rod end is bent, as well has damage to bottom coverage panel, right side rims scratches and scratched under bumper paint from collapse. In March of 2024, the vehicle completely collapsed on the road, and felt like the car was dangerously floating. By the good grace of God, my children and I made it home safely. I was not aware of how tremendous the damages were, until MaxCare directed me to have a tow company transport my new vehicle to a manufacturer, Ed Voles Kia in Atlan…”
NHTSA complaint #11585792, 2024

“Clunking when going over bumps especially when turning into a driveway. Started at about 20,000 miles along with excessive clicking when turning the steering wheel.”
NHTSA complaint #11660911, 2023

Unknown Or Other 6 1 crash 2 fire 1 injury

“Auto Emergency Breaking & Forward Collision Warning: Yes it available for inspection ASAP My safety was risk, while driving on the freeway I was staying in my lane driving and all of a sudden it said Forward Collision: warning when passing a vehicle that was driving in the next lane to the right , then immediately the auto emergency brakes turned on and once it did that I had trouble with steering the vehicle it felt as if it was pulling me to the right lane where the vehicle next to me was driving. Then following moments when stepping on gas peddle it vibrates, puts the other driver at…”
NHTSA complaint #11575453, 2024 · 1 injury(ies)

“Backing out of a driveway that had a mud hole. Car got turned and stuck in the mud. We were trying to push it out and then it started smoking under the drivers tires and then we heard a pop. Next thing the undercarriage is on fire and we got away. Withing minutes the whole car was engulfed in flames. UNKNOWN MODERATE ONLY CAUSE WE WERE STUCK AND COULD EXIT THE VEHICLE IN A TIMELY MANNER NO NO”
NHTSA complaint #11724342, 2026 · fire

“My son, [XXX] , has opened a complaint/Case #XXX with Kia. His 2023 KIA Forte had been idle for at least 24 hours when the engine compartment caught fire. He became aware of this when the Fire Department knocked on his apartment door around 4:00 PM 12/26/25 and said they were evacuating the building because a car was on fire. He went outside and was shocked, to say the least, that it was his car. The Fire Department had taken off the hood to extinguish the fire. He removed his belongings once the fire was out. He contacted his insurance company but since it was a holiday weekend, he did not ge…”
NHTSA complaint #11726670, 2025 · fire

Air Bags 5 5 crash 3 injury

“I was driving home, on my way while driving I approached a curve on my way around the curve my vehicle continued to accelerate to the right as I was going around the curve. I tried to redirect the vehicle back to the left by trying to turn the steering wheel towards the left but I could not control the direction of the way the vehicle continued on. Still trying to turn the steering wheel back towards the left it kept to the right and ran off the road into a tree. Also once impact occurred i don’t remember if the airbags deployed because my head was laying flat on the steering wheel. Once the e…”
NHTSA complaint #11740816, 2026 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“My son was in a car accident in my car January 1 at none of the Air bags went off. Not one there is a police report and I have pictures. Its a 2023 kia forte”
NHTSA complaint #11718865, 2026 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Airbsgs failed to deploy when I was hit on my driver side by a car going going between 45-50 miles an hour. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My safety was out at risk because my airbags did not deploy and I hit my head on the B pillar and was jolted from my seat and the time of impact. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? I am not sure. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manu…”
NHTSA complaint #11546713, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Structure 4 2 crash 1 fire 1 death

“My father was in a fatal vehicle accident in which the car was going very fast and then he crashed into a building. The car then started on fire. The black box was unable to be recovered to check car function. There were no medical findings”
NHTSA complaint #11703022, 2023 · crash · fire · 1 death(s)

“I walked out to my car and I noticed there were scratches and dents that weren’t there that morning. I park in a carport in my apartment, and the only vehicle that could’ve possibly hit mine would be the GMC Yukon who parks in the carport next to me. Their car is completely wrecked on the back, so although there are scratches that match the damage to my car, they could easily say they didn’t do it. However, their back drivers side window is replaced with black tape, and their passenger side mirror is blown off as well. These 2 damages blocked their vision of my vehicle, which explains why the…”
NHTSA complaint #11609267, 2024 · crash

“As I was driving at about 20 mph coming to a stop my passenger front door unlatched and caused the door to open and the door sensors to go off. This door was in fact locked and closed. Now I’m very scared to drive my car because if I was going faster the door could swing open and would be very dangerous to and to others.”
NHTSA complaint #11672658, 2025

Exterior Lighting 3

“Electrical issues since 44K miles I’m at 50 K miles. I’ve complained multiple times and they kept saying electrician wasn’t available. Then they lie about it being a waitlist for a loaner car. All the lights on the dashboard goes on and all the dealership couldn’t diagnose the problem. The second time the check engine lights went out the back up camera. They said it was the back up camera the backup camera was replaced the backup camera now messes up all the time and does not cut on when backing up randomly cut on when driving Kia issue was flashing lights, but they decided to worry about the…”
NHTSA complaint #11691550, 2025

“The oil in the engine constantly sludges even with regular maintenance with full synthetic oil, I went over a pot hole and two of the rear lights went out and won’t go back on even after replacing bulbs and wiring harness, and the worst of all is the suspension, the lower control arm and the trailing arm both have gone out after only 20k miles of light mostly highway driving, this car offers nothing but problems it’s no surprise that they discontinued the model it’s an absolute nightmare. I bought it brand new and it feels like I’m going to die in it, every speed bump or pot hole I go over fee…”
NHTSA complaint #11641375, 2023

“The headlights and rain don’t mix at all I can’t see 3 feet i from it me and the wipers don’t clear the windshield fast enough they need to have led bulbs or design a new headlight”
NHTSA complaint #11524318, 2023

Service Brakes 3 1 crash

“Good morning, I want to report extreme safety concerns about my KIA Forte GT - Line 2023.When I first came home with the car days later the car shut off in the middle of the street while driving just one house up from my house. I attempted to turn it back on and the car would not turn back on and it automatically proceeded to call roadside assistance.I immediately informed the dealership. The car often hesitates, fails to shift and turns completely off. Last Sunday on December 11, 2022 I was about to get on the Roosevelt Boulevard expressway while I was on a street which is a hill that leads…”
NHTSA complaint #11498196, 2022 · crash

“Summary: Unintended full brake engagement at highway speeds caused by electronic parking brake/Auto Hold button defect. Extreme risk of collision. Details: On [XXX], my wife was driving our 2023 Kia Forte GT Line when the Auto Hold and electronic parking brake system malfunctioned. The system fully engaged the brakes without warning while traveling at highway speed, scraping the brake rotors and creating an immediate risk of being rear-ended. This occurred multiple times. The following day ([XXX], the brake pedal would not depress at all, rendering the vehicle undrivable. The dealership (McF…”
NHTSA complaint #11683514, 2025

“My 2023 Kia Forte keeps automatically braking and coming to a complete stop when pulling out of a parking space. It does it in drive and in reverse. On January 4, 2024 I was pulling out of a parking spot on the road and when my front end was completely in the road the car came to a complete stop and I came very close to causing a collision with another vehicle. I’ve had it to the dealership for service 4 times and they duplicated the problem on my first visit and told me they feel my car stopped because it detected a curb and their resolution was to turn off the front end collision assistance…”
NHTSA complaint #11568625, 2023

Visibility/Wiper 3

“The contact owns a 2023 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed during a rainstorm, she became aware that the windshield wiper was sticking and failed to adequately clear away water from the windshield, severely reducing visibility. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 10,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11585275, 2024

“I’m an owner of a brand new a 2023 Kia for less than one year. While driving home from work which is 8 miles drive on a Friday, while sitting at a red light I heard a crack or pop to see that my windshield had spontaneously cracked on the driver side. When I got home, I measured it to be 8 inches, starting at the frame. It’ll probably need replacing as opposed to repair. It is and always has been garage kept.”
NHTSA complaint #11531289, 2023

“The headlights and rain don’t mix at all I can’t see 3 feet i from it me and the wipers don’t clear the windshield fast enough they need to have led bulbs or design a new headlight”
NHTSA complaint #11524318, 2023

Fuel/Propulsion System 2

“I am reporting a serious and ongoing safety issue involving my 2023 Kia Forte GT. The vehicle has experienced persistent mechanical problems, including a check engine light and multiple diagnostic trouble codes, including P0420 (catalyst system efficiency below threshold – Bank 1), P0300 (random/multiple cylinder misfire), P0304 (cylinder 4 misfire), and P0301 (cylinder 1 misfire). These codes have appeared as stored, pending, and permanent, indicating ongoing and unresolved engine and emissions system issues. In addition to these mechanical problems, the vehicle is emitting strong and concer…”
NHTSA complaint #11727865, 2025

“The check engine light turned on when starting the car. The car was shaking and running rough. The car was towed to the dealership and cylinder misfire was detected. Since the car is less than a year old and around 6000 miles, this needs to be addressed by the company. This accident happening while the car was on the road could have caused serious injuries and concerns.”
NHTSA complaint #11582803, 2024

Vehicle Speed Control 2 2 crash 1 fire 1 death

“My father was in a fatal vehicle accident in which the car was going very fast and then he crashed into a building. The car then started on fire. The black box was unable to be recovered to check car function. There were no medical findings”
NHTSA complaint #11703022, 2023 · crash · fire · 1 death(s)

“Good morning, I want to report extreme safety concerns about my KIA Forte GT - Line 2023.When I first came home with the car days later the car shut off in the middle of the street while driving just one house up from my house. I attempted to turn it back on and the car would not turn back on and it automatically proceeded to call roadside assistance.I immediately informed the dealership. The car often hesitates, fails to shift and turns completely off. Last Sunday on December 11, 2022 I was about to get on the Roosevelt Boulevard expressway while I was on a street which is a hill that leads…”
NHTSA complaint #11498196, 2022 · crash

Back Over Prevention 1

“The 2023 Kia Forte LXS model rear camera often fails to identify people, objects, or other vehicles presenting a hazard to vehicles that are backing up. It fails to identify people and vehicles in the blindspots and is quite unreliable leading to several serious close calls in the vehicle. Due to construction of the vehicle it is important to have these features working correctly but they do not work correctly in the rear camera. This is especially true if it is night, if it is sunny, cloudy, or if there is precipitation. It also happens under normal driving conditions as well. These fai…”
NHTSA complaint #11526564, 2023

Latches/Locks/Linkages 1

“The contact owns a 2023 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while leaving Walmart and approaching the vehicle, the contact became aware that another driver with a similar vehicle was able to unlock her vehicle with the other driver’s key fob on the passenger’s side of the vehicle. The lights flashed, alerting the contact that the vehicle was unlocked. No warning lights were illuminated prior to the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.”
NHTSA complaint #11732467, 2026