Owners have filed 46 complaints
about the 2024 KIA Forte with NHTSA between 2024 and 2026.
The largest single group is the other & unspecified.
Across this model's run it ranks 15 of 15 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 10
Against the median year of the KIA Forte. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
28.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2024 KIA Forte
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Other & Unspecified
919.6%
2 crashes, 0 fires
Airbags
715.2%
2 crashes, 0 fires
Engine & Cooling
715.2%
Median failure at 39,000 miles
Electrical System
613.0%
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
48.7%
4 crashes, 0 fires · median 14,000 mi
Transmission & Drivetrain
36.5%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 14,000 mi
Lights
24.3%
Brakes
24.3%
Seat Belts
12.2%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
12.2%
Fuel & Propulsion
12.2%
Suspension
12.2%
Body & Structure
12.2%
Steering
12.2%
1 crashes, 0 fires
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2024peak 10Jul 2026
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Biloxi, MSCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My car suddenly accelerated while I was pulling into my canopy carport causing me to crash into an old basketball goal and then the wall of my cottage. When this happened I was slowly pulling in to park when the car suddenly accelerated on its own and kept moving forward despite me pressing the brake. The RPM gauge continued to rev after the impact and the only way that I was able to make it stop was by putting the car into park and pushing the button to turn the car off. No warning lights illuminated on my dash. I have video of the incident from my security camera in my backyard.
NHTSA complaint #11720595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,000 milesBorden, INCrash
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The contact owns a 2024 Kia Forte GT. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH on an off-ramp and making a right turn, the lane assist feature had malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to steer and crash into the guard rail. During the incident, the passenger side of the vehicle was damaged along with the guard rail. No injuries were reported. A police report was taken at the scene, and the vehicle was driven away. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. Previously, while driving, the vehicle had experienced transmission failures, causing the vehicle to jerk and shudder while attempting to accelerate. The RMPS failed to increase over 1.5 and failed to accelerate during normal mode however, in sports mode, the vehicle performed normally. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 14,000.
NHTSA complaint #11684783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,000 milesBorden, INCrash
LANE DEPARTURE
The contact owns a 2024 Kia Forte GT. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH on an off-ramp and making a right turn, the lane assist feature had malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to steer and crash into the guard rail. During the incident, the passenger side of the vehicle was damaged along with the guard rail. No injuries were reported. A police report was taken at the scene, and the vehicle was driven away. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. Previously, while driving, the vehicle had experienced transmission failures, causing the vehicle to jerk and shudder while attempting to accelerate. The RMPS failed to increase over 1.5 and failed to accelerate during normal mode however, in sports mode, the vehicle performed normally. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 14,000.
NHTSA complaint #11684783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Little Rock, ARCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS
Date of Incident: [XXX] Location: [XXX] To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this letter to report a potential airbag malfunction involving my 2024 Kia Forte GT. On [XXX], I was the driver and sole occupant of my vehicle when I was T-boned on the driver’s side while traveling [XXX] on [XXX] at the intersection of [XXX] . The collision was severe enough to spin my vehicle and resulted in significant damage to the driver-side door and frame. Despite the force and nature of the crash, none of the airbags in my vehicle deployed—including side airbags that should have been triggered by the impact. I was later diagnosed with a concussion and sustained other physical and emotional injuries from the crash. As of the date of this complaint, the vehicle has not been repaired, and I have photos documenting the damage. Given the potential risk to other drivers who may experience similar failures, I am requesting that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration review this vehicle for airbag deployment defects. I am willing to provide photos, medical records, and further details as needed. Also, the seatbelts sometime freeze when pulling them out to get secured in the car, you have to release and then pull again to gain full access to the seat belt. There is a police report done on this matter but I do not have access to it yet because it has yet to be approved by the LRPD sergeant. We checked on July 5th, 2025. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11671432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Little Rock, ARCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
Date of Incident: [XXX] Location: [XXX] To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this letter to report a potential airbag malfunction involving my 2024 Kia Forte GT. On [XXX], I was the driver and sole occupant of my vehicle when I was T-boned on the driver’s side while traveling [XXX] on [XXX] at the intersection of [XXX] . The collision was severe enough to spin my vehicle and resulted in significant damage to the driver-side door and frame. Despite the force and nature of the crash, none of the airbags in my vehicle deployed—including side airbags that should have been triggered by the impact. I was later diagnosed with a concussion and sustained other physical and emotional injuries from the crash. As of the date of this complaint, the vehicle has not been repaired, and I have photos documenting the damage. Given the potential risk to other drivers who may experience similar failures, I am requesting that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration review this vehicle for airbag deployment defects. I am willing to provide photos, medical records, and further details as needed. Also, the seatbelts sometime freeze when pulling them out to get secured in the car, you have to release and then pull again to gain full access to the seat belt. There is a police report done on this matter but I do not have access to it yet because it has yet to be approved by the LRPD sergeant. We checked on July 5th, 2025. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11671432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Silver Spring, MDCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Hello, I'm trying to fix my front radar calibration right now but the dealership appointments is months away and I cannot wait that long and it's a hazard to be driving on the road with this being unfixed. Also, please have a vietnamese translator on call when/if you contact me by phone. Thanks!
NHTSA complaint #11594550 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Lombard, IL
AIR BAGS
This malfunction started in August of 2025 within 12 months of buying this new vehicle. A airbag sensor was replaced, then a national bbb case found the same malfunction only this time it includes the whole safty system failure. I gave the manufacturer a year and they have not corrected the malfunction. I am forced to drive a unsafe car *if I get hit my airbags will NOT DEPLOY*
NHTSA complaint #11753181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lombard, IL
ENGINE
This malfunction started in August of 2025 within 12 months of buying this new vehicle. A airbag sensor was replaced, then a national bbb case found the same malfunction only this time it includes the whole safty system failure. I gave the manufacturer a year and they have not corrected the malfunction. I am forced to drive a unsafe car *if I get hit my airbags will NOT DEPLOY*
NHTSA complaint #11753181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lombard, IL
SERVICE BRAKES
This malfunction started in August of 2025 within 12 months of buying this new vehicle. A airbag sensor was replaced, then a national bbb case found the same malfunction only this time it includes the whole safty system failure. I gave the manufacturer a year and they have not corrected the malfunction. I am forced to drive a unsafe car *if I get hit my airbags will NOT DEPLOY*
NHTSA complaint #11753181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lombard, IL
AIR BAGS
Coolant is burning and going into the oil in the engine. Occupancy indicator is malfunctioning causing a drastic amount of liability for death
NHTSA complaint #11750128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lombard, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Coolant is burning and going into the oil in the engine. Occupancy indicator is malfunctioning causing a drastic amount of liability for death
NHTSA complaint #11750128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lombard, IL
ENGINE
Coolant is burning and going into the oil in the engine. Occupancy indicator is malfunctioning causing a drastic amount of liability for death
NHTSA complaint #11750128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 39,000 milesVictorville, CA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2024 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light was illuminated and the "all cylinders misfiring" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that there was bad fuel in the tank that needed to be drained. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there was diesel in the tank. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted; the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed the vehicle loss automotive power while the accelerator pedal was depressed. A dealer was contacted however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.
NHTSA complaint #11744432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jarreau, LA
ENGINE
My car would not go when i gave it gas on a major highway with mu 3 children in the back seat. We almost got into a wreck.
NHTSA complaint #11731156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rancho Mirage, CA
SUSPENSION
Suspension noise over bumps
NHTSA complaint #11730346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lombard, IL
AIR BAGS
Exposed electric wires, airbag system failure codes, breaks non resistance in functional limitation of human safety. Voltage malfunction involves hazardous crash impact results
NHTSA complaint #11722834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lombard, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Exposed electric wires, airbag system failure codes, breaks non resistance in functional limitation of human safety. Voltage malfunction involves hazardous crash impact results
NHTSA complaint #11722834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lombard, IL
SERVICE BRAKES
Exposed electric wires, airbag system failure codes, breaks non resistance in functional limitation of human safety. Voltage malfunction involves hazardous crash impact results
NHTSA complaint #11722834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lombard, IL
AIR BAGS
Dealership refused to fix my safety system unint failure alont with proof of voltage malfunction
NHTSA complaint #11720720 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Biloxi, MSCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My car suddenly accelerated while I was pulling into my canopy carport causing me to crash into an old basketball goal and then the wall of my cottage. When this happened I was slowly pulling in to park when the car suddenly accelerated on its own and kept moving forward despite me pressing the brake. The RPM gauge continued to rev after the impact and the only way that I was able to make it stop was by putting the car into park and pushing the button to turn the car off. No warning lights illuminated on my dash. I have video of the incident from my security camera in my backyard.
NHTSA complaint #11720595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lombard, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Dealership refused to fix my safety system unint failure alont with proof of voltage malfunction
NHTSA complaint #11720720 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lombard, IL
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Dealership refused to fix my safety system unint failure alont with proof of voltage malfunction
NHTSA complaint #11720720 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lombard, IL
AIR BAGS
AIRBAG SYSTEM UNIT, AIRBAG SENSOR, VOLTAGE CRONIC MALFUNCTIONING POWER SUPPLY
NHTSA complaint #11720535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lombard, IL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
AIRBAG SYSTEM UNIT, AIRBAG SENSOR, VOLTAGE CRONIC MALFUNCTIONING POWER SUPPLY
NHTSA complaint #11720535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lombard, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
AIRBAG SYSTEM UNIT, AIRBAG SENSOR, VOLTAGE CRONIC MALFUNCTIONING POWER SUPPLY
NHTSA complaint #11720535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington, DC
ENGINE
Please see attachment:
NHTSA complaint #11697564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rossville, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I purchased this brand new in 2024 and about 5 months ago it started to just loose power. It almost caused me to be hit several times and the car just won’t go it looses all power and you can press the gas and it won’t go but eventually will start going again. It’s very dangerous luckily I haven’t had a wreck with me and my Infant in the car and I’ve been able to move out of the way of others.
NHTSA complaint #11691108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
El Cajon, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The car shuts down on my wife multiple times now more than 10 to 15 times and most of the time it’s on the freeway few times she’s had my teenage son with her and I have three videos that I have sent to Kia but they’re refusing to move with buying the car back, saying because the dealership cannot duplicate the problem And the dealership drives the car 10 to 20 miles. I’ve stated to the dealership and to Kia factory that this car has to be driven every day like my wife who drives it so they can discover the problem they’re not going to be able to discover the problem or just drive and get 10 to 20 miles once or twice Last time I was found on my wife to take the car to the dealership on the freeway and it shut down on her on [XXX] right before the junction of [XXX] and I also have a video of that if I’m able to download it. I’ll download it for you guys. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11690050 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
El Cajon, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The car shuts down on my wife multiple times now more than 10 to 15 times and most of the time it’s on the freeway few times she’s had my teenage son with her and I have three videos that I have sent to Kia but they’re refusing to move with buying the car back, saying because the dealership cannot duplicate the problem And the dealership drives the car 10 to 20 miles. I’ve stated to the dealership and to Kia factory that this car has to be driven every day like my wife who drives it so they can discover the problem they’re not going to be able to discover the problem or just drive and get 10 to 20 miles once or twice Last time I was found on my wife to take the car to the dealership on the freeway and it shut down on her on [XXX] right before the junction of [XXX] and I also have a video of that if I’m able to download it. I’ll download it for you guys. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11690050 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
El Cajon, CA
ENGINE
The car shuts down on my wife multiple times now more than 10 to 15 times and most of the time it’s on the freeway few times she’s had my teenage son with her and I have three videos that I have sent to Kia but they’re refusing to move with buying the car back, saying because the dealership cannot duplicate the problem And the dealership drives the car 10 to 20 miles. I’ve stated to the dealership and to Kia factory that this car has to be driven every day like my wife who drives it so they can discover the problem they’re not going to be able to discover the problem or just drive and get 10 to 20 miles once or twice Last time I was found on my wife to take the car to the dealership on the freeway and it shut down on her on [XXX] right before the junction of [XXX] and I also have a video of that if I’m able to download it. I’ll download it for you guys. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11690050 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake City, SC
POWER TRAIN
While the vehicle was approximately ten months old with approximately 11K miles, it was continuously not functioning properly and would not start/accelerate. My 2024 KIA Forte, which was purchased new from a KIA dealership, has continuously failed to function properly. It had a water pump replaced after failing to be operated for more than a week and has since continued to fail - this time for not starting at all, not accelerating properly, and losing all power while driving (switching off completely) on at least two separate occasions. The dealership stated that I should drive the vehicle and document it when it occurs again (video) to assist them with identifying the issue since they are unable to correct the malfunction. It has been at the dealership for more than a month with no definitive resolution concerning the safety of the vehicle. I refuse to drive the vehicle and am afraid that I may injured/killed in an accident due to the safety concerns aforementioned. As of today's date, 09/22/2025, my 2024 KIA Forte remains at the KIA dealership with no foreseeable actions that may lead to a safe resolution. Further: 1) Component or system failed/malfunctioned - Engine, fuel pump, water pump. 2) Is it available for inspection - Yes. 3) How was your safety or that of others put at risk - Vehicle switched off multiple times while operating in traffic and barely escaping accidents. Suffered a scrape on the passenger's door as vehicle would not accelerate and stalled in a separate incident. 4) Vehicle or component been inspected by manufacturer - Yes, at the KIA dealership again. 5) Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure - No, there were no prior warning lamps, messages, or symptoms. KIA dealership stated that the 2024 KIA Forte has been "reprogrammed", but the dealership has been unable to identify the safety issues it has. I do not feel safe to operate this vehicle nor have any family members operate it.
NHTSA complaint #11688947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.