80 of the
3,596 complaints filed about the KIA Forte
are about the body and structure —
2% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2014.
On May 13, 2023, I was involved in a severe frontal collision on the passenger side while driving my 2021 Kia Forte. The impact caused significant damage, and my insurance company declared the vehicle a total loss. Despite the severity of the crash, none of the airbags deployed. I experienced body pain for several days following the accident. Given the nature of the collision and the damage sustained, the airbags should have deployed to protect the occupants. This raises serious concerns about the reliability of the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS).
NHTSA complaint #11713406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Took the car to a mechanic for suspension work. While the Forte was on the lift, it was discovered that the condensation from the air-conditioning unit drops directly on the car's subframe. This is on the right passenger side under the motor which could give way at anytime. There are no known decals for the issue and to have the subframe "replaced" is equal to our more than what the car is worth. Additionally, mine was effected by the anti theft issues where 2 attempts to steal the car were mad. Various Kia events to install the anti theft updates have insisted that my model is not part of recall, yet.... Based on the years effected and the impact, it was a part. So 2 issued that don't fit the recall or have no recall supposedly.
NHTSA complaint #11670404 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Body paint on 2018 Kia Forte: Delamination of Snow White Pearl paint is causing peeling and bubbling on the car. Specific to the hood and driver car door at this time. It is available for inspection. This issue has been confirmed by an independent service center. Per the car dealer they were unaware of an issue or recall. The vehicle was inspected by the Collision shop. There were no prior warning or symptoms prior to the paint peeling.
NHTSA complaint #11655640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Part of the subframe is corroded already and the engine cradle has begun to break, the control arm has begun to move where it meets the engine cradle and I now need to have the vehicle repaired. Previously the lower engine mount fell out of place due to the threads that kept it attached to the subframe were worn out due to corrosion and was causing the vehicle to vibrate violently. This issue has been fixed for $400 but now the rest of the engine cradle has to be inspected and repaired due to the corrosion. I have to make an appointment with the KIA repair center in my area to have the vehicle inspected which will be weeks if not months out to have it looked at as they are often booked. I'm at my wits end with this car as it's been constant issues since buying it 5 months back, with a baby on the way I can't afford repairs and want a resolution that won't break the bank or to warn other drivers of this make and model of the issues that are plagued with it such as the back tail lights having a light assembly seal issue where water is able to enter and damage electrical components. I've uploaded two images regarding the subframe issue, one related to the lower engine mount becoming detached and the other regarding the engine cradle to control arm.
NHTSA complaint #11650354 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The car is making a noise that we finally found out it was the hood rattling. Took it to the shop and the hood latch looks to be secure, and non=adjustable. Was told that the rubber adjustable hood bumpers are too short, however the dealer said that they are correct, but agreed they can't be adjusted anymore to eliminate the noise. This gives us great safety concern that the hood is not property secured, or has a defective latch, in addition to the constant noise that the dealer said they will only address within the first 12 months or 12K miles.
NHTSA complaint #11626428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 they are responsible for the damages. The tags on their vehicle have been expired for 2 years as well.
NHTSA complaint #11609267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The hood on my car seems to be loose as it rattles when closed and driving. It does appear to be latched, however I'm concerned that the hood will come loose and blow up in front of the windshield while driving causing a life threatening accident. The hood bumpers on the inside of the hood are not adjustable, and/or long enough to cushion the hood to stop the rattling either.
NHTSA complaint #11588578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In order for the drivers door to shut, you have to nearly slam it shut. If you don’t, you’re still able to lock the vehicle which results and trapping the door. This means that if you attempt to unlock the vehicle, it will not let you you have to force the door open with your bodyweight. I am driving a loaner vehicle from a Kia dealership and this happened to me several times it’s quite disturbing especially if something has been left in the car and you don’t have access to it like my medication. The vehicle locks will still lock even though the doors are not shut this causes the doors to jam.
NHTSA complaint #11575154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I purchased a 2015 Kia Forte5 car (Pearl White) used but I noticed the paint peeling. It seems to be getting worse because the same spot is getting bigger and now a new spot on the top has appeared. I took the car to a body shop and was told it was a factory paint defect. I went online and saw that Kia and Hyundai had a factory issue with the pearl white paint for several years around my car year model. I was wondering if the paint chipping can be fixed or me compensated for the repairs. The damage is on the rear hatch and passenger side top of car next to sunroof. One is about a quarter size and the other a little smaller than a dime. Thanks in advance, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11556915 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have 4 recall notices on this vehicle, my trunk latch stopped working 3 days ago, after a trip to the grocery store. now the trunk will not close had to strap it down with bungee cords to the under carriage . The 2 Kia Dealers in my area of Riverside County California have said to me they’re not touching recall work, there’s that excuse, I’ve requested 4 appointments online with both dealers and I’ve never gotten a call-back! They suggest scheduling appointments online because no one answers the phones. If they do answer a ringing phone they simply transfer me to another phone that nobody answers. Frustrating. No voicemail?! I’m getting no support from Kia! It’s illegal in California to drive with your trunk strapped down, it’s also a huge safety issue! Having to strap the trunk down is damaging my car paint job. Trying to do the right thing and getting no support. What do I do now? Allstar Kia in San Bernardino is where I bought my Kia and Riverside Kia in Riverside CA is where I was told they weren’t dealing with recall work. That’s why they don’t answer ringing phones. Help please!
NHTSA complaint #11553492 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving my 2023 Kia Forte GT My Driver Side door came unlatched. The door was locked and fully closed when this happened while turning from the 2nd Street bridge to E Main Street in Louisville, KY which is a busy road at times. I was going about 10-15mph at about 11:15ish, temp was around 70 degrees F when this happened and the car started to set off the warnings. I don't know what caused this to happen considering the door(s) were locked when I started to drive 15 minutes prior. There was nothing in the door frame or latch that could've made this happen.
NHTSA complaint #11547728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My car was parked overnight in front my house on the street, and I remote started it around 4 pm. As I was looking out the window to check if the car started- I saw it moving forward. I ran out of the house and within a few seconds- the car rolled into my neighbor's truck and sustained damage to the hood and frame. This is a safety issue because the car is a push start car- and should not have started and moved. Luckily it hit a parked car and not a person. The remote start came with the car when I bought it from the kia dealership in 2013. I called kia corporate and have an appointment to get the car looked at the closest dealership. I did not have any warning lights- but I did have my car recently serviced (oil change and valve cover repaired). I also am dealing with a clogged catalytic convertor due to a leaky valve cover- and was told by kia corporate this may be covered under a class action lawsuit.
NHTSA complaint #11530152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.