41 of the 3,596 complaints filed about the KIA Forte are about the glass, mirrors and wipers — 1% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2017.
41
Complaints
1%
Share of all complaints
1
Crashes
2
Fires
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.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The OEM projector halogen headlights on the 2022 Kia Forte provide insufficient illumination for safe nighttime operation. On unlit or poorly lit roads, the low-beam distance is inadequate to identify road hazards, pedestrians, or signage in time to react at standard posted speeds (45+ mph). This creates a "dead zone" where the driver is effectively over-driving their headlights. This is a known design deficiency reflected in the IIHS "Poor" safety rating for this model. The lack of light throw creates an unreasonable risk of collision. High beams offer a marginal improvement in angle but do not resolve the primary visibility failure. I am requesting an investigation into the headlight assembly design and a potential recall or dealer-installed remedy to meet acceptable safety visibility standards. For reference, my electric scooter (segway max g3) is triple the brightness of my automobile!
NHTSA complaint #11708975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY
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 made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,900.
NHTSA complaint #11627947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
I am the 2nd owner. Mileage currently: 25,562 Mileage when purchased in August, 2020: Approx 15,500 Air Compressor Car was not driven for most of 2020 and stayed in garage (pandemic). Car has only been serviced at Kia. Service in May 2022: Dealer checked off all components, valves, hoses, etc. were fine (option boxes were green, yellow, red, red being needing service soon. They checked "green" for box being discussed. August 2023 Brought car in for 3 recalls. Several weeks prior I noticed that the AC wasn't functioning as well as it used to so I had them check. Coincidentally, warranty expired 2 months earlier in June. Paid for the diagnostics, results are that the air compressor is leaking which will cost $1700 less the $300 that I've paid (estimated). Not sure why this wasn't noticed in May 2022 when warranty may have covered some/all of this repair. The car is barely driven since I am underemployed. Additionally, the compressors should last 8-10 years, not under 5 years or 25,000 miles. Regardless, while AC is always nice on a hot day, have your ever tried to drive your car on a rainy day without a working AC? Try it. I bet your windows fog up really quickly. So yes, it is a safety issue. I've reached out to KIA USA for assistance as a good will gesture to meet me half way (not even asking for free, just to meet me half way). It has been almost 2 weeks and they keep stringing me along. I only have a small window with Kia Ventura to decide if they should finish this work before I lose out on the $300 that I've already paid. It's ridiculous.
NHTSA complaint #11545255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Hello, I purchased my car brand new March 2022. Since April of 2023 I have been having issues with my cars stalling upon acceleration off and on, and the wipers occasionally getting stuck in the upright position especially during heavy rain periods, which makes it hard to see the roads clearly. I have reported these issues to KIA on multiple occasions. My vehicle has been to the dealership for repairs three times for transmission issues: First service date was 6/3/23 I drove the car after having a multi-point inspection and telling the advisor my car was having issues accelerating. The advisor simply explained they found no issues. On the way home the car started to jerk, then would slow on acceleration, and ultimately began losing power while driving. Not once did I receive a warning code on the dashboard I called and KIA had it towed back to their Service department for a diagnostic. It was released back to me on 7/08/23, the advisor stated codes were input, but no transmission was replaced only for the vehicle to repeat the same issues, but worst on 7/31/23 the car jerked uncontrollably, would not push off making it impossible to accelerate at all and running at a very slow pace. I was able to make it to the dealership, however once reviewed it was noted that indeed the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then in service/at the dealership from 7/31/23 - 9/2/23. I retrieved the vehicle after a new transmission was installed, and within two hours I was unable to reverse, and finally the transmission immobilized the vehicle completely in the middle of the road stating, "Transmission is hot". This was very dangerous as it was heavy traffic in the area and the car literally stopped in the middle of the road. I wasn't even able to pull to the side for safety. As of today the vehicle is currently back at the dealership awaiting a diagnostic and service if possible.
NHTSA complaint #11543508 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the defroster failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.
NHTSA complaint #11492161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
I live in Chicago it was approximately 35 degrees and raining out today, so I had my defrost on. I was in the line at a fast-food restaurant and I heard a crack noise. I looked at my windshield and there was a straight, horizontal line crack approximately 8-10 inches long. When I got out to look to see if something had hit my window, I saw that there were no impact chips and it is a crack that just begins at the very edge of the windshield going into the center. I took pictures but I have not done anything to stop the crack from spreading because I do not want to void my warranty or anything just in case. Kia already has this same issue happening with the 2020 Kia Tulleride.
NHTSA complaint #11442762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
1. Windshield wipers have been changed three time and when it rains they Smear. Not one pair has ever cleaned right. 2. The tire pressure light came on and has stayed on Kia wants $200.00 to look into it. 3. The Front seats vibrate ( don’t know about the back seats). A lot. I talk to a service man at Kia Cerritos and nothing was ever done or checked.
NHTSA complaint #11431740 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
IN NORMAL DRIVING AND LIGHTING CONDITIONS MY AUTO GLASS APPEARS CLEAR AND NO VISIBLE ISSUES. HOWEVER, AS SOON AS THE SUN IS SHINING DIRECTLY THROUGH THE GLASS, THEN THOUSANDS OF WHAT APPEAR TO BE MICRO BUBBLES APPEAR AND SEVERELY IMPACTS THE DRIVERS VISION ESPECIALLY THROUGH THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. THIS IS VERY DISTRACTING AND MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO FOCUS ON THE ROAD AHEAD.
NHTSA complaint #11403077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
FRONT WINDSHIELD SMEARS EVERYTIME I USE WINDSHIELD WIPER. I NOTICED THIS WHEN I FIRST GOT THE CAR BUT THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT, AND IT WOULD GO AWAY EVENTUALLY. NOW, I TRY TO AVOID DRIVING WHEN IT RAINS BECAUSE IT SEEMS THE WIPERS JUST MAKES IT WORSE. ALSO, MY HEADLIGHTS DO NOT DO ANY JUSTICE. SOMETIMES I THINK I DO NOT HAVE THEM ON BECAUSE OF HOW DIM THEY ARE. AT NIGHT, I WOULD HAVE TO USE MY HIGH BEAMS ON THE HIGHWAY OR REGULAR ROADS SOMETIMES TO AVOID SHARP TURNS OR JUST TO SEE THE STREET LINES.
NHTSA complaint #11365642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
GOT IN CAR SHUT DOOR AND REAR WINDOW EXPLODED OUTWARD, NOT HOT OR VERY COLD THIS DAY WAS NEAR 50 DEG. THIS WINDOW GLASS LOOKS TO BE VERY THIN IMO. IN MY 50 YRS. OF MANY CARS THIS IS THE FIRST TIME SUCH A THING HAS HAPPENED.
NHTSA complaint #11194982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
IGNITIONS COIL SPRINGS PART KIA 27303 2E601QQK WAS REPLACED BY KIA DELALER AS PART OF A RECALL ACCORDING TO DEALERSHIP. WHEN I ARRIVED , SERVICE ADVISOR SAID THAT I WAS THERE FOR OIL CHANGE AND TWO RECALLS. I SET APPT. FOR OIL CHANGE, WAS UNAWARE OF RECALL TILL DEALERSHIP SERVICE ADVISOR MENTIONED. WHEN I CHECKED WITH NHTSA NO RECALL IS LISTED. KIA NEVER SENT LETTER REQUESTING WE BRING IN CAR FOR RECALL PARTS. IN ADDITION THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO 2ND PART REPLACEMENT DUE PART IS ON BACK ORDER. YDM REAR COMBINATION LAMP.
NHTSA complaint #11186962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA FORTE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, A BURNING ODOR WAS PERCEIVED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, BUT THE ORIGIN OF THE ODOR COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BILLION AUTO KIA (605-309-0977, LOCATED AT 1400 CAMBELL ST, RAPID CITY, SD 57701) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BLOWER MOTOR CONNECTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS TURNED OFF AT RANDOM AND WOULD REMAIN ILLUMINATED AFTER THEY WERE MANUALLY TURNED OFF. THE SAME DEALER STATED THAT THE INTERIOR SWITCHES WERE INOPERABLE. THE FAILURES WERE NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11176611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.