KIA Forte Engine Problems
Owners have filed 1,130 complaints with NHTSA about engine problems on the KIA Forte across 16 model years. The 2014 model year has the most (216). The words owners use most often: “engine started” (6% of reports).
- 1,130engine complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 20mention a crash
- 10mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- $6,350typical repair cost reported by owners
- 39%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Engine started: mentioned in 70 of 1,130 complaints (6%)
- Oil changes: mentioned in 65 of 1,130 complaints (6%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical engine repair on the KIA Forte at $6,350, and half of them between $3,950 and $10,250.
Based on 34 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2018–2026), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do engine problems happen?
Based on 574 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 1,130 complaints, 20 mention a crash, 87 a fire, 10 an injury.
KIA Forte engine complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Forte | 8 | 31% | 39,000 |
| 2023 Forte | 9 | 14% | 49,000 |
| 2022 Forte | 4 | 14% | 12,800 |
| 2021 Forte | 22 | 32% | 93,532 |
| 2020 Forte | 20 | 26% | 53,355 |
| 2019 Forte | 37 | 25% | 16,500 |
| 2018 Forte | 57 | 42% | 67,000 |
| 2017 Forte | 145 | 48% | 69,500 |
| 2016 Forte | 66 | 49% | 67,000 |
| 2015 Forte | 158 | 61% | 86,000 |
| 2014 Forte | 216 | 49% | 93,500 |
| 2013 Forte | 107 | 55% | 85,000 |
| 2012 Forte | 161 | 55% | 100,000 |
| 2011 Forte | 45 | 29% | 105,945 |
| 2010 Forte | 74 | 33% | 100,000 |
| 2009 Forte | 1 | 100% | 120,456 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:pump
Model years: 2017, 2018
Problem: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Forte vehicles equipped with a 2.0L Nu MPI engine. Foreign particles may stick inside the oil pump, which may cause an oil pump failure and engine damage.
Risk: A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the oil pan, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed August 16, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC210.
Engine
Model years: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
Problem: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
I took my 2019 Kia Forte LXS to a certified Kia dealership to have the mandatory anti-theft security upgrade performed (Campaign CS2312), which involves installing an ignition cylinder protector plate inside the steering column. Immediately after picking up the vehicle, multiple severe safety and…
During a day trip on 9/19/26 my 2020 Kia Forte (purchased new and well maintained) lost power and several of the dash board lights came on including check engine, traction/stability control, and collision alerts. The car entered what I was told is "limp mode". I had the car towed home and after one…
My engine is failing due to excessive oil consumption despite having proof of regular oil changes and maintenance. My car has been inspected, and the dealer has stated this is due to a known manufacture defect. My safety and others are at risk because my car stalls when I decrease speed and I…
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that oil was leaking underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that at start-up the check engine and low oil pressure warning light remained illuminated with an abnormal burned oil odor. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed, and…
On October 4, 2026, at approximately 27,870 miles, my 2024 Kia Forte GT-Line unexpectedly shut off while I was driving and making a right-hand turn into a parking lot. The vehicle was in Drive when the engine shut off. The instrument cluster continued to indicate âDâ and displayed the message…
Frequently asked questions
Do all KIA Fortes have engine problems?
No. NHTSA has 1,130 owner complaints about engine for the KIA Forte. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the KIA Forte engine?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list engine. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix engine problems on the KIA Forte?
Owners report a typical cost of $6,350 (half paid between $3,950 and $10,250), from 34 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about engine problems on the KIA Forte?
The most frequent phrase is “engine started”, in 70 of 1,130 complaints, followed by “oil changes” (65).
Other KIA Forte problems
- Electrical System problems (325)
- Air Bags problems (294)
- Power Train problems (218)
- Exterior Lighting problems (178)
- Steering problems (166)
- Service Brakes problems (156)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (116)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (110)
See all KIA Forte problems.