KIA Forte Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data

The front passenger-side lower control arm on my 2022 Kia Forte fractured completely without warning during normal driving conditions. There was no collision, curb strike, pothole impact, or accident. The fracture appears clean and brittle, not bent or deformed. The failure caused suspension misalignment, damage to the CV axle, and uneven tire wear, creating a loss-of-control risk. The vehicle was inspected and no impact damage or deformation was found on surrounding suspension components. Kia has denied warranty coverage, stating ‘external forces’ caused the failure, but has provided no physical evidence, documentation, or explanation to support that conclusion. This appears to be a premature failure of a safety-critical suspension component. A sudden control arm fracture presents a serious steering and safety hazard and should not occur under normal operation The dealership indicated that they had a written explanation attributing the failure to ‘external forces,’ but when I requested supporting details, photographs, or physical evidence of impact, none were provided at the time. I was told that further explanation or documentation would not be available until a manager review at a later date. As of filing this complaint, no physical evidence supporting an external-force determination has been shown.

The contact leased a 2022 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the vehicle failed to respond while the gear shifter was in reverse(R). There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was test-driven, and the dealer became aware that the transmission was slipping. The dealer inspected the vehicle and found clutch debris inside the transmission. The dealer cleaned the transmission, replaced the dual clutch, and reprogrammed the TCM and clutch actuator. The contact stated that the failure persisted after the dealer had serviced the vehicle. The vehicle was later taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission clutch had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to shift into the intended gear, and the vehicle was jerking, and the warning light was illuminated. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.

Hi I had my Kia forte GT 2022 for 3 years and my engine light has been on for about 3 months now . I get a check up and an oil change regularly. It comes on and goes off . I told my mechanic and he said I might have to get a new transmission. I only had this brand new car for 3 years . Is there a defect in these Kia forte GT or a recall .

In early 2025, I encountered a serious issue with my 2022 Kia Forte GT, a manual car with 76,000 miles and a 1.6L turbo Gamma engine. I took it for a routine oil change at a local non-Kia shop, but they refused, finding metal particles in the oil, suggesting engine damage. Worried, I towed it to a Kia dealership for a warranty-covered inspection, given my 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage. The dealership proposed a $500 engine flush, claiming it would clear contaminants, and advised me to drive 1,000 miles, even until the engine seized if needed, before returning. This shocked me—driving with metal risked catastrophic failure, potentially costing $3,000-$6,000 for a new engine, and seemed designed to avoid warranty responsibility. At 76,000 miles, I believed the metal indicated a manufacturing defect, not wear, especially since I’d used 5W-30 synthetic oil per Kia’s schedule. The non-Kia shop’s refusal left my maintenance history unclear, but Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act protects me from paying for fixes if it’s a defect. I contacted Kia customer service (1-800-333-4542), but they wouldn’t talk, citing my lawyer’s involvement. My lawyer, however, has been unresponsive to calls and emails for weeks, leaving me stranded. The dealership’s “drive until seizure” advice felt unsafe, prompting me to consider an NHTSA complaint at www.nhtsa.gov with my VIN to report this potential defect. This ordeal has caused significant stress and financial worry. I’ve asked the dealership for a detailed report on the metal’s source, but they’ve been vague. I’m torn between paying $500 and risking my car or pushing Kia harder. With the car still at the dealership, I hope for a warranty fix, not a costly delay tactic.the engine was replaced 10000 miles ago. And took two months.

My car body material looks like a baby toy I have a bas accient and

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Forte. The contact stated that after driving and parking the vehicle, upon restarting the vehicle, the oil pressure warning light illuminated. There was a puddle of oil near the vehicle. While driving 35–40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and shutoff. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who informed the contact that the oil drain plug was missing. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the battery and engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The contact called the warranty company and was provided warranty information. The failure mileage was approximately 21,840.

Vehicle was accidentally left in drive with the engine off. Ignition key was able to be removed from ignition cylinder even though vehicle was in gear and allowed it to roll away several feet.

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.

I keep shutting down, not going on something with a forward assist on top of that. I have no control over my car does whatever ones and it’s very unstable Fawzy no control is very unstable very bumpy road to the point I don’t even wanna drive

The car hesitates to accelerate when going from my stop and then suddenly accelerate. The check engine comes on and when I’m gonna take it to the dealership. It turns off. Dealership claims they can’t work on it because the endcheck light is no longer on.