2016 Kia Forte Problems

My 2016 Kia Forte had a recall that was never performed and I was never told anything about the car fax or any recalls from where I got the car from, it needs a engine repair.

Car runs fine at lower speeds. When traveling over 50 mph for ten minutes or more, then decelerating or stopping in traffic or at a stop light it stalls. It cranks right back up after you put it neutral and turn the key. We’ve almost been rear ended twice since this started. The car has only been driven about 3000 miles a year over the past 7 years and only about 45 mph. It has been to two shops and hasn’t been driven since May 15th.

Unknown it makes a ticking noise check engine light came on and oil isn't low. Recently bought it.

Instrument panel lighting and radio lighting flicker constantly while driving. When the headlights are on, the headlights will also turn and off on their own, constantly. Because of this, I can not drive this car at night, in the early morning, in the rain, or whenever my headlights are needed. From what I've surmised, the issue seems to be the multifunction switch, which, coincidentally, Kia has an active recall on for one of their other models.

I am filing a formal complaint regarding serious safety and mechanical problems with my vehicle. The brakes do not function properly and I have to add brake fluid every few days, which indicates a possible leak or brake system failure. This creates an extremely dangerous driving condition. The vehicle also has electrical problems, including malfunctioning lights. The engine has lost power, making it unsafe to drive, especially in traffic or on highways. In addition, the airbag warning light is on, which means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, putting me at risk of serious injury or death. These problems have made the vehicle unreliable and unsafe to operate. I am requesting that these issues be inspected and repaired immediately at no cost to me, or that the vehicle be replaced or refunded under warranty or consumer protection laws. I am concerned for my safety and the safety of others, and I expect this matter to be handled urgently.

In December 2023 the dashboard ABS, ESC and Brake Dashboard warning lights came on the car while driving. I checked for any ABS codes and noted a C2374 code. The car did not show any handling issues and I attributed it to a anomaly. However over 2024 the lights have come back on but they disapear when the car is turned off and then restarted. As this is happening frequently during the past 3 months I took it to two KIA dealers to have it reviewed. Both dealers say the HECU ( Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit) is failing. As the car now has 110,000 miles on it I was told by KIA that this is passed the warranty and not covered. I am surprised that a safety device is not covered and as this device requires no maintenance by the customer I attribute this to a premature part failure. I note there has been a related safety Recall Report 23E-073 issued for this part. I included the dealers diagnostic reports. If this vehicle is unsafe to drive then I need to be aware of that and KIA should investigate for similar occurrences.

1. NHTSA Safety Complaint Draft Vehicle Info: Make: Kia Model: Forte5 SX Year: 2016 VIN: [XXX] Engine: 1.6L GDI (G4FJ Nu engine) Issue: This vehicle uses the 1.6L GDI Nu engine (engine code G4FJ), which is the same engine involved in Kia’s engine defect recalls and class action settlements related to connecting rod bearing failure and engine seizure risks. However, Kia is refusing to provide the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) update, and no internal campaigns or recalls are listed for my VIN despite the identical mechanical risk. I purchased the vehicle in 2017 and was unaware of the extended warranty and safety campaigns until now. I am experiencing symptoms of rough idle and pre-knock concerns, and yet Kia and my local dealership are unwilling to escalate my case or even verify warranty eligibility. This defect poses a risk of sudden engine failure and should be addressed under expanded recall coverage. I am requesting NHTSA investigate inclusion of later-production 2016 vehicles like mine, which clearly share the same defective power train. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

We have a 2016 Kia Forte 5 that did not meet the criteria when the other 2016 Kia Forte's were recalled due to engine failure as it has a 2.0L engine. On or about [XXX], while driving this vehicle, the car lost all power and came to a stop on a busy highway. It still had electrical power, but failed to accelerate and we lost the ability to steer or control the car. We were able to get it off the road and called for a tow. The car was towed to a repair shop and we were informed that the engine failed, and needed to be replaced. This is the same situation that is occurring with the current Kia engine recalls. The garage attempted to contact Kia and we were told that due to the car not selling well in the US, it was considered a niche vehicle, and therefore no recalls were made. The car was in perfect running order with no signs of failure, no lights on the dashboard to warn of a malfunctioning component, and no audible sounds of a failing engine. Our safety, as well as others, was put at risk due to the car losing all power on a 55mph road that is heavily travelled and could cause an accident. The engine was inspected by a certified mechanic and all they can determine is that the engine failed and it needs to be replaced. This placed my wife in a dangerous situation that could have ended badly. To date, the car has been towed back to our home and sits in our driveway as there is no current fix to it, but the reason for the original recall on the 1.6L engines, and the current recall on Kia engines, is the same that occurred with this vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I am filing a formal complaint regarding serious safety and mechanical problems with my vehicle. The brakes do not function properly and I have to add brake fluid every few days, which indicates a possible leak or brake system failure. This creates an extremely dangerous driving condition. The vehicle also has electrical problems, including malfunctioning lights. The engine has lost power, making it unsafe to drive, especially in traffic or on highways. In addition, the airbag warning light is on, which means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, putting me at risk of serious injury or death. These problems have made the vehicle unreliable and unsafe to operate. I am requesting that these issues be inspected and repaired immediately at no cost to me, or that the vehicle be replaced or refunded under warranty or consumer protection laws. I am concerned for my safety and the safety of others, and I expect this matter to be handled urgently.

The contact owned a 2016 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while decelerating due to traffic, the vehicle was struck in the rear end and pushed approximately a few feet, causing the vehicle's front end to crash into the rear of the vehicle in front. No warning lights illuminated. No air bags deployed. The contact stated that due to the impact of the crash, she had fallen unconscious. A police report was filed. The contact sought medical attention for bruises and head damage. The vehicle was towed to the local tow lot, where it remains, and was declared a total loss by the insurance provider. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V031000 (Airbags) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

I am filing a formal complaint regarding serious safety and mechanical problems with my vehicle. The brakes do not function properly and I have to add brake fluid every few days, which indicates a possible leak or brake system failure. This creates an extremely dangerous driving condition. The vehicle also has electrical problems, including malfunctioning lights. The engine has lost power, making it unsafe to drive, especially in traffic or on highways. In addition, the airbag warning light is on, which means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, putting me at risk of serious injury or death. These problems have made the vehicle unreliable and unsafe to operate. I am requesting that these issues be inspected and repaired immediately at no cost to me, or that the vehicle be replaced or refunded under warranty or consumer protection laws. I am concerned for my safety and the safety of others, and I expect this matter to be handled urgently.

In December 2023 the dashboard ABS, ESC and Brake Dashboard warning lights came on the car while driving. I checked for any ABS codes and noted a C2374 code. The car did not show any handling issues and I attributed it to a anomaly. However over 2024 the lights have come back on but they disapear when the car is turned off and then restarted. As this is happening frequently during the past 3 months I took it to two KIA dealers to have it reviewed. Both dealers say the HECU ( Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit) is failing. As the car now has 110,000 miles on it I was told by KIA that this is passed the warranty and not covered. I am surprised that a safety device is not covered and as this device requires no maintenance by the customer I attribute this to a premature part failure. I note there has been a related safety Recall Report 23E-073 issued for this part. I included the dealers diagnostic reports. If this vehicle is unsafe to drive then I need to be aware of that and KIA should investigate for similar occurrences.

Headlights shut off entirely multiple times when switching to high beams on dark road, almost causing an accident. Multi-function switch failing the exact way the Sorento switches are failing, confirmed by mechanic. This is a severe hazard when driving at night. There was no warning whatsoever.

I own a 2016 Kia Forte LX and have been experiencing repeated and dangerous electrical failures with the headlight and lighting system. When I turn on the headlights, they sometimes do not come on at all, or they shut off unexpectedly while driving. In some cases, using the turn signal causes the headlights to cut out completely. The interior dash lights flicker between dim and bright, and the tail lights are also affected. This is a serious safety hazard because it results in sudden and complete loss of exterior lighting (headlights and tail lights) while the vehicle is in motion at night. It significantly increases the risk of an accident. Online owner forums and repair shops confirm this issue is widespread in Kia vehicles, often traced to a failing multifunction headlight/turn signal switch. Despite the frequency of these failures, there has been no recall issued by Kia. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this defect in the 2016 Kia Forte and related models, as it directly compromises driver and passenger safety.

Vehicle won't intake gas. Cod P0451, P0456

The fuel input is not working properly. Will not allow fuel to go into fuel tank. Risk of fuel spilling and fire hazard.

VEHICLE ISSUED DTC'S P1326 AND CAR FAILED COMPLETELY IN THE MIDDLE OF A VERY BUSY EXPRESSWAY

EMERGENCY WARNING LIGHT FOR TIRE PRESSURE COMES ON AND STAYS ON DESPITE TIRES BEING BALANCED AND AIRED PROPERLY BY SERVICE TECHNICIAN. LIGHT CAME ON WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY.

THE KIA FORTE CAUGHT FIRE AS MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE (THE CAR WAS IN MOTION). WE HAD ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR JUST OVER A YEAR. I AM UNSURE WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE HOWEVER, THE INSURANCE REVIEWER ADVISE THAT THE FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE. MY HUSBAND BARLEY MADE IT OUT OF THE CAR BEFORE THE INSIDE WAS COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE CAR WAS A COMPLETE LOSS IT WAS HARDLY RECOGNIZABLE ONCE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO GET THE FIRE OUT.

TOO MUCH ACCLERATION ON THE OPEN HIGHWAY. THE SCREWS IN MY VISORS KEEP COMING OUT. I WAS ONLY GIVEN A DONUT TIRE UPON PURCHASE. THE PAINT ON THE CAR IS SO CHEAP I'M SEEING SCRATCHES ALL THRU THE PAINT ON MY CAR.

Im a retired mechanic I have 2016 Kia Forte lx 1.8l 6spd manual from my diagnostic scanner it showed the instrument cluster has a short in it which caused all the warning lights to come on when really the only thing that was really bad was a right front wheel speed sensor I replaced it but with the instrument panel short the ecu cant tell what's working and what's not the car only has 64000 miles and all this is still going on a diagnostic scanner cant tell what real and what's not I will never own another Kia product in my life and [XXX] sure wouldn't recommend one. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

WHEN TRAVELING OVER 60-65MPH ON A HIGHWAY I NOTICE THE VEHICLE PULLING ONE WAY OR ANOTHER. FEELS AS IF THE STEERING WHEEL IS TOO LOOSE AND THE TIRES ARE TOO EASILY SWAYED RIGHT OR LEFT. FEELS AS THOUGH I HAVE MINIMAL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HAVE TO CONCENTRATE ON KEEPING THE WHEEL STRAIGHT. ALSO SHAKY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IDLING

I PURCHASED MY 2016 KIA FORTE IN MARCH 2017 USED AND SINCE THEN I'VE BEEN HAVING SUSPENSION PROBLEMS. MAY 2017 I HAD 3 ALIGNMENTS AND I CONSTANTLY BEEN GETTING ALIGNMENTS AND REPLACING MY BRAKES AND TIRES. AUGUST 2020 MY CAR STARTED TO CUT OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND ACCELERATE WHEN I TRIED TO STOP. MY CHECK ENGINE CODE AN IGNITION COILS PROBLEM SO I DID A FULL TUNE-UP AND OIL CHANGE IN SEPTEMBER. BUT IT DIDNT FIX THE PROBLEM SO AFTER THAT MY CAR CODE AN INTAKE FAILURE. I HAD IT REPAIRED IN OCTOBER BUT IT STILL DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM AND ON TOP OF THAT THE PISTONS IN THE ENGINE STARTED GRINDING. I TOOK MY CAR BACK TO THE SHOP AND THEY SAID THAT I NEED A WHOLE NEW ENGINE. NOW MY CAR BEEN SITTING EVERY SINCE THE BEGINNING OF NOVEMBER.

I WAS INVOLVED IN A FAIRLY SERIOUS FRONT END COLLISION AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE IMPACT WAS AT THE RIGHT FRONT FRAME RAIL AND CORNER. THE IMPACT WAS ENOUGH TO PUSH A FULL SIZED CHEVROLET PICK UP SIDEWAYS APPROX. 6 FEET. I WAS TRAVELING AT APPROX 35-40 MPH IN A STRAIGHT LINE WHEN THE TRUCK PULLED OUT STRAIGHT ACROSS THE ROAD IN FRONT OF ME CAUSING ME TO COLLIDE WITH IT BROADSIDE AT THE TRUCKS LEFT FRONT WHEEL AREA.

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.

2016 KIA FORTE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO WINDSHIELD WIPERS SUDDENLY STOPS WORKING DURING RAINSTORM, DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT UNABLE TO DUPLICATE SUDDEN MALFUNCTION. *SMD UPDATED 08/21/2017*JS ..UPDATED 09/21/17 *BF *CN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA FORTE. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT BELT HAD A DENT WHERE THE SENSOR WAS LOCATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE HAD A MOLD ODOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,674.

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.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO SPARE TIRE FROM THE INITIAL PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE THAT PROGRESSED UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE PREMATURELY FRACTURED. THE DEALER (CLASSIC CHEVROLET, 1-(888) 981-6002) HAD BEEN UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHAT CAUSED THE FAILURE AND REPLACED THE TIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000. *TT *TR