2021 Kia Forte Problems

Driving under normal conditions April 20,2026, on the way to school. Got off the freeway and the vehicle immediately shut-off and the check engine light came on. Vehicle was stuck partially in the roadway and would not move. Vehicle was towed to Kia dealership and they found that there was no oil in the engine and that the oil drain plug was completely missing. This problem caused catastrophic engine failure resulting in the need for a full engine replacement. A routine oil change had been conducted approx. 2,000 miles prior to this on January 12, 2026. The vehicle had been driven daily since that oil change with no noticeable oil leak or problems preceding this event. Had this event occurred at freeway speeds, it could have caused serious injury to the driver and other motorists on the roadway at that time. It appears that the drain plug fell out since there was no other additional or noticeable damage to the oil pan or surrounding the drain plug itself. This information was confirmed by a photograph taken by the dealership conducting the repairs.

To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting a formal complaint regarding a serious safety issue involving my 2021 Kia Forte. Approximately one year ago, I purchased this vehicle used with approximately 56,000 miles. I have owned the vehicle for nearly a year without prior incident until a recent and significant failure occurred. While driving on a highway after work, the vehicle suddenly lost engine power. The RPMs dropped abruptly, and the vehicle began decelerating rapidly before completely shutting off. This occurred without any prior warning indicators, such as dashboard warning lights or messages. I attempted to restart the engine three times before it successfully turned over. Upon restarting, the engine produced a loud knocking noise that had not been present before. Since this incident, the vehicle has been unable to operate reliably. It will start and run briefly but stalls again after a short distance. The knocking noise persists, suggesting a serious internal engine issue. The vehicle remains in my possession and is available for inspection. Component/System Involved: The failure appears to involve the engine and/or internal engine components. The exact cause has not yet been diagnosed by a professional. Safety Risk: This failure posed a significant safety hazard, as the sudden loss of power occurred while traveling on a highway. This could have resulted in a serious accident, particularly if surrounding traffic had been heavier or less responsive. Inspection and Diagnosis: The issue has not yet been formally diagnosed or confirmed by a dealership or independent repair facility. Additionally, the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, law enforcement, insurance representatives, or other entities. Warning Indicators: There were no warning lights, messages, or other indicators prior to or during the initial failure. The only symptom Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

HVAC blower motor connector got so hot it has melted the plactic

The issue I’m having was confirmed by the dealership so when I drive on the highway, there’s a specific patch of highway that zigzags the car will follow that zigzag after getting off of the highway onto regular road. The car computer system will start a down shift erratically and feel like the car is pulling backwards. Also there is a lack of acceleration and it feels like the transmission is slipping, but I have confirmed with the dealership that the transmission was not slipping that the computer was shifting erratically. They would reset the computer and the car would would begin driving in a more normal state shifting correctly. I get on the highway again. The car once again will start shifting erratic. When you let go of the gas, the car downshift so many times that the car almost comes to a complete stop without hitting the brakes. The dealership has the car once again trying to figure out what’s going on with the car and why when I go on the highway the computer starts shifting erratically on that specific patch of highway. The car will pull left and right the entire time once you get off the highway the erratic shifting happens the dealership let me borrow a car which is a 2025 Kia Sorrento went on the highway with the car and had the same exact issue. The car they let me borrow is also downshifting erratically and feels like the transmission is slipping. The dealership did confirm that the car was not driving as intended, and they were confused as to why it was happening. They’ve also confirmed that the test that they’ve done on the car itself. had not passed prior to them resetting the computer.

The contact owned a 2021 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the steering wheel locked independently, causing the vehicle to veer off the road into a construction site. The contact stated that the air bags did deploy. The contact stated that she sustained noise and neck injuries, including placenta rupture, causing early labor. Medical attention was required. The contact stated that a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

Component/System Involved: Electric Power Steering (EPS) – specifically, a potential malfunction with the assist motor response timing. Description of Incident: While driving, primarily on the highway, I have experienced a recurring issue with the power steering system. The steering assist appears to delay activation after periods of inactivity—such as when driving straight. When I attempt a small correction (even a movement as small as 1/16 of an inch), there is unusually high resistance, followed by a sudden release. This results in an overcorrection and can create a cycle of steering instability as the same pattern repeats with each correction. Safety Risk: This malfunction poses a safety risk because the delay in steering assist and sudden release can lead to unintended sharp corrections or lane drifting, especially at highway speeds. The issue requires both hands on the wheel to maintain control, and the unpredictable nature of the steering increases the chance of losing control or colliding with another vehicle. Warning Lamps/Symptoms Prior to Failure: There are no warning lights, error messages, or chimes preceding or accompanying the issue. Mileage & Vehicle Info: Several people seem to be having the same issue and it happens at different stages of the vehicles life, but no one seems to have found a solution or source of the problem.

Transmission, yes it’s available. I was driving on the highway and the vehicle began jerking and revving, slowing down and then speeding up. It is at a service center now. Now lamps

The transmission went out while driving, entering the highway. It was intermittently missing a gear or slipping in about 2nd or 3rd gear. I first noticed it going about 40 mph and trying to accelerate to highway speeds. It was during a winter storm and other vehicles behind me had to brake unexpectedly. I wasn't sure if I felt for sure, so I continued to drive through many inclines and declines. The inclines became more difficult and the inability to maintain consistent speeds. I drove gently to the nearest Kia dealership which was in Salt Lake City about 60 miles away, where they informed me that I needed a new transmission. The car had about 75,000 miles on it and I bought it as a certified Pre-owned Kia with about 4,000 miles on it. The dealership plugged in the diagnostic code reader. But there were no codes detected. The service tech drove the car and felt the issue. A warranty representative inspected it about a week later. There were no warning lamps while I drove (mostly coasting downhill) from Rock Springs, WY. When I arrived to Salt Lake City, the triangle warning light came on. I drove about 10 more miles and the engine light came on. Almost all mileage has been on highways and at highways speeds as I commuted 75 miles each way for work on a turnpike between eastern Oklahoma and Fayetteville, Arkansas. There was little city driving. I lived in a small town. So, I had to travel state highways for most all errands (groceries, medical, etc.). There were no mechanical issues with the car ever until this.

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).

Passenger air bag/seat belt goes off like someone is sitting in passenger seat but no one is. Have to do seat belt for the alert stops

1.Vehicle on spots of highway will apply the forward collision warning system and suddenly brake that may cause a collision with vehicle behind it. 2. Theft is sweeping the nation for Kia/Hyundai vehicles and this vehicle is a target. Hyundai/Kia need to install security protocols on their product as this should have been on the product since purchase.

Vehicle has issues where transmission actuator will stop functioning causing sudden loss of acceleration. Was doing 70 MPH in expressway and vehicle stopped accelerating. Issue has occurred two times, both times being serviced by Dealership, after receiving the vehicle back, issue still persists, vehicle lost acceleration suddenly when turning into a intersection.

Recall

Bought the KIA 4/192021 from Camelback KIA - Phoenix, AZ. Drove the car home to Green Valley. Approximately 2 months later checked the tires air pressure and discovered that 3 of the tires were at 52 PSI and 1 was at 51 PSI. After checking with a neighbor who owns 2 KIA Fortes with KUMHO tires about the PSI (which is the max PSI located on the sidewall) he said he thought that was wrong. I called Camelback to confirm if that was what they should be kept at - left a message. After 3 failed attempts getting a call back from Camelback and 3 contacts with KIA via their website (no return contacts). I finally contacted KUMHO who emailed me that I should follow the recommendations listed on the car door - 33PSI. My concern is are the tires now dangerous after nearly 3000 miles at 51 - 52 PSI? I have been told that driving with the tires at that max PSI causes excessive wear in the center especially in the Arizona heat. Neither Camelback or KIA has ever contacted me - 6 total attempts. Tires are 225/45 R17 Kumho Majesty Solus.

This car was sold to me without disclosing that the manufacture failed to have a engine security system on the car to at least "deter" auto theft.If the key to the car was programmed/chipped like other cars, it would provide at least some level of protection. I've already stopped car thieves from trying to steal it once by pure luck, but I'm like the thousands out there constantly worried that someone's going to try to take it in lieu of the social media challenges.The horrible settlement that out government gave us was to upgrade the software which provides NO help with deterring thieves from breaking in and trying to steal it.The reimbursement provided in the settlement is complete joke, and doesn't offer to properly repair or reimburse for after-market security systems.This is evident from the fact that insurance companies still won't insure this car, even after the software upgrade. The insurance companies are telling me that they still won't insure the car even with upgrade because it doesn't stop thieves from breaking into the car and causing comprehensive damage to the car.I can only find a few insurance companies that will insure the car, and the premium cost is twice as much as I pay to insure a car that's worth twice as much money! If our government or NHTSA was truly concerned, they would have demanded that the manufacture make significant change to the ignition/engine starter, i.e., changing out the ignition switch system with a programmed/chipped key, and/or engine starter kill without said key. If the manufacture and the government made this change a required "recall" to properly fix and advertised it nationwide, THEN thieves would at least be less inclined to cause damage, and insurance companies would feel more comfortable about taking the risk. This ongoing expense/problem for me has me seriously considering if anyone in my family should every purchase another KIA/Hyundai product again. Stand behind your product with some INTEGRITY.

Car stalled and shut off while in drive leading it to be towed.

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).

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.

So i took my car to sands kia in surprise az about my seat belts. Both the front driver and passenger belts come unlatched while driving. They said out of warranty so i would have to pay or they will do nothing. This should be a Kia issue. Obviously a defect in the seat belts. I can be driving on freeway and multiple times they will come unlatched while driving. So instead of having both hands on the steering will. I have to fiddle around to get it to latch again. It is a legal requirement to have working seat belts and u feel kia should fix this issue. I told them this and that i didn't feel this was something i should have to pay for and the service writer just asked me if i was leaving then. Hope there is no accident because seat belts won't work and there will be a lawsuit.

Passenger air bag/seat belt goes off like someone is sitting in passenger seat but no one is. Have to do seat belt for the alert stops

I got my car April 18 2021. It is a 2021 car and i got it off the lot with only 30 miles. I had the car for only 2 months and my breaks were already making a squeaky noise. I took it in to get them replaced I asked why i needed new ones sooo quick and i was told that maybe the manufacturer breaks weren’t good. I took my car in again December 28 2021 because the breaks are making a squeaky noise AGAIN and my car is only at 7k miles. I’ve had my car for 8 months and have had my breaks changed twice when I shouldn’t of even had to get them changed because my car hasn’t even reached the mile li mit for new break pads. This is absurd.

I bought a brand new Kia Forte with 30 miles on it in February. In April I took it to the dealership for the breaks squeaking. The dealership stated they put conditioner on my breaks. Took the car back again in may for the breaks still squeaking. The dealership changed my oil when that was not what I called and asked for. Had to wait another hour for the dealership to look over the breaks. They stated they put conditioner on the rotors. Brought the car back again in July for breaks squeaking still. They replaced the front end breaking system. August 25, 2021. Was driving and heard a clanking noise under my car. Pulled over. The break caliper on the driver side back end was broken. Had to get the car towed to the dealership.

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.

When I abruptly have to step on the brakes to stop the vehicle, the backseat behind the driver and the middle seat fall forward. This has happened multiple times.

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).

ENGINE CONSUMING TOO MUCH OIL. DEVELOPED WHAT WAS THOUGHT TO BE A "LIFTER TAP". AFTER FURTHER DIAGNOSIS, PARAMOUNT KIA DETERMINED LOWER ENGINE NEEDS REPAIR. CYLINDERS ONE AND 3 ARE ISSUES. PARAMOUNT KIA CLAIM THEY ONLY WANT TO REPLACE LOWER ENGINE. 2021 KIA FORTE LXS 11K MILES.

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle started to decelerate while the RPM increased. The contact pulled over to the side and notice the vehicle smoking but there was no fire. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact towed the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,642.