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2024 Kia Forte Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
24
Latest Jul 27, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
14
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
5

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2024 Kia Forte, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Engine719.4%
  • Airbags719.4%
  • Electrical616.7%
  • Driver assistance38.3%
  • Exterior lighting25.6%
  • Brakes25.6%
  • Powertrain (other)25.6%
  • Body & structure12.8%
  • Visibility12.8%
  • Seat belts12.8%
  • Steering12.8%
  • Suspension12.8%
  • Transmission12.8%
  • Fuel system12.8%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

This malfunction started in August of 2025 within 12 months of buying this new vehicle. A airbag sensor was replaced, then a national bbb case found the same malfunction only this time it includes the whole safty system failure. I gave the manufacturer a year and they have not corrected the malfunction. I am forced to drive a unsafe car *if I get hit my airbags will NOT DEPLOY*

NHTSA ID 11753181 · filed Jul 27, 2026

Coolant is burning and going into the oil in the engine. Occupancy indicator is malfunctioning causing a drastic amount of liability for death

NHTSA ID 11750128 · filed Jul 13, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

This malfunction started in August of 2025 within 12 months of buying this new vehicle. A airbag sensor was replaced, then a national bbb case found the same malfunction only this time it includes the whole safty system failure. I gave the manufacturer a year and they have not corrected the malfunction. I am forced to drive a unsafe car *if I get hit my airbags will NOT DEPLOY*

NHTSA ID 11753181 · filed Jul 27, 2026

Coolant is burning and going into the oil in the engine. Occupancy indicator is malfunctioning causing a drastic amount of liability for death

NHTSA ID 11750128 · filed Jul 13, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Coolant is burning and going into the oil in the engine. Occupancy indicator is malfunctioning causing a drastic amount of liability for death

NHTSA ID 11750128 · filed Jul 13, 2026

Exposed electric wires, airbag system failure codes, breaks non resistance in functional limitation of human safety. Voltage malfunction involves hazardous crash impact results

NHTSA ID 11722834 · filed Mar 8, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2024 Kia Forte GT. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH on an off-ramp and making a right turn, the lane assist feature had malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to steer and crash into the guard rail. During the incident, the passenger side of the vehicle was damaged along with the guard rail. No injuries were reported. A police report was taken at the scene, and the vehicle was driven away. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. Previously, while driving, the vehicle had experienced transmission failures, causing the vehicle to jerk and shudder while attempting to accelerate. The RMPS failed to increase over 1.5 and failed to accelerate during normal mode however, in sports mode, the vehicle performed normally. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 14,000.

NHTSA ID 11684783 · filed Sep 3, 2025

Hello, I'm trying to fix my front radar calibration right now but the dealership appointments is months away and I cannot wait that long and it's a hazard to be driving on the road with this being unfixed. Also, please have a vietnamese translator on call when/if you contact me by phone. Thanks!

NHTSA ID 11594550 · filed Jun 15, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

AIRBAG SYSTEM UNIT, AIRBAG SENSOR, VOLTAGE CRONIC MALFUNCTIONING POWER SUPPLY

NHTSA ID 11720535 · filed Feb 25, 2026

Headlights shut off while driving at night. The right turn signal was on and was in a right hand turn when the car hit a small dip. There was the sound that you hear when you turn on the key when the car hit the dip and the healights went off. After pulling off the road and turning on the hazard lights, tried turning the headlights off then back on several times. The parking lights seem to come on then went off. Noticed that the information screen reset and was at the setup screen. Turned the car off then restarted the car and the headlights turned on. On the freeway the tone you hear when you turn on the key sounded several times as the car went over the bumps at the overpasses where the road is subsiding. This is a rental car. No police report made. No information if problem occurred previously or if rental company had problem looked into. Problem occurred 11/16/2024

NHTSA ID 11626195 · filed Nov 19, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

This malfunction started in August of 2025 within 12 months of buying this new vehicle. A airbag sensor was replaced, then a national bbb case found the same malfunction only this time it includes the whole safty system failure. I gave the manufacturer a year and they have not corrected the malfunction. I am forced to drive a unsafe car *if I get hit my airbags will NOT DEPLOY*

NHTSA ID 11753181 · filed Jul 27, 2026

Exposed electric wires, airbag system failure codes, breaks non resistance in functional limitation of human safety. Voltage malfunction involves hazardous crash impact results

NHTSA ID 11722834 · filed Mar 8, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

While the vehicle was approximately ten months old with approximately 11K miles, it was continuously not functioning properly and would not start/accelerate. My 2024 KIA Forte, which was purchased new from a KIA dealership, has continuously failed to function properly. It had a water pump replaced after failing to be operated for more than a week and has since continued to fail - this time for not starting at all, not accelerating properly, and losing all power while driving (switching off completely) on at least two separate occasions. The dealership stated that I should drive the vehicle and document it when it occurs again (video) to assist them with identifying the issue since they are unable to correct the malfunction. It has been at the dealership for more than a month with no definitive resolution concerning the safety of the vehicle. I refuse to drive the vehicle and am afraid that I may injured/killed in an accident due to the safety concerns aforementioned. As of today's date, 09/22/2025, my 2024 KIA Forte remains at the KIA dealership with no foreseeable actions that may lead to a safe resolution. Further: 1) Component or system failed/malfunctioned - Engine, fuel pump, water pump. 2) Is it available for inspection - Yes. 3) How was your safety or that of others put at risk - Vehicle switched off multiple times while operating in traffic and barely escaping accidents. Suffered a scrape on the passenger's door as vehicle would not accelerate and stalled in a separate incident. 4) Vehicle or component been inspected by manufacturer - Yes, at the KIA dealership again. 5) Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure - No, there were no prior warning lamps, messages, or symptoms. KIA dealership stated that the 2024 KIA Forte has been "reprogrammed", but the dealership has been unable to identify the safety issues it has. I do not feel safe to operate this vehicle nor have any family members operate it.

NHTSA ID 11688947 · filed Sep 22, 2025

Car has been in several times for repair clutch assembly clutch plate, flywheel transmission, and the problem continues with shifting it does not want to go into gear it grinds even with the clutch fully to the floor. It will not go into first gear, not going to reverse intermittently and sometimes it will go from 1st to 5th third gear is missing sometimes first gear is missing this can happen at any given time shifting putting it into reverse sometimes it will not go into gear. It will just grind gears or taking off from a dead stop. It will not go into first gear. It will automatically go into third gear even though you’re putting it over and trying to put it into first gear, it will not engage in first gear. It will go to third gear and if you try to put it in a different gear, it will grind. Kia is aware of the issue with my vehicle and another vehicle that is experiencing the same problems and is unable to fix them this is an ongoing intermittent issue

NHTSA ID 11687028 · filed Sep 13, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

In order for the drivers door to shut, you have to nearly slam it shut. If you don’t, you’re still able to lock the vehicle which results and trapping the door. This means that if you attempt to unlock the vehicle, it will not let you you have to force the door open with your bodyweight. I am driving a loaner vehicle from a Kia dealership and this happened to me several times it’s quite disturbing especially if something has been left in the car and you don’t have access to it like my medication. The vehicle locks will still lock even though the doors are not shut this causes the doors to jam.

NHTSA ID 11575154 · filed Mar 3, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Dealership refused to fix my safety system unint failure alont with proof of voltage malfunction

NHTSA ID 11720720 · filed Feb 26, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Date of Incident: [XXX] Location: [XXX] To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this letter to report a potential airbag malfunction involving my 2024 Kia Forte GT. On [XXX], I was the driver and sole occupant of my vehicle when I was T-boned on the driver’s side while traveling [XXX] on [XXX] at the intersection of [XXX] . The collision was severe enough to spin my vehicle and resulted in significant damage to the driver-side door and frame. Despite the force and nature of the crash, none of the airbags in my vehicle deployed—including side airbags that should have been triggered by the impact. I was later diagnosed with a concussion and sustained other physical and emotional injuries from the crash. As of the date of this complaint, the vehicle has not been repaired, and I have photos documenting the damage. Given the potential risk to other drivers who may experience similar failures, I am requesting that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration review this vehicle for airbag deployment defects. I am willing to provide photos, medical records, and further details as needed. Also, the seatbelts sometime freeze when pulling them out to get secured in the car, you have to release and then pull again to gain full access to the seat belt. There is a police report done on this matter but I do not have access to it yet because it has yet to be approved by the LRPD sergeant. We checked on July 5th, 2025. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11671432 · filed Jul 6, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The lane assist stopped working properly and pulled me into the guardrail

NHTSA ID 11583959 · filed Apr 19, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Suspension noise over bumps

NHTSA ID 11730346 · filed Apr 10, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2024 Kia Forte GT. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH on an off-ramp and making a right turn, the lane assist feature had malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to steer and crash into the guard rail. During the incident, the passenger side of the vehicle was damaged along with the guard rail. No injuries were reported. A police report was taken at the scene, and the vehicle was driven away. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. Previously, while driving, the vehicle had experienced transmission failures, causing the vehicle to jerk and shudder while attempting to accelerate. The RMPS failed to increase over 1.5 and failed to accelerate during normal mode however, in sports mode, the vehicle performed normally. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 14,000.

NHTSA ID 11684783 · filed Sep 3, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

While the vehicle was approximately ten months old with approximately 11K miles, it was continuously not functioning properly and would not start/accelerate. My 2024 KIA Forte, which was purchased new from a KIA dealership, has continuously failed to function properly. It had a water pump replaced after failing to be operated for more than a week and has since continued to fail - this time for not starting at all, not accelerating properly, and losing all power while driving (switching off completely) on at least two separate occasions. The dealership stated that I should drive the vehicle and document it when it occurs again (video) to assist them with identifying the issue since they are unable to correct the malfunction. It has been at the dealership for more than a month with no definitive resolution concerning the safety of the vehicle. I refuse to drive the vehicle and am afraid that I may injured/killed in an accident due to the safety concerns aforementioned. As of today's date, 09/22/2025, my 2024 KIA Forte remains at the KIA dealership with no foreseeable actions that may lead to a safe resolution. Further: 1) Component or system failed/malfunctioned - Engine, fuel pump, water pump. 2) Is it available for inspection - Yes. 3) How was your safety or that of others put at risk - Vehicle switched off multiple times while operating in traffic and barely escaping accidents. Suffered a scrape on the passenger's door as vehicle would not accelerate and stalled in a separate incident. 4) Vehicle or component been inspected by manufacturer - Yes, at the KIA dealership again. 5) Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure - No, there were no prior warning lamps, messages, or symptoms. KIA dealership stated that the 2024 KIA Forte has been "reprogrammed", but the dealership has been unable to identify the safety issues it has. I do not feel safe to operate this vehicle nor have any family members operate it.

NHTSA ID 11688947 · filed Sep 22, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .