*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Fuel/propulsion system
There is an issue with the fuel pump where it would stall or shut off while driving or at a stoplight
Jun 10, 2026Engine and engine cooling
The contact's son owns a 2018 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 55 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended, with the oil pressure warning light and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact slowed down and pulled over to the side of the road, and the vehicle was turned off. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but there was white smoke coming from the engine. The contact raised the hood and inspected the engine, and the smoke had ceased. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had seized due to a lack of engine oil, even though…
Aug 18, 2026 · 100,300 milesExterior lighting
Have to replace running lights every 4-6 months on both of my headlights. Happened every 4-6 months since I got the car in 2017
Apr 3, 2017Engine and engine cooling
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was discovered that the engine oil level was extremely low. The dealer kept the vehicle for nine months and performed an oil change. The failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who replaced the oil gasket cover, but the failure recurred with the engine making knocking sounds. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the…
Aug 15, 2025 · 104,000 milesEngine
Recently, while my boyfriend was driving my vehicle, the engine suddenly lost power without warning. He had the accelerator pedal fully depressed, yet the vehicle would barely move. He was fortunate to safely maneuver the vehicle off the road. Upon inspection, he discovered there was no oil present in the engine. Critically, neither the low oil warning light nor the check engine light had illuminated prior to this failure, providing absolutely no warning of a severe mechanical problem. After adding oil and performing a proper oil change, the engine began violently shuddering and shaking upon startup, and only then did the check engine light illuminate. The vehicle was immediately towed to…
Jan 4, 2026Engine
While driving the car with the flow of busy traffic, the engine failed and the car stopped. It eventually turn back on (side of the road) but now drives with hesitation, a strange noise, and with the engine light on. This cycle continued until we arrived at the repair shop. And after much research, it seems that this experience is common for other Kia engines. Why was mine not included? Someone could have been badly injured!
Mar 29, 2025Engine
Engine would run fast and then sound like was going to stop and then it would start shaking and rumbling while driving on highway and in town. Car would stall while at a stop. Gas smells inside the car. Did not feel safe driving. Had the car towed to an independent garage on February 7th and They did an oil change, change 2 Sensors, changed all the spark plugs and changed all 4 Cylinders and on the way home from Starks garage the car was doing the same as before going to the garage with gas smells inside the car, shaking, rumbling and stalling of the engine. And the car wanting to stall while on the highway speed limit of going 60 mph. the next morning My mom and stepdad had the car towed…
Feb 1, 2026Unknown or other
I went to Kia dealership in Groton CT 06340 for an oil change. They also fixed a recent recall, and after I picked up my car, both of my key fobs werenât working. I canât open my car. I canât lock my car and they are refusing to fix it. I contacted kia corporate. they were not helpful. What can I do here to have this situation resolved? Iâm worried that the anti theft system doesnât work now on my car because my key fobs donât work at all.
Jan 27, 2026
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
