Kia Forte problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The most serious Kia Forte problems are on 2010–2015 models: an ABS/HECU module that can cause engine fires (23V652), air bag control units that may short and stop air bags deploying (18V363) and engine-compartment fires (20V750). The 2023 Forte had a do-not-drive recall for badly welded front control arms.

CarWhere lists 12 documented Forte issues, including 11 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.

Forte generations at a glance

Kia Forte generations and the known issues listed for each
GenerationModel yearsIssues on this page
2010–20132010–2013ABS/HECU module may short and cause an engine fire (recall 23V652) · Air bag control unit may short and disable air bags (recall 18V363) · Engine compartment fire while driving (recall 20V750) · Brake pedal stopper pad may wear and keep brake lights on (recall 17V773)
2014–20182014–2018Oil pump may fail from foreign particles (recall 21V260) · Air bag control unit damage may disable air bags (recall 22V031) · Cooling fan resistor may overheat and melt (recall 15V015) · Trunk may not open from the inside (recall 21V622) · Theft vulnerability on models without an immobilizer
2019–20242019–2024Front lower control arm weld may fail (do not drive) (recall 23V649) · Front left steering knuckle may crack (recall 22V906) · Left front driveshaft may not be heat-treated (recall 20V459)

2010–2013 Forte problems

ABS/HECU module may short and cause an engine fire (recall 23V652) (2010–2013 (incl. Forte Koup))

Safety recall
Generation:
2010–2013
Years:
2010–2013 (incl. Forte Koup)
Powertrain:
Not specified in the recall

The anti-lock brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) can short-circuit and start an engine-compartment fire while parked or driving. Dealers replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. The 1,730,192-vehicle count is for the whole campaign, which also covers other models.

Symptoms

  • ABS or brake warning light
  • Burning smell or smoke from the engine bay, even with the car off

Check before buying

  • Until the repair is done, Kia advises parking outside and away from structures
  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
  • Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed

NHTSA recall: 23V652 (2023-09-25) · 1,730,192 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [1]

Air bag control unit may short and disable air bags (recall 18V363) (2010–2013 (incl. Forte Koup))

Safety recall
Generation:
2010–2013
Years:
2010–2013 (incl. Forte Koup)
Powertrain:
Not specified in the recall

In a crash, the air bag control unit can short-circuit and keep the front air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying. Dealers install an extension wire harness kit, free of charge. The 507,587-vehicle count is for the whole campaign, which also covers other models.

Symptoms

  • Air bag warning light

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
  • Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed

NHTSA recall: 18V363 (2018-06-01) · 507,587 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [2]

Engine compartment fire while driving (recall 20V750) (2012–2015 (incl. Forte Koup))

Safety recall
Generation:
2010–2013 and 2014–2018
Years:
2012–2015 (incl. Forte Koup)
Powertrain:
Not specified in the recall

An engine-compartment fire can occur while driving. Dealers inspect for fuel and oil leaks, run an engine test and repair or replace the engine as needed, and install the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) update, free of charge. The 294,756-vehicle count is for the whole campaign, which also covers other models.

Symptoms

  • Engine knocking
  • Oil or fuel smell from the engine bay
  • Smoke from under the hood

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
  • Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed

NHTSA recall: 20V750 (2020-12-02) · 294,756 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [3]

Brake pedal stopper pad may wear and keep brake lights on (recall 17V773) (2012–2014 (incl. Forte Koup))

Safety recall
Generation:
2010–2013 and 2014–2018
Years:
2012–2014 (incl. Forte Koup)
Powertrain:
Not specified in the recall

The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate so the brake light switch stays extended. The brake lights can stay on, the shifter can move without pressing the brake, and the brake-override feature can activate. Dealers replace the stopper pad, free of charge.

Symptoms

  • Brake lights stay on
  • Shifter leaves Park without pressing the brake
  • Cruise control will not engage

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
  • Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed

NHTSA recall: 17V773 (2017-12-01) · 134,366 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [8]

2014–2018 Forte problems

Oil pump may fail from foreign particles (recall 21V260) (2017–2018)

Safety recall
Generation:
2014–2018
Years:
2017–2018

Foreign particles can stick inside the oil pump of the 2.0L Nu MPI engine, causing pump failure and engine damage. Dealers replace the oil pan, free of charge.

Symptoms

  • Oil pressure warning light
  • Engine knocking

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
  • Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed

NHTSA recall: 21V260 (2021-04-13) · 4,069 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [6]

Air bag control unit damage may disable air bags (recall 22V031) (2017–2018 (and 2017 Forte Koup))

Safety recall
Generation:
2014–2018
Years:
2017–2018 (and 2017 Forte Koup)
Powertrain:
Not specified in the recall

The air bag control unit cover can touch a memory chip on the circuit board and damage the circuit, leaving the air bags deactivated in a crash. Dealers inspect the unit and update the software or replace it, free of charge. The 410,619-vehicle count is for the whole campaign, which also covers other models.

Symptoms

  • Air bag warning light

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
  • Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed

NHTSA recall: 22V031 (2022-01-25) · 410,619 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [7]

Cooling fan resistor may overheat and melt (recall 15V015) (2014)

Safety recall
Generation:
2014–2018
Years:
2014
Powertrain:
Not specified in the recall

The cooling fan resistor can overheat and melt, raising the risk of a fire. Dealers replace the resistor, plus the multi-fuse unit on earlier-built cars, free of charge.

Symptoms

  • Cooling fan runs only at one speed
  • Burning smell from the front of the engine bay

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
  • Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed

NHTSA recall: 15V015 (2015-01-16) · 86,880 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [9]

Trunk may not open from the inside (recall 21V622) (2016–2018 (incl. Forte Koup))

Safety recall
Generation:
2014–2018
Years:
2016–2018 (incl. Forte Koup)
Powertrain:
Not specified in the recall

The trunk latch can be damaged so the internal emergency trunk release does not work, failing federal standard FMVSS 401. Dealers replace the trunk latch, free of charge. The 253,074-vehicle count is for the whole campaign, which also covers other models.

Symptoms

  • Glow-in-the-dark trunk release handle does nothing

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
  • Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed

NHTSA recall: 21V622 (2021-08-09) · 253,074 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [10]

Theft vulnerability on models without an immobilizer (2014–2021)

Major repair
Generation:
2014–2018 and 2019–2024
Years:
2014–2021
Powertrain:
All engines (key-start vehicles not factory-equipped with an immobilizer)

2014–2021 Kia Forte models built without a factory engine immobilizer were targeted by theft methods spread on social media. Kia offers a free security software upgrade that blocks the ignition when the car is locked, and a free zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protector for added protection, both at Kia dealers. These model years are the ones the multistate immobilizer settlement lists for the Kia Forte.

Symptoms

  • Damaged steering column trim or ignition cylinder
  • Vehicle starts with a mechanical key and has no push-button start

Check before buying

  • Enter the VIN on Kia's anti-theft support page (customercare.kiausa.com/SWLD) to see whether the software upgrade or ignition cylinder protector applies
  • Look for the upgrade sticker or ask a Kia dealer to confirm the upgrade by VIN
  • Push-button-start vehicles have a factory immobilizer and are not part of this program

Sources: [13][14]

2019–2024 Forte problems

Front lower control arm weld may fail (do not drive) (recall 23V649) (2023)

Safety recall
Generation:
2019–2024
Years:
2023
Powertrain:
Not specified in the recall

The right front lower control arm may have been improperly welded and can fail. Kia told owners not to drive the car until it is repaired. Dealers replace the control arm, free of charge. A second do-not-drive campaign, 24V244, covers more 2023 Fortes with the same defect.

Symptoms

  • Clunking from the front right suspension
  • Car pulls or wanders

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
  • Do not drive an unrepaired 2023 Forte covered by 23V649 or 24V244; have it towed to a dealer
  • Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed

NHTSA recall: 23V649 (2023-09-22) · 3,866 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [4][5]

Front left steering knuckle may crack (recall 22V906) (2023)

Safety recall
Generation:
2019–2024
Years:
2023
Powertrain:
Not specified in the recall

A manufacturing error can leave the front left steering knuckle prone to cracking, which can cause a loss of steering control. Dealers inspect and replace the knuckle as needed, free of charge.

Symptoms

  • Clunking from the front left wheel
  • Steering feels loose

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
  • Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed

NHTSA recall: 22V906 (2022-12-08) · 939 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [11]

Left front driveshaft may not be heat-treated (recall 20V459) (2019)

Safety recall
Generation:
2019–2024
Years:
2019
Powertrain:
Not specified in the recall

The left front axle driveshaft may have skipped heat treatment and can break, causing a loss of drive power. Dealers check for the heat-treatment code and replace the shaft if it is missing, free of charge.

Symptoms

  • Clicking or clunking when accelerating
  • Sudden loss of drive

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
  • Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed

NHTSA recall: 20V459 (2020-08-05) · 834 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [12]

Related Forte research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints relative to the rest of the model’s history is answered in the years-to-avoid research where CarWhere publishes it.

Confirm how a Forte was built before you buy.

Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere Kia build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Kia build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What years of Kia Forte have the most problems?

The 2010–2015 Forte carries the most serious recalls: the ABS/HECU fire campaign (23V652, 2010–2013), the air bag control unit short (18V363, 2010–2013) and engine-compartment fires (20V750, 2012–2015).

Does the Kia Forte have engine problems?

Recall 20V750 covers engine-compartment fires on 2012–2015 Forte and Forte Koup, with engine inspection and the KSDS update. The 2017–2018 Forte with the 2.0L Nu engine had an oil pump recall (21V260).

Why was there a do-not-drive recall on the 2023 Forte?

Under recalls 23V649 and 24V244, the right front lower control arm on certain 2023 Fortes may have been improperly welded and can fail. Kia told owners not to drive until dealers replaced the arm.

Is the Forte part of the Kia theft problem?

The multistate immobilizer settlement lists 2014–2021 Forte models not factory-equipped with an immobilizer. Kia offers a free software upgrade and ignition cylinder protector; check by VIN on Kia's anti-theft page.

What replaced the Kia Forte?

The K4 compact sedan arrived for 2025, the model year after EPA's last Forte listing for 2024.

How do I check a used Forte for open recalls?

Enter the 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a Kia dealer for repair orders showing each campaign was completed. Recall repairs are free regardless of owner.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. Recall 23V652: HECU May Cause Engine Compartment Fire — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  2. Recall 18V363: Air Bags/Seat Belt Pretensioners may be Disabled — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  3. Recall 20V750: Engine Damage May Cause Fire — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  4. Recall 23V649: Front Lower Control Arm May Fail — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  5. Recall 24V244: Front Lower Control Arm May Fail — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  6. Recall 21V260: Foreign Particles May Cause Oil Pump to Fail — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  7. Recall 22V031: Air Bags May Not Deploy — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  8. Recall 17V773: Brake Pedal Stopper may Deteriorate — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  9. Recall 15V015: Cooling Fan Resistor May Melt — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  10. Recall 21V622: Trunk Emergency Release May Fail/FMVSS 401 — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  11. Recall 22V906: Loss of Steering Control from Cracked Knuckle — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  12. Recall 20V459: Left Front Axle Driveshaft May Break — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  13. HK Multistate Immobilizer Settlement: eligible models and model years — HK Multistate Immobilizer Settlement
  14. Kia Anti-Theft Support Actions (software upgrade and ignition cylinder protector, VIN eligibility) — Kia America Customer Care

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Kia America, Kia Corporation or Hyundai Motor Group. Kia and the model names are trademarks of their owners.