8.7

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$5,000
Average Mileage:
72,450 miles
Total Complaints:
6 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. engine replacement (4 reports)
  2. not sure (2 reports)
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problem #6

Dec 012023

Forte LX 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 36,500 miles

click to see larger images

engine clicking/knocking

Noticed engine clicking noise. Engine light came on. Spark plugs needed to be replaced. Week later code for coils came up. 3 days later engine seized up. Took to dealer they said no engine oil on dipstick. When confronted with pic they stated there was no oil on bottom of engine. Kia Customer service said it was my problem. Had regular oil changes didn't drive more than 14k miles in that 6 year span.

- Citizen A., Chicago, IL, US

problem #5

Feb 142017

Forte LX 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,000 miles

The engine began making loud tapping noises at around 7000 miles. Took it to the local dealership and brought it to their attention during a recall visit for another problem at the time. After I complained about the noisy engine, which she witnessed, and I asked about the impending KIA engine recall (SC200), the service rep told me that the noise was "normal" for that model, and that the 1.8 liter engine was not part of that recall and would not discuss the problem any further. I later phoned the KIA customer service concerning this recall and was told that, based on the VIN of my KIA Forte LX, it was not eligible for the recall. Since the noises were "normal", we continued to drive it, and it has only gotten louder and more serious.

Now, it is to the point of stalling nearly every time we slow down or stop. This is after installing new spark plugs and coil packs, new oil control valves for the variable valve timing system, a new fuel pump, and a thorough cleaning of the throttle body. At this point, it is really not safe to drive because of the constant stalling while driving. Hyundai dealers have added this engine to the recall list, as have Canadian KIA dealers (but not in the USA). I will never purchase another KIA vehicle or recommend one to anyone.

Now I have just read that a Hyundai Nu engine recall has been issued for nearly 187,000 model year 2019-2020 Hyundai Elantra, 2019-2021 Hyundai Kona and 2019-2021 Hyundai Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The Nu engine recall was ordered because the piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated which could result in stalled Nu engines. Be careful about purchasing used models of these Hyundai's, as well as any KIAs that may have the same engines.

- David S., Hallowell, ME, US

problem #4

Apr 012020

Forte EX 2.0L Hdohc

  • Automatic transmission
  • 113,000 miles

Bought the car at Williams Chevrolet in Traverse City, was very happy with the car and price, the usual maintenance, oil changes, brake lines, 2 tie rods, and now this engine knocking and ticking noise. After researching the problem it seems this problem can only be fixed by a used or new engine, which seem to date back to quite a few models. Sorry no recall on this they say! Does the lemon law apply? What to do?

- Ronald L., Beulah, MI, US

problem #3

Jan 022020

Forte EX 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

My 2014 KIA Forte with 2.0L has begun ticking/knocking. The first problem noticed was low oil. I have the oil changed on time as scheduled and when I took it to the mechanic for him to change the oil, he stated the oil was about 2 quarts low. I continued to monitor this and have had to replace oil often. The mechanic says there is no leakage problem and I have no evident leaks on the driveway where it is parked nightly. Approximately 2 months later the loud ticking began.

I took it back to the mechanic earlier than the required oil change just two days ago and he said the engine ticking or knock was coming from the lower engine block that I should contact Kia because he knew of a recall on some engines. Of course the KIA Forte was not included but after reading several, many complaints on here and reading the complaints of the class action law suit, this 2.0L engine in the Forte seems to have very similar problems.

I strongly feel that If KIA knows there are production problems with their engines during this time frame, they should resolve this issue.

- Ricky W., Smithfield, NC, US

problem #2

Dec 012018

Forte EX 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

Hyundai/Kia is intentionally covering up a design flaw causing these engines to fail prematurely. Extensive sludge buildup leads to oil consumption, leads to low oil, leads to starved and spun rod bearings and total engine failure. We had to wait a month to get a used engine because NONE were available for that long within a 500 mile shipping range from my house in Minnesota.... and they were snapped up as soon as available. That's a sign, and the result of a design flaw!

There is a 25 Year engineer that worked at Hyundai/Kia that came forward and blew the whistle against these engines. There have been non-disclosure agreements used in cases where repairs are used, and in my opinion the tale they've spun in a previous recall was strictly to limit the number of engines placed in the "class". They claimed in was metal shavings from a limited amount of production facilities that occurred during a de-burring process.

Honestly, the company is in full cover up and hold on mode...probably until the number of vehicles on the road is limited so that a full recall won't hit them that hard financially. We all know as time goes on, vehicles are retired to junk yards. Don't buy these cars!!! unless you want to pay for a new engine while your car is relatively new.

- masdeferens, Coon Rapids, US

problem #1

Oct 012017

Forte 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

I've had this car for over two years now and was really happy to drive it since it is very fuel efficient and drives good for its class. Took it out for road trips and everything was smooth no problem. I figured Kia is finally building quality cars. But few months ago I started hearing knocking in the engine when I start until its warmed up and sometimes when I stop at a light even with warmed up engine I could still hear knocking/clicking. This does match the acceleration and knocks faster when I speed up. I was thinking its the problem with me using Mobile 1 advanced synthetic oil, which should last up to 15, 000 miles and replaced it earlier than should but the problem never went away. It still does the same thing and I am planning to add oil stabilizer to see what will happen and if that will help. I guess Kia never actually started building quality cars so I will be getting rid of this one and going for something reliable that won't have me worried at 40k miles.

- Daria D., Kent, WA, US