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The 2020 Kia Forte is a fun sedan that appeals to a large market. The automaker calls this vehicle a “power player,” but customers don’t seem to be impressed. Research shows trouble with the air bags, electrical system and structure.
Click on other model year to view more problems: 2018 2019 2021 2022
Contents
- 1| NHTSA Complaints for the 2020 Kia Forte
- 2| Problems with the Air Bags
- 3| Problems with the Electrical System
- 4| What is causing the transmission problems on the 2020 Kia Forte?
- 5| Problems with the Vehicle Structure
- 6| What is causing the defective doors problems on the 2020 Kia Forte?
- 7| Complaint Data
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NHTSA Complaints for the 2020 Kia Forte
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Power Train | |
| Electrical System | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | |
| Engine | |
| Steering | |
| Wheels | |
| Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection | |
| Lane Departure: Assist | |
| Service Brakes |
Problems with the Air Bags
Since 1998, all new vehicles needed to be equipped with air bags. More than two decades later, automakers are still having trouble perfecting the design.
Just read this NHTSA complaint. “I was turning left through a green light onto a city road when a car coming from the left side ran a red light going 50 miles an hour in a 35 miles an hour road, crashing into the side of my car. It hit the front driver’s side tire and door, but was hit so hard that my car moved forward about 8-10 feet. My car is supposed to have a sensor directly where the other person’s car hit mine but none of the air bags went off. Even though this car is supposed to have side airbags for those types of collisions.”
Kia has chosen to remain quiet on air bag malfunctions for the time being. There are no communications and an absence of guidance for technicians. Instead, customers are left on their own, hoping that an accident doesn’t occur. Let’s just say that air bags are this Kia’s “forte.”
Problems with the Electrical System
Moving onto the electrical system, owners complain of just as many defects causing trouble.
Here is one left on the NHTSA website. “While vehicle in motion on a city street, several warning lights popped up on the dashboard: Electronic PWR steering, electronic stability indicator, TPMS tire pressure, malfunction indicator lamp, autonomous emergency brake, adaptive front lights and low tire pressure warning lights. At the same time that all those lights turned on (while in motion) the odometer and speedometer needle stopped registering speed and dropped to zero on both gauges along with the temperature gauge as well. I proceeded to put the hazard lights on and pull over safely. Once stationary I placed the car in Park, then the gear shift locked up and would not unlock. After about 20 minutes of being stationary on the side of the road, I was able to engage the gear shift, place it in Drive and proceed down the road. While the vehicle was in motion the warning lights proceeded to stay on and the speedometer/odometer were not registering speed throughout the remainder of my trip.”
What is causing the transmission problems on the 2020 Kia Forte?
It turns out that Kia is aware of other electrical system errors too. Service Bulletin #TSB_ELE200 discusses trouble with the TCM logic and IVT that could cause incorrect gear ratios, fluid pressure and circuit performance. There aren’t too many people keen to have their new car malfunctioning in such a grand way, especially when it diminishes drivability. It seems that this Forte doesn’t have the “power” after all.
Problems with the Vehicle Structure
Aside from the mechanical construction of this Kia car, there are also defects found with the structure itself.
Here is what one Edmunds user had to say. “Defective rear door lock that I had to subsequently have replaced, requiring 4 days back at the dealer. Suggest checking all mechanical workings before purchase.”
What is causing the defective doors problems on the 2020 Kia Forte?
Sadly, there is more than a malfunctioning door lock to be concerned with. In fact, the NHTSA is currently investigating Kia because of a major safety issue. The left rear door failed the side impact testing, allowing the rear passenger dummy to experience a thoracic injury. It is estimated that the spine acceleration measures more than 82 G’s during the simulated crash. The moral of the story is, if you have to ride in a Forte, avoid the back seat for your own safety.
Your Lemon Law Legal Rights
Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Kia pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.
Complaint Data
| Category | Power Train |
| Date | Feb 15, 2023 |
| State | OH |
| Description | On highway at 65mph engine began revving, accelerating higher on its own then speed would drop down 10-15 mph, erratic tachometer going up to max 6 at 65 mph, slipping gears and took total control of speed and then dropped down to 10mph at 6 tachometer and then wouldn't go past 5 mph. No warning lights, no check engine. |
| Category | Power Train, Vehicle Speed Control, Wheels |
| Date | Feb 12, 2023 |
| State | NC |
| Description | While I am driving it is hard shifting and idling high, sometimes it doesn't want to pick up speed when starting from a stop. The wheels locked up going down a off ramp. There are no warning lights or anything on the dash. I will have it checked monday but this started out of the blue. I have had regular maintenance on the vehicle and have all my receipts for proof. This is a serious issue especially with the wheels not functioning right and speed control is fluctuating. |
| Category | Power Train |
| Date | Jan 06, 2023 |
| State | TN |
| Description | I took my car for transmission service before 60k miles wallace kia of bristol I was told they couldn't drain fluids and sent home 12/20/21 in feb/march 2022 my trans went out it was taken to kia dealership in clarksville tn replaced again brought back 4/22 with same issues emailed videos nothin was done said couldn't find a problem at around 73 k is when it was replaced mentioned it again to bristol kia dealership when I brought my car back in for the second time to have batting's replaced in steering column was told they didn't have time to check it out 12/27/22 my car is leaking some type of fluid my trains goes out the same day it's now over powertrain warranty as well as transmission warranty 12,000 miles /but not 12 month warranty the transmission itself has 33,000 miles since being replaced my issue is I'm stuck with a car I can't drive and still continue to pay for and both of these dealerships were well informed of the issues I had prior to warranty expiring this is a safety hazard as I have children and the first time it went out I was on the interstate in nashville with my 5 yr old son and was barely able to safely make it off the road way well prior knowledge of this problem it should have been addressed long before now . My car has been serviced maintained as well as tire rotation proper oil changes and and fuel injection cleaner done when transmission was replaced these transmissions need to be recalled there is no way a new transmission less than a year old user 40k miles should have failed like this twice so if I can't get some help with this issue I will be given no other choice but to keep letting everyone know about this problem I have contacted kia customer service they are if no help I have contacted both dealerships told nothin can be done I have contacted kia and no response or call back this is a serious and on going issue with the 2020 kia forte as well as the bar rings in the steering column which my son has same car and also had replace |
| Category | Engine |
| Date | Oct 30, 2022 |
| State | FL |
| Description | While driving I heard a pop then the lights on my dash lit up my car came to a stop I. E cut off tried to start back up the engine caught fire burned the whole front end off total loss |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Jun 21, 2022 |
| State | WI |
| Description | My kia has been stolen once and vandalized and almost stolen a second time because kia doesn't have the alarm connected to the back windows and kia has made the car easy to steal. I have even been denied renewal of my car insurance because of this! |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Feb 10, 2022 |
| State | IL |
| Description | Two massive safety/security flaws led to theft: break-in through rear window didn't trigger alarm and lack of immobilization system. They know this is a problem. |
| Category | Electrical System |
| Date | Jan 12, 2022 |
| State | GA |
| Description | The back windows won't go up or down they jam. You try to roll the passenger windows up or down & they won't do anything. Sometimes you have to turn on & off the car a few times open & closing the driver side door so the windows will work. Also the break lights sometimes have a late response when you hit the breaks the lights don't respond has a delayed response |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Nov 30, 2021 |
| State | WI |
| Description | My 2020 kia forte was stolen may 4,2021- car locked and anti theft system activated at that time. Then on october 22,2021 there was an attempted theft on my car again. This time there was also a steering wheel club on car as well as the anti theft system that comes with car. |
| Category | Power Train |
| Date | Oct 13, 2021 |
| State | TX |
| Description | My expectant granddaughter was driving the vehicle on a trip. The transmission started intermittently slipping en route. She stopped and when she returned to the vehicle she discovered it would no longer go forward or backwards. It is still under warranty. The vehicle is still in colorado. This happened sept 4, 2021. It is now 10/13. I have contacted kia multiple times speaking with different people. I escalated the call and was told someone named melissa was my escalations person. I have never spoken to her. I have requested a buy back of the vehicle due to possibility of reoccurrence. My granddaughter was stranded for a week. The car is at a dealership, ft collins kia. We have had to pay for hotel, car rental, and a flight out of pocket. I requested reimbursement. They have not responded. I filled out the information for the buy back, but I do not have all of the paperwork. It is in the car in colorado. We live in south texas. No way to get access to it. This is wrong on so many levels. We are at a loss as to what to do. If the transmission had quit while she was moving the results could have been disasterous. Kia says the part is sitting on a dock somewhere waiting to be picked up. Is there an expected timeline? We had to replace the vehicle due to the cost of car rentals. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Aug 25, 2021 |
| State | WI |
| Description | When there is a youtube tutorial on how to steal a kia or hyundai, it is time to stop the abuse, pain and suffering of the consumer! |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Jul 03, 2021 |
| State | CA |
| Description | The break system fail while the vehicle motion, the brake pedal just go all the way down and can stop the car until release and try again, I follow the step owner's manual for a visual inspection for any leaking fluid on the floor, no brake pads sound alarm, no check engine light or any other warning light, the car has inspected by authorized dealership technicians to perform service/repair on june 04 2020, they diagnostic say air pockets in the brake system, but the car continues with the same issue. I put my family on risk on a car accident I don't think the car is safe |
| Category | Electrical System, Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | May 11, 2021 |
| State | OH |
| Description | Water leaking into trunk causing malfunction to security alarm system auto trunk release and trunk lid open symbol trunk malfunction warnig symbols and alarm stayed on could not here any saftey alarms water in trunk damaged sensor could not lock or unlock trunk remotly could not here alarm on blind spot warning could not read any readings like speed, tire pressurer could not here seat belt lock chime |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Mar 16, 2021 |
| State | OH |
| Description | When fueling after pump auto shut off gas will spill out, causing a gass spill. Dealership has stated there is no fix. Rear driver side window will not lower with switch. Dealership is well aware but states there are no fixes. Also coolant light came on over the dash and the coolant was low with less than 9k miles. Car is less than 1 year old and has less than 10k miles. |
| Category | Engine, Lane Departure: Assist, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Mar 10, 2021 |
| State | CA |
| Description | I purchased the 2020 kia forte last april 2020. The trunk latch would not open trunk, reported, serviced it still presented tight leverage function during stable park position. The computer scrambled the 1st or 2nd week of owning it during my early morning highway travel the computer scrambled more than once. I contacted kia- thier response was not helpful to the new car malfunction. It happened more than once. The lane departure did not work at diferent periods in time; within the year I reported to kia. The windshield cracked during first frost. Kia claimed rock chip. I had just serviced cabin filter area, kia relentlessly assumed rock chip, I believe defected glass. The first frost it cracked 2nd frost within 2week time or less split crack across windshield. The gas and milage were not stablly operating was out of sync during highway travels. I now for the last week noticed a noise in my car engine when in park turning it off. I am unhappy with my purchase and the kia dealership I purchased it from. I have pictures of reported dash computer malfunctions, and an unwilling dealership to assist with my vehicle. I am concerned with my safety, my passengers safety, and safety in my future drive. I put date of april 20, 2020 because it was roughly when malfunctions began to occure. The trunk latch immediately 4/10/2020 or at purchase date upon arriving home. |
| Category | Power Train |
| Date | Feb 22, 2021 |
| State | OH |
| Description | Tl* the contact owns a 2020 kia forte. The contact stated that while attempting to get out of the garage, the contact placed the vehicle in park and removed themselves to the vehicle in order to open their garage door when the vehicle began to reverse hitting the contact and the garage door. The contact received injuries to their left shoulder, face, elbow, left knee, right leg, and right foot. Medical attention was not needed. A police report was not filed. The vehicle had not been towed. The contact was able to get into the vehicle and turn on the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer (merchant logo spitzer kia cleveland service center 3414 brookpark rd, cleveland, oh 44134; (216) 259-7080) who were unable to duplicate the failure and referred them to speak to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case regarding the matter. The approximate failure mileage was 2,553. *dt*dt*jb*dt consumer case number [xxx]. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).†|
| Category | Electrical System, Steering |
| Date | Nov 16, 2020 |
| State | NJ |
| Description | When backing up the steering, key, and wheel all lock. I was backing up so I was already going very slow. When pressing on the brake the car slows down but still moves very slow until it cant move anymore. I try to jiggle out the key and put the car in lock but I just jiggle everything until something unlocks. It has happened 3 times since I got the car in march 2020. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Nov 14, 2020 |
| State | IN |
| Description | When fueling gas, once the pump clicks and stops producing fuel as the car is full, gas gushes out of the tank and onto the side of the car from the opening. The vehicle was stationary, turned off. This does not happen every time, but I would say about 2 out of 5 times fueling. It does this at all different gas stations, there is no specific pump that it does it at. |
| Category | Service Brakes, Steering, Vehicle Speed Control |
| Date | Sep 05, 2020 |
| State | GA |
| Description | My 18 year old daughter was the driver. The car was parked on a residential street, facing the direction she wanted to go. The street went downhill in front of her. She started the car. When she began to drive, the steering felt very stiff, she could barely steer. She started driving anyway. Then the brakes did not work. In fact, she said that pressing the brake seemed to make the car go faster (or this could have just been the effect of the hill). So she accelerated down a substantial hill with no braking power. At the bottom of the street (approx. 1/4 mile) is a t-intersection. She crossed the street, the car went up onto the curb opposite, proceeded through some bushes, knocked down a fence as it went between a tree and a brick wall, ran into a bird bath, and then came to a stop in someone's yard. Fortunately the car stopped before it got to the house itself. Damage included: both bumpers, both driver-side tires/wheels/hubcaps, and extensive damage underneath including transmission. Driver and passenger were (amazingly) not injured. |
| Category | Power Train |
| Date | Sep 04, 2020 |
| State | TX |
| Description | On september 1st, 2020, I was at a stop and needed to go northbound on a busy intersection. I saw the opportunity to go so I stepped on the gas but my vehicle would barely accelerate which put me in harms way of oncoming traffic. For a moment there I thought I was going to get t-boned. This issue needs to get resolved as soon as possible! |
| Category | Air Bags |
| Date | Mar 18, 2020 |
| State | WA |
| Description | I was turning left through a green light onto a city road when a car coming from the left side ran a red light going 50 miles an hour in a 35 miles an hour road, crashing into the side of my car. It hit the front drivers side tire and door, but was hit so hard that my car moved forward about 8 - 10 feet. My car is suppose to have sensor directly where the other person car hit mine but none of the air bags went off. Even though this car is suppose to have side airbags for those types of collisions. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Mar 06, 2020 |
| State | CA |
| Description | While vehicle is in motion on a city street, several warning lights popped up on the dashboard: electronic pwr steering, electronic stability indicator, tpms tire pressure, malfunction indicator lamp, autonomus emergency brake, adaptive front lighting , and low tire pressure warning lights. At the same time that all those lights turned on (while in motion) the odometer and speedometer needle stopped registering speed and dropped to zero on both gauges along with the temperature gauge as well. I proceeded to put the hazard lights on and pull over safely. Once stationary I placed the car in park, then the gear shift locked up and would not unlock. After about 20 minutes of being stationary on the side of the road, I was able to engage the gear shift, place it in drive and proceed down the road. While the vehicle was in motion the warning lights proceeded to stay on and the speedometer/odometer were not registering speed throughout the remainder of my trip. |
| Category | Structure:body |
| Date | Sep 22, 2019 |
| State | SD |
| Description | Opening trunk may cause damage to rear window as the trunk swings too fast when its opening. The trunk may detach and strike the rear windshield. Vehicle was stationary. |
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About the Author:
Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
See more posts from Brian Jones
Last year I had issue with the speedometer going over 100mph when the car physically was going like 45-50mph. The passenger window doesn’t go down all the time, my battery just dies with no indication while drive and when parked, I’ve asked the dealership is this normal and the response is “yes”
Glitches with the screen when phone is hooked up for apple car play.
So where did the mice come from, Kia or your garage?
With less then 30,000 miles the car has been back in the shop twice
The culprit is window motors
The one on the rear drivers side stopped working and had to be replaced while the one on the passenger side had a short that ran the battery down
Before the battery went dead it got so hot you could smell electric wires burning and the weather stripping that runs along the door melted
Getting it towed even though it was under warranty was terrible
The dealers service center wanted me to jump it and bring it to them
I asked them if they could send a tow truck to get it
They told me to call Kia roadside assistance which I did
The tele-prompt system is a total quagmire
In having talked to other Kia owners who have used the service in short Kia roadside assistance is terrible
I’ve had to replace the battery it cuts off and I’m constantly changing the lights in it inside and out the electrical problem is the worse I don’t recommend it at all .
Within two months of driving my brand new 2020 Forte off the lot, the transmission gave out while driving on the highway and could have killed me. This car has been nothing but problems. The car is actually back once again being fixed due to the collision sensory randomly going off and slamming on the brakes when nothing is in front of me. The screen in the car also goes black often and does not work at all.
I got my 2020 Kia forte in June of 2020. I took it to the dealership three weeks ago because the engine light was on. I received a text message from the mechanic on April 19th that I need a new engine. They told me when the engine is installed there are certain items that should be done with the engine. The engine air filter and cabin air filter should be changed. The PCV should be replaced. The belts should be replaced. A Fuel service and throttle body cleaning should be done. The costs of these services come to $820 plus tax. I’m kind of confused because I’m thinking if I get a new engine all these things should be done right?
Only problems I have had in my 2020 Kia Forte,
The screen of the radio has a small bubble in the bottom corner, my radio also goes blank, will still play music, but can’t see gps from time to time. I also hate how the back seats headrests are not adjustable.
Just bought mine last year in the engine is gone out already.
Has anyone had problems with the Bluetooth Quitting and the the touchscreen going black or rebooting on it’s own or the back up camera still running when going forward in drive my 2020 forte lx has been at the dealership twice and they still haven’t found anything wrong it’s going back in to dealer in 2 weeks to get looked at again
the one who has no problem with Kia forte 2020 are lucky as it is not reliable. it is not trustworthy car to drive. I had accident because of the steering. it was out of control that I couldn’t even stop it. If you want to be alive then rethink about buying Kia forte.
Bought a new 2020 Kia Forte end of Jan 2021 as of yesterday sep 8 2021 I barely made it to Kia dealer. Car was jerking and gradually getting worse. Yesterday when pulling away from stop signs or after a red light car would barely move or shift was at 10 to 13 km Mechanic diagnosed problem transmission has to be replaced
I have had two mice in my car one appeared on my leg while driving swiped at him don’t know where he went. Then had one in dash of car left mouse dirt looking at me when I got in swiped him out open door. Liked my upholstery ate some above window. My new 2020 Kia Forte I bought r red bd of Jan 2021
My 2020 Kia forte had a mouse in it to,and I put out a mousetrap and got him good.
I have a 2020 Kia Forte LXS. I’ve had it for about 8 months and not a single problem. Sorry about this lady’s luck but this is only one single incident. Hardly qualifies as a worry for the rest of us.
While vehicle is in motion on a city street, several warning lights popped up on the dashboard: Electronic pwr steering, electronic stability indicator, TPMS tire pressure, malfunction indicator lamp, autonomus emergency brake, adaptive front lighting, and low tire pressure warning lights. At the same time that all those lights turned on (while in motion) the front collision warning came on and caused problems with acceleration well. When parked, I shut the car off and the ignition locked and I couldn’t get it turn back on.
Called the dealership and they immediately said I had a rodent problem. I opened my car hood and looked for any evidence of rodent problems and found nothing. Took it to the dealership and they reported that they found a nest and chewed wires . I asked for them to show me and was walked out to the garage where they had what looked like a rodent nest and a red wire with the black tubing that the wire runs through sitting out.
So even though Kia is aware of the problem, trust me when I say they will tell their customers that it is rodents and not covered under warranty. I have approximately 9000 miles on my car and have had it for a year.
Where do I need to go from here?