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Are you experiencing issues with the transmission of this vehicle? You may be eligible to join a class action suit against the automakers. Find out if you are eligible to join our investigation.
The first-generation Kia Forte, known also as Kia Cerato and Forte K3 in some parts of the world, was launched as a 2009 model. It replaced the Kia Spectra in North America.
The third-generation Kia Forte, introduced in 2018, continues through 2022. Lemberg Law has highlighted Kia Forte problems, based on complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), from 2017. We also have a current class action investigation that focuses on 2019-2021 Kia and Hyundai transmission problems.
Click on other model year to view more problems: 2018 2019 2020 2022
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NHTSA Complaints for the 2021 Kia Forte
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Engine | |
| Power Train | |
| Steering | |
| Tires | |
| Air Bags | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | |
| Tires:pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems | |
| Electrical System |
Our investigation follows complaints by consumers that various Kia and Hyundai vehicles may have defective transmissions. These include the 2021 Kia Forte. Complaints include an inability to accelerate, a sudden loss of power, erratic tachometer readings, and issues when trying to shift gears.
In this article, we are looking at the most common problems identified in consumer complaints to NHTSA. Currently, there are a total of 14.
Most Common Problems with the 2021 Kia Forte
Even though transmission problems are not an NHTSA category, these continue to be a problem with the 2021 Kia Forte. They are all highlighted in the category Unknown or Other.
Service brakes, steering, and tires all have two complaints. Airbags, equipment, forward-collision avoidance, lane departure, and visibility/wiper, all have one listed.
A typical transmission problem involves the accelerator malfunctioning and losing power. One unknown or other complaint describes how the driver pressed on the accelerator and the car “completely lost power.”
“When I let off on the accelerator and pressed it again, the car lurched forward, and I had to quickly brake to avoid crashing into my garage door. When I was leaving the parking lot, again pressing the accelerator produced a complete loss of power. Letting off the accelerator and easing it back down produced normal operation. This scared me as there were pedestrians present and I was not sure how much control I had on speed.”
The complaint ends with this comment: “Not driving (the) car now.”
Another complaint relates to how the brake pedal fails to respond. This resulted in a crash and one injury when the car spontaneously accelerated and crashed into a building.
2021 Kia Forte Steering Problems
One of the two steering complaints reports a crash. The car was coming to a stop when the “passenger side front wheel locked up forcing the car into a sharp turn.” The car ended up in a ditch and it hit a cement barrier at the bottom of the ditch and was “likely totaled.”
The other steering issue relates to lane departure and steering issues. “The car keeps all of a sudden pulling to the right and I have not had the lane assistance on since a week after I bought the car. It is at 4,000 miles right now and this problem began at approximately 3,000 miles. Not sure if anyone else has noticed this but if it is just as if the lane assistance was turned on.
2021 Kia Forte Brake Problems
Both NHTSA complaints relate to brakes that squeak and the problems haven’t been solved.
One owner had the brakes replaced twice in the first 7,000 miles. They still squeak, “This is absurd.”
The other scenario resulted in the dealership putting a conditioner on the brakes. When that didn’t work they changed the oil, which isn’t what the owner asked for.
Six months after the first issue, the same dealership replaced the front-end braking system. A month later, the owner heard a “clanking” noise while driving and discovered the brake caliper on the driver’s side (back end) was broken. The car was towed back to the dealership.
What to do if your 2021 Kia Forte is a lemon? Your Lemon Rights
If you think you have a lemon, you don’t have to live with it. Lemberg Law is a specialist consumer law firm, and we specialize in lemon law cases. If you think you’ve bought a lemon, we’ll be happy to assess your problems. That’s what we do, and we have successfully negotiated many buybacks, trade-ins, cash settlements, and replacement vehicles for our clients.
The law makes Kia pay, so you don’t have to worry about legal bills if we go to court. So, call our Helpline today.
If you have transmission problems and your powertrain is losing power or not working properly, you are welcome to provide information for our class action investigation.
Complaint Data
| Category | Engine |
| Date | Jan 30, 2023 |
| State | MO |
| Description | Engine is very noisy for quite some time before getting quiet. 40000 miles. Lifters making a lot of noise. Possibly a failing oil pump. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Oct 27, 2022 |
| State | NJ |
| Description | My vehicle was stolen and recovered a couple of days later. The only damage to the vehicle is a broken window and broken ignition dash currently trending is the kia challenge where vehicles from 2011-2021 are missing tan anti-theft feature that makes it an easier target to steal. Kia is aware of this and not doing anything about this, not even sending a letter advising their customer of this trend and how we can protect our vehicles. The vehicles need to be recalled because currently millions of customers are driving a vehicle that can be stolen at any time with something as basic as a usb cable. Kia needs to take responsibility and accountability for this major flaw. Now customers have to be left dealing with the insurance and proving to them they are not involved in their own vehicle thefts. I have police report number, still waiting for the actual police report. |
| Category | Power Train |
| Date | Oct 24, 2022 |
| State | NY |
| Description | It seems the car may have a defect in the transmission(dual clutch). The car makes at times an abrupt stop, for like a second or two, after I press on the gas. When I'm driving, especially at low speeds I can hear the transmission's parts make a grinding sounds, loud clicks. When I'm breaking, it's not smooth at all; I feel the car pulling a bit when switching to lower gears during the breaking process. When I have the car on and not moving (I. E parked), I can hear sounds emanating from the bottom of the car, like parts grinding against other parts. I have not seen any indicator light turn on from the vehicle, to this day. I have taken it to the dealership before, more than once, but they haven't found any issues with it. Still I feel they have not done a full inspection of the car, and I feel something is off with the transmission, like there's something loose somewhere in the car. |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Oct 21, 2022 |
| State | UT |
| Description | 1. Vehicle on spots of highway will apply the forward collision warning system and suddenly brake that may cause a collision with vehicle behind it. 2. Theft is sweeping the nation for kia/hyundai vehicles and this vehicle is a target. Hyundai/kia need to install security protocols on their product as this should have been on the product since purchase. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Aug 19, 2022 |
| State | IN |
| Description | My car was stolen. Steering column busted ignition switch taken out. Passenger side window busted. |
| Category | Equipment:electrical:anti-theft Devices |
| Date | Aug 04, 2022 |
| State | OR |
| Description | My car was stolen from in front of my home, they were able to steal my brand new car because they popped off the bottom steering wheel cover and used an iphone charger to start the ignition and drive away. |
| Category | Engine, Steering, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Aug 03, 2022 |
| State | SC |
| Description | My main issue is concerning a critical design flaw that has been found due to a social media challenge called the kia challenge where people are able to start up and steal a kia after only using a usb cord adapter (found near the key start on the steering wheel) without needing a key. This has caused a concerning increase in the theft of kias across the country which has also affected my insurance rates. After repeatedly trying to contact kia for two days on august 2nd and august 3rd, I was finally able to get in contact with customer service concerning the recent issue with kias (model years of 2011 to 2021 with manual key start steering wheels) that are being stolen by just using a usb cord to turn on the car without a key. After waiting on hold for an hour, the customer service agent was extremely rude and uncaring about my concerns as my area is also being affected by these recent car thefts. My insurance rates have also gone up due to the overall riskiness of owning these cars and their likelihood of being stolen because it has a key start for the engine. After doing research on the information available to me, I found out that kia higher-ups approved measures to cut the costs by not including automobile immobilizers that have been the industry standard for a little over 20s years. It makes no sense that my older 2018 model camry has industry standard parts but my 2021 kia forte does not. I am highly aggravated that I am stuck having to pay for a vehicle that has a higher likelihood of being stolen all because the company wanted to save a few dollars and not include immobilizers on their cars until the 2022 models. I am highly upset that kia, their reps, and dealers have displayed an abhorrent lack of concern in trying to fix this issue as this prevents me from having to go to important job sites for work. This issue needs to be resolved as soon as possible. Link to story https://www. Insider. Com/tiktok-kia-challenge-using-usb-cables-to-steal-cars-2022-7 |
| Category | Engine |
| Date | Jun 27, 2022 |
| State | KY |
| Description | While driving down the highway, the entire crank pulley system fell out from under the car and onto the highway. |
| Category | Power Train:automatic Transmission |
| Date | Jun 14, 2022 |
| State | TN |
| Description | The contact owns a 2021 kia forte. The contact stated while driving 70 mph, the vehicle started to decelerate while the rpm increased. The contact pulled over to the side and notice the vehicle smoking but there was no fire. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact towed the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,642. |
| Category | Engine, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | May 28, 2022 |
| State | MI |
| Description | Ticking sound under hood at 35000 miles |
| Category | Seats |
| Date | May 20, 2022 |
| State | NC |
| Description | When I abruptly have to step on the brakes to stop the vehicle, the backseat behind the driver and the middle seat fall forward. This has happened multiple times. |
| Category | Tires, Tires:pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems |
| Date | May 16, 2022 |
| State | IL |
| Description | Recall |
| Category | Power Train, Vehicle Speed Control |
| Date | May 15, 2022 |
| State | FL |
| Description | Vehicle has issues where transmission actuator will stop functioning causing sudden loss of acceleration. Was doing 70 mph in expressway and vehicle stopped accelerating. Issue has occurred two times, both times being serviced by dealership, after receiving the vehicle back, issue still persists, vehicle lost acceleration suddenly when turning into a intersection. |
| Category | Electrical System:ignition:anti-theft:control Module, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Apr 11, 2022 |
| State | OH |
| Description | A defect in 2021 kia forte vehicle engine start and security systems allows for the rear window to be broken without an alarm activation and the car to be started without a key or key-like device. The vehicle can be started with something as simple as a screwdriver. Vehicles of this make and model are being targeted by criminal activity and it is a safety concern for kia consumers and drivers. Kia is aware of this defect and has issued a statement that all future vehicles will come with improved safety systems and an engine immobilizer, but no recall on vehicles before the 2022 model year have been made for repairs or adjustment to solve the issue. My 2021 kia forte was stolen from my house while I was home and which failed to cause a triggered alarm. There were no possessions in the car and the vehicle was locked. The individual who stole the vehicle only had to pull off my steering column cover and the ignition box to steal the vehicle. This is a rising concern throughout the nation, and milwaukee currently has a class action suit for this safety defect. A new car with no history of problems and very little usage should not have this problem. |
| Category | Air Bags |
| Date | Mar 20, 2022 |
| State | MS |
| Description | I was struck by lightning and totaled my car. My airbags didn't deploy. I've reported this to kia. They are yet to respond |
| Category | Electrical System, Engine, Fuel/propulsion System |
| Date | Mar 13, 2022 |
| State | FL |
| Description | Car completely shut down while in drive on 2 separate occasions leading it to be towed to dealership. |
| Category | Electrical System, Fuel/propulsion System, Power Train |
| Date | Mar 13, 2022 |
| State | FL |
| Description | Car stalled and shut off while in drive leading it to be towed. |
| Category | Air Bags |
| Date | Mar 06, 2022 |
| State | MS |
| Description | I got into an accident by being struck by lightning. I lost consciousness when I came to I was very confuse. I was in the side of a bridge with my foot on the brake looking at a river. My car was totally! My airbags didn't even deploy. I've been paying the price for this with higher insurance rates with an accident on my record. No police report was filed or called because I was fine just confused. Even with it being an act of god, I'm paying for it |
| Category | Air Bags |
| Date | Feb 03, 2022 |
| State | PA |
| Description | I was in a head on accident at 45mph air bags did not deploy . Was wearing my seatbelt and had a head injury due to hit the steering wheel with my head |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings |
| Date | Jan 26, 2022 |
| State | GA |
| Description | It's been flashing for no reason. I literally just turned on my car. I did get an oil change earlier today |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Jan 13, 2022 |
| State | WI |
| Description | There is no kill switch. This is a new car but doesn't have the push start. So, I have gotten it stolen twice. It's still at body shop. I had to pay 500 twice for detectible and I asked while they have car if kia could put a safety feature, so it doesn't happen again they told me kia is doing nothing at this time. Please I need answers. We don't want this car anymore. |
| Category | Lane Departure: Assist, Steering |
| Date | Jan 01, 2022 |
| State | NY |
| Description | I have noticed recently that the car keeps all of a sudden pulling to the right and I have not had the lane assistance on since a week after I bought the car. It is at 4000 miles right now and this problem began at approximately 3000 miles. Not sure if anyone else has noticed this but if it is just as if the lane assistance was turned on. I have also noticed that when I have my work bag which is approximately 40 pounds in my lunchbox in the front seat without the seatbelt connected the seatbelt warning does not come on like it did in my last car with the same items on the seat. Not sure if there is a different weight limit now but I figured I would add this in in case there isn't. |
| Category | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc |
| Date | Dec 28, 2021 |
| State | CA |
| Description | I got my car april 18 2021. It is a 2021 car and I got it off the lot with only 30 miles. I had the car for only 2 months and my breaks were already making a squeaky noise. I took it in to get them replaced I asked why I needed new ones sooo quick and I was told that maybe the manufacturer breaks weren't good. I took my car in again december 28 2021 because the breaks are making a squeaky noise again and my car is only at 7k miles. I've had my car for 8 months and have had my breaks changed twice when I shouldn't of even had to get them changed because my car hasn't even reached the mile li mit for new break pads. This is absurd. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Sep 16, 2021 |
| State | KS |
| Description | The contact owns 2021 kia forte. The contact stated the brakes would constantly squeak when making a stop. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that it was not a failure. The contact stated while she was parking the vehicle in a parking lot, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond. The contact stated the vehicle inadvertently accelerated on its own and crashed into a building. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact sustained injuries on the chest but she did not seek medical assistance. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The dealer was made aware of the failure and did not provide any assistance. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 3000. |
| Category | Steering |
| Date | Sep 13, 2021 |
| State | CA |
| Description | While coming to a stop, the passenger side front wheel locked up forcing the car into a sharp right had turn which put the car into a ditch, striking cement barrier at bottom of ditch. Car likely totalled |
| Category | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:caliper |
| Date | Sep 03, 2021 |
| State | GA |
| Description | I bought a brand new kia forte with 30 miles on it in february. In april I took it to the dealership for the breaks squeaking. The dealership stated they put conditioner on my breaks. Took the car back again in may for the breaks still squeaking. The dealership changed my oil when that was not what I called and asked for. Had to wait another hour for the dealership to look over the breaks. They stated they put conditioner on the rotors. Brought the car back again in july for breaks squeaking still. They replaced the front end breaking system. August 25, 2021. Was driving and heard a clanking noise under my car. Pulled over. The break caliper on the driver side back end was broken. Had to get the car towed to the dealership. |
| Category | Tires, Tires:pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems |
| Date | Aug 11, 2021 |
| State | AZ |
| Description | Bought the kia 4/192021 from camelback kia - phoenix, az. Drove the car home to green valley. Approximately 2 months later checked the tires air pressure and discovered that 3 of the tires were at 52 psi and 1 was at 51 psi. After checking with a neighbor who owns 2 kia fortes with kumho tires about the psi (which is the max psi located on the sidewall) he said he thought that was wrong. I called camelback to confirm if that was what they should be kept at - left a message. After 3 failed attempts getting a call back from camelback and 3 contacts with kia via their website (no return contacts). I finally contacted kumho who emailed me that I should follow the recommendations listed on the car door - 33psi. My concern is are the tires now dangerous after nearly 3000 miles at 51 - 52 psi? I have been told that driving with the tires at that max psi causes excessive wear in the center especially in the arizona heat. Neither camelback or kia has ever contacted me - 6 total attempts. Tires are 225/45 r17 kumho majesty solus. |
| Category | Tires |
| Date | Aug 04, 2021 |
| State | AZ |
| Description | I purchased my 2021 kia forte and have had it for only 6 months. The tires are new and the size are 225/45/r17 majestic solus tires both tires front driver side and back driver side exploded at the same time. I was driving when both tires went exploded at the same time. I thought at first maybe I went over a nail, then when I pulled over I saw both tires had torn in half, the tires looked like they are shredded. I have taken a picture of the road and direction and the street was cleared. I had to take to the kia dealership to have them both replaced. Very upset had to pay for 2 tires. At first they thought I had went over something although when you look at the tires both have the same type of damage. I was driving when this happened I was worried I could have caused an accident. Please everyone be safe and careful. I am out money because of these tires.. New car no reason for this to happen. These tires need to be reinspected. |
| Category | Equipment:mechanical:boom/crane/ladder:hoses/cables/rods/gears/strut/cylinder |
| Date | Jun 28, 2021 |
| State | NC |
| Description | Engine consuming too much oil. Developed what was thought to be a "lifter tap". After further diagnosis, paramount kia determined lower engine needs repair. Cylinders one and 3 are issues. Paramount kia claim they only want to replace lower engine. 2021 kia forte lxs 11k miles. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Jun 28, 2021 |
| State | CA |
| Description | 6/20/2021 miles when purchased: 18. I bought my kia forte and drove it home to livermore from san jose without any problem. 6/21/2021 & 6/22/2021 I did not drive anywhere. 6/23/2021 I drove to dublin bowl from livermore. When I returned home (livermore) and was pulling into my driveway, as I pressed on the accelerator the car completely lost power. When I let off on the accelerator and pressed it again, the car lurched forward, and I had to quickly brake to avoid crashing into my garage door. 6/24/2021 I did not drive anywhere. 6/25/2021 I drove to dublin bowl from livermore. When I was leaving the parking lot, again pressing the accelerator produced a complete loss of power. Letting off the accelerator and easing it back down produced normal operation. This scared me as there were pedestrians present and I was not sure how much control I had on speed. While I was driving home on I-580 at freeway speed, I tried to change lanes. As I tried to accelerate, I experienced a complete loss of power. I had to swerve back into my lane and let off the gas and ease it back down to produce normal operation. Total miles to date: 140. Not driving car now. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Mar 15, 2021 |
| State | FL |
| Description | In normal driving and lighting conditions my auto glass appears clear and no visible issues. However, as soon as the sun is shining directly through the glass, then thousands of what appear to be micro bubbles appear and severely impacts the drivers vision especially through the front windshield. This is very distracting and makes it difficult to focus on the road ahead. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Feb 20, 2021 |
| State | OH |
| Description | December 2,2020 I was driving on route 33 west and exited the exit at canal winchester. I was driving towards the left side of ramp and the steering wheel took control and slammed me into a cement barrier. Weather was 44 degrees and at 4 pm in the evening.*dt*jb*jb*dt*dt*jb*jb*dt*jb*jb |
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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.
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All of a sudden rear view kept moving by itself. Sensors stop working. The car would heat up in the cabin, and losing connections with lights stop working. Now I bought a new battery thinking the headlights stop working properly due to my battery. It wasn’t my battery the steering column get very loose. Then the lights just would be to loose, and stay on instead of powering off like there supposed to.