NHTSA Data Explorer

Kia Forte Koup

Data refreshed October 25, 2026

Select a model year to filter results to that year of the Kia Forte Koup.

Complaints

1,543

Active records

Recalls

8

Active records

TSBs

267

Active records

Filing history

Monthly totals over the last 20 years. Click a legend item to show or hide that series.

Reported severity

Based on consumer complaints filed since 2000. Recalls and TSBs do not include severity data.

Deaths

6

Injuries

118

Crashes

133

Fires

103

Top reported issues — Kia Forte Koup

Click a category to expand its values.

Noise

469

Operating state

465

Condition issue

425

Reporting mechanism

327

Engine behavior

294

Safety restraint issue

236

Performance issue

203

Thermal issue

180

Fluid issue

172

Safety restraint behavior

129

Lighting behavior

118

Vibration/harshness

78

Smell

67

Transmission/drivetrain behavior

67

Steering behavior

63

Braking behavior

58

Driver assistance issue

56

Starting behavior

55

Electrical issue

53

Powering on/off behavior

25

Recent change

24

Access/entry issue

20

Infotainment behavior

16

HVAC behavior

13

Ride/handling behavior

11

Wiper/washer behavior

4

Communication/network issue

3

Electrified system issue

1

Recent filings

The 10 most recent filings for each type.

2011 KIA FORTE

Filed Oct 13, 2026


Fire

The contact owned a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at approximately 60 MPH, the RPMs rose and the vehicle hesitated upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The driver pulled over into the emergency lane when an abnormal popping sound emitted from the vehicle without warning. Black smoke then entered through the interior vents, and the vehicle caught fire. The driver and two passengers exited before the vehicle became fully engulfed in flames. Emergency…

2014 KIA FORTE

Filed Oct 5, 2026


The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that oil was leaking underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that at start-up the check engine and low oil pressure warning light remained illuminated with an abnormal burned oil odor. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine was failing and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number:…

2014 KIA FORTE

Filed Oct 3, 2026


Odometer was tampered with dealership set the mileage at 82,000 the actual mileage is 153,000

2016 KIA FORTE

Filed Oct 3, 2026


The Headlights and ALL exterior lights FLICKER or TURN OFF ENTIRELY while driving, especially when touching the Multi-Function Turn Signal Stalk to signal a turn. This can and HAS happened when the Headlights are switched on any mode: MARKER LIGHTS, HEADLIGHTS, or AUTO. I can be driving, Headlights are on AUTO - suddenly - ALL HEADLIGHTS/EXTERIOR LIGHTS FLICKER OR TURN OFF. I have to quickly touch the Multi-Function Stalk or switch it from AUTO to HEADLIGHTS to keep the lights on. I then have…

2015 KIA FORTE

Filed Sep 30, 2026


Vehicle has developed a severe knocking during acceleration, that stops during deceleration, and returns when in idle. I'm sure it is poison slap. I know there is an extension warranty, but the dealer says my car doesn't qualify. Then NHTSA has the SC200 safety recall. I need help with this car. My engine is failing. Can you help me?

2014 KIA FORTE

Filed Sep 24, 2026


The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to operate. The contact stated that the steering wheel would knock from left to right and would unexpectedly seize. Due to the failure, the steering became difficult to control. The vehicle was taken to a service center, where the failure was confirmed to be related to the steering system. The contact was advised not to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer,…

2014 KIA FORTE

Filed Sep 22, 2026


Airbag warning light has came on had a mechanic run codes and it says all air bags unresponsive. Now my car is refusing to start. If continue to try it eventually starts. Major oil leak and consumption along with knocking. Along with my break lights not working occasionally along with my head lights and brights not working at all

2012 KIA FORTE

Filed Sep 18, 2026


Fire

VEHICLE & INCIDENT DETAILS * Vehicle: 2012 Kia Forte Hatchback * VIN: KNAFU5A26C5641380 * Incident Date: August 21, 2026 * Relevant Recalls: NHTSA Campaign 23V652000 (Recall SC284) & NHTSA Campaign 20V750000 (Recall SC200) * Kia Corporate Case Number: 26367714 * Dealership: AllStar Kia San Bernardino, CA COMPLAINT DESCRIPTION I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding a severe vehicle fire incident involving a vehicle subject to active fire safety recalls, and subsequent corporate…

2015 KIA FORTE

Filed Sep 10, 2026


While driving my 2015 Kia Forte5 at approximately 80 mph on GA-400, I was traveling in the far-left lane when the vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly lost acceleration and engine power. Pressing the accelerator produced little to no response. There was no gradual reduction in speed or sufficient warning that the vehicle was about to lose propulsion. Because I was in the far-left lane, I had to maneuver across approximately four lanes of highway traffic to reach the shoulder. Fortunately, this…

2016 KIA FORTE

Filed Aug 31, 2026


Im getting denied dued to engine failure but whoever had the vehicle before didn't follow up with the ksds update, I just purchased the vehicle on June 30th,2026, I need this fixed ASAP because I still owe on this car.

Data sourced from NHTSA's public datasets. Issue classifications are generated by Repair Surge. About this data.

Updated October 25, 2026. Refreshed nightly.