10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
73,753 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2011 Kia Forte engine problems

engine problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2011 Kia Forte:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2011 Kia Forte Owner Comments (Page 2 of 2)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #17

Jul 052019

Forte

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Bad engine knocking/taping, I have read a lot of complaints about the 2.0 and 2.4 Kia/Hyundai engines knocking/ tapping engine, my car has 97000 and sounds like diesel engine, bought used they refused to fix because the warranty says that I'm not the original owner, something needs to be done about this, they are a lots I means a lots of complaints about, Kia/huyndai needs to step up and do a recall for this major problem

- Wormleysburg, PA, USA

problem #16

Jan 072019

Forte

  • 115,000 miles
My mechanic diagnosed the problem as the rod bearing that's the cause and suggested I confirm the diagnosis with a Kia dealership to see if Kia would cover the cost. The Kia dealership diagnosed the same problem, reached out to Kia to discuss covering the costs, and Kia told the dealership that they wouldn't. I was told either replace the engine which with parts and labor would be around $4,500-$5,000 or I could trade it in and get a few hundred for it. Why on earth would I buy another Kia if they're not even going to rectify the problem when it turns out to be an assembly defect to begin with. What's even more frustrating is that there is a engine recall on optimas and sportages within the same year as my Forte but they don't feel the need to open up a recall. Reading about it online there have been hundreds of complaints about the same (engine needs to be replaced) problem but Kia still won't do a recall for Forte models in the same year range. If Kia won't do right by it's customers, I don't see the motivation in continuing to give them my business.

- Westminster, MD, USA

problem #15

Jan 112017

Forte

  • 70,000 miles
The engine started knocking and having difficulty starting when the car only had about 70,000 miles on it. I have heard from other Kia owners and mechanics this is a common problem and the engine could throw a rod.

- Orem, UT, USA

problem #14

Feb 182019

Forte

  • 78,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Engine is making a loud knocking noise, Kia service refuses to be able to hear it as it is still under warranty. Recalls have been issued for the same issue in other Kia models using the same engine. This is a common issue with these engines including the Forte, which was not part of the recall. Action is being taken in Canada by the apa, but not in the us. Details of the issue are documented here: tjl.quebec/en/class-action/Kia-Forte-problemes-de-moteur/

- Plainfield, IL, USA

problem #13

Mar 012016

Forte

  • 47,000 miles
In 2016, just a few months past the five year warranty, engine started making noise. $5K repair. Engine had broken engine bearing causing knock sound. Less than 50K miles. Many models that year recalled for engine problems, same model in surrounding years recalled for engine problems, only two remanufactured engines in country when I needed a replacement. This should've had a recall. It's a cover up by Kia.

- Santa Clara, CA, USA

problem #12

Nov 252018

Forte

  • 120,000 miles
At 120,000 miles a loud knocking noise began coming from the engine at engine start. It persists and sounds almost like an electric sewing machine - taka taka taka taka. The sound gets louder when I accelerate and decreases when I don't press the gas pedal. The noise decreases slightly when the engine is fully warmed up but it is still audible. I took it to a mechanic who specializes in engines, his diagnosis was "rod bearings need replacement" I have started searching for this issue online and became aware of safety recall SC147. Unfortunately this recall doesn't include the Kia Forte model. I saw in my research online that many other Forte owners were having similar issues. In addition, my car's engine "theta II" 2.0 liter appears to be the same engine that is included among the recalled models included in SC147. I am wondering why the Kia Forte is not included as it seems to be suffering from the same issue. Is this a question of accountability, or lack thereof on Kia/Hyundai's side.

- Alhambra, CA, USA

problem #11

Nov 132018

Forte

  • 90,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. On several occasions, while driving various speeds, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine, the oil pressure warning indicator illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to shoals university Kia (4109 N jackson hwy, sheffield, al 35660, (256) 978-1000) where it was diagnosed that the extension wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact was then informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

- Leighton, AL, USA

problem #10

Aug 192017

Forte

  • 168,000 miles
I was driving the car at roughly 65 mph on cruise control. All of a sudden there was a very loud bang, tachometer dropped to zero, oil started spraying all over from underneath car. I managed to coast the car to the side of the road and found a fist-sized hole in the engine block. Shards of metal and oil were all over the road, creating a hazard. Even though this issue is the same as other Kia vehicles with the same 2.4L theta engine, according to Kia, my vehicle's engine is not included in the recall of those engines. Kia claims that because the fuel system in my car is not "gdi", it is not included. Even though, by Kia's own admission, the issue is due to crankshaft issues, which have nothing to do with the fuel system. My vehicle's engine and the recalled engines share the same crankshaft, and the same oem part number, even. Yet, somehow because the fuel system is not "gdi", my engine isn't included in the recall. Kia needs to do the right thing and include Forte 2.4L non-gdi engines in the recall as well. My car has been sitting now for over a year waiting for an engine.

- Manistee, MI, USA

problem #9

Jul 232018

Forte

  • miles
2011 Kia Forte. Consumer writes in regards to illuminated check engine light. The consumer was concerned that th intake manifold would cause a fire.

- Canonsburg, PA, USA

problem #8

Nov 162017

Forte

  • 82,000 miles
The engine has been making a ticking clicking sound when at idle and while driving slowly for a couple of months now. Not sure if it goes away at high speeds or becuase of the poor noise proofing of the car that drowns out the sound. Anyway I started looking online to see if people had the same issue. They did and costing anywhere from 5000 to 7000 for the engine to be replaced because of "piston, rod knocking issues". furthermore, I've learned that Kia has recalled the engines in several of their other models. This recall was put into place because the engines are "stalling" and posing a safety hazard. This car can not be driven until the engine is replace. My research seems to tell me that this model line should be added to the recall list before people get injured. Seems like the same issues as the engines with the recall are having.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

problem #7

Jan 212018

Forte

  • 145,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Push rod bearing

- Alden, MN, USA

problem #6

Jan 252018

Forte

  • 77,706 miles
The engine is making a loud ticking sound so I brought it to the dealer that I purchased it from 11 months earlier. They told me the engine needs to be replaced and it will cost about $7,000. I paid $9,000 for the car 11 months ago and it only has 77,000 miles on it. I've learned through some extensive research that Kia has recalled the engines in several of their other models. This recall was put into place because the engines are "stalling" and posing a safety hazzard. This car can not be driven until the engine is replace. All scheduled maintenance has been performed and the engine still gave out at only 77,000 miles. The dealer is berlin city in gorham, nh. The R.O. print out of codes and issues with the engine is half a page long and includes blue smoke from exhaust, missfiring on two cylinders, knocking, flashing "check engine light", leaking head gasket, etc. My research seems to tell me that this model line should be added to the recall list. Seems like the same issues as the engines with the recall are having.

- Shelburne, NH, USA

problem #5

Mar 162017

Forte

  • 174,000 miles
"a South Korean whistleblower reported concerns last year to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which will probe the timeliness of three recalls carried out in the United States and whether they covered enough vehicles." My 2008 Kia optima (174000 miles) was recently diagnosed with similar issues by a Kia dealer (the engine bearings failed according to the tech., with metal in the oil filter) the sound it makes is also heard, though less obvious when dry starting my 2011 Kia Forte. Please look into including both of these cars in the recall. It seems that there is a design flaw., ps: I regularly change the oil 3-4000 miles on both cars, . refer to article: Https://www.yahoo.com/news/M/abb24D07-A29F-3A32-A689-dfb220B11F54/ss_feds-open-investigation-into.html

- Winthrop Harbor, IL, USA

problem #4

Sep 132016

Forte

  • 68,000 miles
When driving straight along an interstate with my cruise control set to the speed limit, a loud bang came from under the hood of my Kia, the check engine indicator turned on, and smoke began to pour out from under the hood and inside my car through the air vents. When I pushed the gas pedal gently, there was a low guttural noise and my car was not picking up speed. I put my car into neutral and coasted to the shoulder with low visibility as the smoke became more dense and darker in color. I brought my vehicle to a full stop on the shoulder and put it into park before turning it off and removing my key from the ignition. Upon exiting the car I noticed the smoke was even more intense than before and promptly called 911 and gave my location and situation information to the 911 representative. As I was speaking, I narrated in horror as flames became visible from under the car itself and under the hood as well, in as little as one minute after exiting my car. By the time the fire department got to the vehicle, the flames were over 20 feet tall and the heat was unbearable; I relocated myself farther and farther away to stay cool and safe as the time went on. Nobody was burned, hurt, or injured as a result of the incident, but only my mere coincidence.

- Beaver, PA, USA

problem #3

Jun 062016

Forte

  • 94,000 miles
My 2011 Kia Forte stalls randomly while I drive it. This has happened multiple times in multiple driving situations. Two incidents happened while I was in rush hour traffic on highway 805 South in san diego California. Another incident happened while I was crossing railroad tracks leaving the marriott hotel in downtown san diego (in this instance, I had to coast the car off of the tracks -fortunately no train was coming at that time). In describing my experiences in one of these incidents, I offer the following description: On June 6, 2016, while in rush hour traffic on highway 805 in san diego California, the car just stalled. When pressing the accelerator, the motor would rev but there was no response. I had to shut the car off and restart it. Fortunately, I was able to get it started and drive to safety. Please note that I have repeatedly brought the car to the local Kia dealership in an attempt to solve the problem. They have been unable to solve the problem (yet they have charged me for services rendered). I filed my complaint with Kia corporate consumer assistance. They have asked me to bring the car into the dealership for "escalated services" three different times. Each time I think the car is repaired, then I experience another incident. The latest incident happened two weeks after my latest visit to the dealership. My wife was driving the car in downtown san diego on the night of July 8 2016. The car stalled again! my family and I feel like we are in constant danger driving this car. Yet, we need this car in conducting our family affairs. Kia corporate cannot solve this problem and we do not know how best to proceed. We feel that our safety is at stake and we are hoping that this situation can be resolved before any harm come to our family or to others experiencing similar problems. I can obtain repair documents, but I do not have them at this moment.

- El Cajon, CA, USA

problem #2

Oct 282015

Forte

  • 91,700 miles
Took my 2011 Kia Forte into the Kia dealership today because the engine is making a ticking sound. I have had two other mechanics in recent weeks tell me it is a serious problem with the lifters and/or the pistons inside the engine. The Kia mechanic refuses to acknowledge there is a ticking sound, but in formed me the air bag sensor is malfunctioning and I will have to pay $1100 to have the air bag sensor repaired before I can sell the car. Also, my brakes will occasionally make a very loud 'thump' when I apply them, but the Kia dealer can find nothing wrong with them.

- Louisville, KY, USA

problem #1

Aug 012014

Forte

  • miles
2011 Kia Forte. Consumer writes in regards to intermittent acceleration problems. The consumer stated when he attempted to merge onto the highway, the engine would drop to an idle. On several occasions, the vehicle would jump forward, with the slightest touch of the accelerator. The consumer has since traded the vehicle.

- New Berlin, WI, USA

Not what you are looking for?