Engine
1.6L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 64 of 64 complaints with a usable failure date.
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Driver assistance
25 complaint records1 crash report
"Driving home. Unexpectedly foward collision warning came on light never turned off even after a reset was done on the car..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse driver assistance parts in the directory →
Steering
15 complaint records1 fire report4 crash reports
"My car was broken into and the anti theft system failed to protect my car. The entire steering column is damaged as well as a window...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →
Electrical system
10 complaint records1 crash report
"Electrical system failed while operating vehicle on major highway. All lights flashed, system shut off, power steering locked up...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24V244000DO NOT DRIVE | Suspension | Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Forte vehicles. The right front lower control arm may have been improperly welded, which can cause it to fail. | Normally free |
| 23V649000DO NOT DRIVE | Suspension | Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Forte vehicles. The right front lower control arm may have been improperly welded, which can cause it to fail. | Normally free |
| 22V906000 | Steering | Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Forte vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the front left steering knuckle may crack, which can result in a loss of steering control. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023525 2023-09-22 | Suspension | 113 | Issue: On certain vehicles, the right-front lower control arm could partially separate from the crossmember due to an improper weld. If this happens while driving, there could be a sudden loss of vehicle control. |
| 2022698 2022-12-08 | Steering | 1,182 | Issue: On certain vehicles, the left-front steering knuckle could crack and/or break. A steering knuckle that breaks while driving could cause a sudden loss of vehicle control. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSB_ENG263 Aug 2026 | Engine | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: MISFIRE CONCERN DUE TO OVERRUNNING ALTERNATOR DECOUPLER - This bulletin provides information to address unresolved misfire events on some 2020–2024MY Forte (BDm) produced from January 1, 2019 through September 30, 2024, and 2020–2022MY Soul (SK3)... | |
| TSB_ELE422 May 2026 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATE USING UPDATE.KIA.COM - This bulletin provides information and service procedures for updating the infotainment systems on applicable Kia vehicles using the Kia Navigation Updater available at update.kia.com. | |
| TSB_ELE417 Apr 2026 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SOFTWARE UPDATE PROCEDURE - This bulletin provides information on the process for downloading infotainment software updates and preparing USB for installation on applicable Kia vehicles. | |
| PS797 Dec 2025 | Back Over Prevention | PITSTOP: TECHNICAL OPERATIONS: EXTERNAL DAMAGE TO ULTRASONIC SENSOR: This Pitstop provides information related to Parking Distance Warning (PDW) alerts and repairs involving ultrasonic sensors. | |
| TSB_GEN103 Nov 2025 | Unknown Or Other | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TIRE MOBILITY REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information to replace the Tire Mobility Kit (TMK) sealant can or TMK bag assembly on certain 2023-2024MY Forte (BDm) models produced from March 01, 2023 thorough November 30, 2023. |
Show 41 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSB_TRA046_R5 Apr 2025 | Power Train | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. | |
| TSB_ENG222_R8 Apr 2025 | Engine | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. | |
| TSB_ELE378 Mar 2025 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: KIA CONNECT MODEM RESET (SA611) - This bulletin outlines the procedure for resetting the modem in certain 2016-2025MY Kia vehicles listed on page 3 that are equipped with Kia Connect Services. | |
| TSB_ENG222_R7 Feb 2025 | Engine | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. | |
| TSB_ELE338_R1 Jan 2025 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: DISPLAY AUDIO 2.0/AVN5WSOFTWARE UPDATE (SA569) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. | |
| TSB_ELE347_R1 Dec 2024 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: DISPLAY AUDIO 2.0V/AVN5W SOFTWARE UPDATE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. | |
| TSB_ELE352_R2 Dec 2024 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: AVN 5.0 WIDE NON-RESPONSIVE RADIO ICON (AM, FM, SXM) (SA582) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. | |
| TSB_ELE303_R3 Nov 2024 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: AVN 5.0 WIDE NON-RESPONSIVE RADIO ICON (AM, FM, SXM) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. | |
| TSB_ELE352_R1 Nov 2024 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: AVN 5.0 WIDE NON-RESPONSIVE RADIO ICON (AM, FM, SXM) (SA582) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. | |
| TSB_CHA121_R2 Sep 2024 | Suspension | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: FRONT STRUT BEARING & SPRING PAD REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. | |
| TSB_GEN099_R2 Sep 2024 | Wheels | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: TIRE MOBILITY KIT INSPECTION & REPLACEMENT/REPAIR (SA556) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. | |
| TSB_CHA121_R1 Jul 2024 | Suspension | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: FRONT STRUT BEARING & SPRING PAD REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. | |
| TSB_ELE347 Jul 2024 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: DISPLAY AUDIO 2.0V/AVN5W SOFTWARE UPDATE - This bulletin provides information to update the software on Display Audio 2.0 (D2V) and 5th Generation AVN Wide (AVN5W) head units on certain 2021-2023MY Kia vehicles. | |
| TSB_ELE352 Jul 2024 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: AVN 5.0 WIDE NON-RESPONSIVE RADIO ICON (AM, FM, SXM) (SA582) - This bulletin provides information to update the software on 5th Generation AVN wide on certain 2023-2024MY Kia vehicles (refer to model list on page 3) to remedy a... | |
| TSB_TRA109 Jul 2024 | Power Train | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: IVT OIL PRESSURE SENSOR REPLACEMENT: This bulletin provides information to replace the Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) Oil Pressure Sensor (OPS) on some 2018-2024MY vehicles listed on page 3 equipped with IVT. | |
| TSB_TRA046_R4 May 2024 | Power Train | This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced. | |
| TSB_ELE338 Apr 2024 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: DISPLAY AUDIO 2.0/AVN5W SOFTWARE UPDATE (SA569) - This bulletin provides information to update the software on Display Audio 2.0 (D2V) and 5th Generation AVN Wide (AVN5W) head units on certain 2022-2023MY Kia vehicles (refer to model... | |
| TSB_GEN099_R1 Apr 2024 | Equipment | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: TIRE MOBILITY KIT INSPECTION & REPLACEMENT/REPAIR (SA556) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. | |
| TSB_GEN099 Feb 2024 | Equipment | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: TIRE MOBILITY KIT INSPECTION & REPLACEMENT/REPAIR (SA556) - This bulletin provides information to inspect, and if necessary, replace the Tire Mobility Kit (TMK) sealant can or sealant can cap on certain 2023-2024MY Forte (BDm) vehicles... | |
| TSB_ELE303_R2 Feb 2024 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: AVN 5.0 WIDE NON-RESPONSIVE RADIO ICON (AM, FM, SXM) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. | |
| TSB_CHA121 Jan 2024 | Suspension | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: FRONT STRUT BEARING & SPRING PAD REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information to replace the front strut bearing and upper spring pad on both front (LH and RH) strut assemblies on certain 2019-2024MY Forte (BDm) vehicles produced from July 09,... | |
| TSB_BOD212_R1 Nov 2023 | Structure | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL SEAT TRACK REPLACEMENT FOR INOPERATIVE FRONT SEAT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. | |
| TSB_CLI053_R1 Oct 2023 | Visibility | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HVAC BLOWER MOTOR CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. | |
| TSB_ELE312 Oct 2023 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: VOICE RECOGNITION DATABASE UNMATCHED SOFTWARE UPDATE (SA545) - This bulletin provides information to update the navigation and map software on certain 2023MY Forte (BDm) vehicles equipped with 5th Generation AVN wide head units,... | |
| TSB_ELE314 Oct 2023 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: UNEVEN/SLIPPERY ROAD WARNING DISPLAYED ON INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - This bulletin provides information to update the software on 5th Generation AVN wide on certain 2020-2023MY Kia vehicles (refer to model list on page 3) to remedy a warning sound... | |
| TSB_ELE303_R1 Sep 2023 | Equipment | This bulletin provides information to update the software on 5th Generation AVN wide on certain 2020-2024MY Kia vehicles (refer to model list on page 3) to remedy a 'non-responsive' or 'inoperative' radio (FM, AM, SXM, etc. ) concern. | |
| TSB_ELE303 Aug 2023 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: AVN 5.0 WIDE NON-RESPONSIVE RADIO ICON (AM, FM, SXM) - This bulletin provides information to update the software on 5th Generation AVN wide on certain 2020-2023MY Kia vehicles to remedy a 'non-responsive' or 'inoperative' radio (FM,... | |
| TSB_CLI053 Aug 2023 | Visibility | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HVAC BLOWER MOTOR CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information to replace the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) blower motor connector on some 2019-2023MY Forte (BDm) vehicles produced from July 09, 2018 through present,... | |
| TSB_ELE209_R4 Aug 2023 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE REMINDER SETTING RESET PROCEDURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. | |
| TSB_ENG243 Jun 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: LOOSE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY PARTIAL REPAIR - This bulletin provides information regarding a loose crankshaft pulley condition on certain 2020-2023MY Forte (BDm) vehicles equipped with a 1.6L T-GDI and 6-speed manual transmission, produced from May 15,... | |
| TSB_BOD314 May 2023 | Structure | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: OVERHEAD CONSOLE SUNGLASS DOOR-LATCH REPAIR - This bulletin provides information to repair the overhead console lamp assembly and sunglass door latch on some 2012-2023MY model vehicles listed in the table below, which may encounter the sunglass case... | |
| TSB_ENG239_R1 Apr 2023 | Fuel System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: DATA COLLECTION: EXTRACT CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS DATA FROM ECU (DC23) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. | |
| TSB_ELE272_R1 Jan 2023 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: CLUSTER LOGIC IMPROVEMENT FOR ADAS ALERT VOLUME CHANGE (SA517) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. | |
| TSB_ELE272 Dec 2022 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: CLUSTER LOGIC IMPROVEMENT FOR ADAS ALERT VOLUME CHANGE (SA517) - This bulletin provides the procedure to update the software logic of the Cluster (CLU) system on some 2023MY vehicles to allow the Advanced Driver Assistance System... | |
| TSB_CLI048_R1 Nov 2022 | Visibility | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR: COMPRESSOR FIELD COIL ASSEMBLY INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. | |
| TSB_TRA046_R3 Nov 2022 | Power Train | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. | |
| TSB_ENG219_R1 Sep 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: MAINTENANCE REMINDER FEATURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.This bulletin provides information on setting the "Service Interval... | |
| TSB_ENG241 Sep 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: OIL LIFE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (OLMS) AND MAINTENANCE REMINDER FEATURE - This bulletin provides information regarding the new Oil Life Management System (OLMS) Maintenance Reminder Setting feature available on some 2023MY~ and later vehicles. | |
| TSB_ELE209_R3 Aug 2022 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE REMINDER SETTING RESET PROCEDURE - This bulletin provides the procedure to turn OFF the service reminder lamp, at the first service interval reminder alert that will display on the instrument cluster. | |
| PS672_R1 Aug 2022 | Seats | PITSTOP: REAR OCCUPANT ALERT (ROA) W/REAR DOOR LOGIC - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. | |
| TSB_ENG239 Jun 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: DATA COLLECTION: EXTRACT CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS DATA FROM ECU (DC23) - This bulletin provides information related to extracting in use performance tracking emissions data from the Engine Control Unit (ECU) of certain vehicles sold in California. |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Try the camera, sensors, and any driver-assist features in a parking lot.A blank or frozen backup camera image and phantom sensor alerts are this vehicle's driver-assistance complaints.
- Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Do not drive it home until the do-not-drive recall is confirmed repaired.At least one campaign on this vehicle carries a federal do-not-drive advisory. Confirm the repair with the dealer, by VIN, before taking delivery.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Kia Forte →