2016 KIA FORTE Complaints

Headlights shut off entirely multiple times when switching to high beams on dark road, almost causing an accident. Multi-function switch failing the exact way the Sorento switches are failing, confirmed by mechanic. This is a severe hazard when driving at night. There was no warning whatsoever.

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed and then stalled. The contact stated that the "Battery" symbol was illuminated on the instrument cluster. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine connecting rod bearings had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

The fuel input is not working properly. Will not allow fuel to go into fuel tank. Risk of fuel spilling and fire hazard.

I own a 2016 Kia Forte LX and have been experiencing repeated and dangerous electrical failures with the headlight and lighting system. When I turn on the headlights, they sometimes do not come on at all, or they shut off unexpectedly while driving. In some cases, using the turn signal causes the headlights to cut out completely. The interior dash lights flicker between dim and bright, and the tail lights are also affected. This is a serious safety hazard because it results in sudden and complete loss of exterior lighting (headlights and tail lights) while the vehicle is in motion at night. It significantly increases the risk of an accident. Online owner forums and repair shops confirm this issue is widespread in Kia vehicles, often traced to a failing multifunction headlight/turn signal switch. Despite the frequency of these failures, there has been no recall issued by Kia. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this defect in the 2016 Kia Forte and related models, as it directly compromises driver and passenger safety.

The contact owned a 2016 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while decelerating due to traffic, the vehicle was struck in the rear end and pushed approximately a few feet, causing the vehicle's front end to crash into the rear of the vehicle in front. No warning lights illuminated. No air bags deployed. The contact stated that due to the impact of the crash, she had fallen unconscious. A police report was filed. The contact sought medical attention for bruises and head damage. The vehicle was towed to the local tow lot, where it remains, and was declared a total loss by the insurance provider. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V031000 (Airbags) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

I purchased the 2016 Kia Forte on [XXX] from Bald Hill Kia in Warwick, RI. Within the first 30 days, there was a knocking noise which turned out to be the knocking sensor. I took the car to be checked on 11/1/2022 and paid to replace the knock sensor. On [XXX], the knock sensor acted up again so the knock sensor had to be replaced again. They also found a small evap leak and the charcoal canister was cracked and replaced. On 12/9/2022, the engine assembly was replaced. On [XXX], the check engine light came on and the O2 sensor was replaced. On 1/5/2023, the catalytic converter had to be replaced. On 1/16/2023, the canister purge valved was replaced. On 8/29/2023, the catalytic converter had to be replaced again. On 6/11/2024, the catalytic converter had to be replaced a third time! Over a year passed and on Saturday afternoon on [XXX] the check engine light turned on again and Kia was closed on Sunday so I took the car to Firestone for a diagnostic test and it turned out that it was the catalytic converter for the 4th time. I dropped off the car in 8/4/2025 and I'm waiting to see if the car can get looked at this week to confirm the problem for a 4th time. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal to merge onto the highway, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 15 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an auto parts store, where it was scanned, and DTC: P1326; was retrieved. The contact stated that the code indicated a Knock Sensor Detection system failure. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where the contact was informed that the manufacturer had advised the dealer not to diagnose the vehicle due to an incomplete oil change history. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

1. NHTSA Safety Complaint Draft Vehicle Info: Make: Kia Model: Forte5 SX Year: 2016 VIN: [XXX] Engine: 1.6L GDI (G4FJ Nu engine) Issue: This vehicle uses the 1.6L GDI Nu engine (engine code G4FJ), which is the same engine involved in Kia’s engine defect recalls and class action settlements related to connecting rod bearing failure and engine seizure risks. However, Kia is refusing to provide the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) update, and no internal campaigns or recalls are listed for my VIN despite the identical mechanical risk. I purchased the vehicle in 2017 and was unaware of the extended warranty and safety campaigns until now. I am experiencing symptoms of rough idle and pre-knock concerns, and yet Kia and my local dealership are unwilling to escalate my case or even verify warranty eligibility. This defect poses a risk of sudden engine failure and should be addressed under expanded recall coverage. I am requesting NHTSA investigate inclusion of later-production 2016 vehicles like mine, which clearly share the same defective power train. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

While driving my 2016 Kia Forte with my [XXX] daughter in the car, the engine began making loud knocking noises and quickly deteriorated until it became unsafe and undriveable. This failure occurred without warning lights, oil pressure issues, or prior symptoms. We were nearly stranded in an unsafe location and had to immediately pull over and arrange alternate transportation. I later learned this issue aligns with a known defect in Kia’s Theta II engines, which have been recalled or covered under extended warranty in many cases. However, Kia has denied any support, stating my vehicle is “outside the factory warranty” and disqualified due to not completing a knock sensor software update I was never notified about. How Safety Was Put at Risk: My daughter was in the vehicle at the time, and we were placed in a vulnerable position with a failing engine, unable to safely continue driving. A sudden loss of power could have resulted in an accident if we had been in traffic or on the highway. This defect is a serious safety hazard, especially for families with young children. The vehicle has not been inspected by Kia directly since they declined to assist once they determined the factory warranty had expired. I am happy to make the vehicle available for inspection upon request. Warning Lamps or Messages: There were no warning lights or indicators prior to the onset of the knocking and failure. The symptoms began suddenly and escalated rapidly. My Request: I am requesting an investigation into Kia’s handling of these failures, particularly in cases where families were not properly notified about knock detection software updates and are now being denied support for what is clearly a known and widespread engine defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

While driving our 2016 Kia forte 5 the engine completely failed and lost all power while on a busy highway. The engine in this vehicle was not part of the original 2016 Forte Recalls for the same issue and is not part of any current recalls for the same issue. It could have led to very severe injuries or even death due to the failure and complete loss of engine power only. Battery power remained on the car.