10 complaints reported

2021 Kia Forte Engine

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
10
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Jan 2026

Was currently stuck in slow walking traffic and once traffic began to progress the car overheated engine notice appeared. Pulled into a parking lot as soon as car was parked the vehicle turned off. This happened during the night and was an extremely traumatic experience! Car does have a diagnosis about the engine been blown. Still in the works of being fixed by the dealership. Very long process!

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 KIA FORTE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Oct 2026
Dec 2025

2021 Kia Forte VIN# [XXX] 107,000 miles While driving my Kia Forte on [XXX] i experienced a sudden noise without warning just 2 months to the exact date after an oil change. The vehicle became unsafe to operate and could not accelerate properly. In some cases it would no have it would feel like it was losing power and creating a scary and dangerous situation. A certified mechanic diagnosed there was no oil in my vehicle which matches the oil consumption defect identified in Kia's Theta II GDI engine recalls and nationwide class action settlement. Kia has acknowledged in public filing that is defect poses a risk of engine seizing and fire. Although my VIN is not currently listed under any active recall, my vehicle exhibits the exact same defect pattern as recalled vehicles, including sudden loss of power at highway speeds which is a significant safety hazard. Manufactures Response: I contacted Kia Corporate to request an engine replacement consistent with the recall and the settlement remedies and they refused to cover the repair solely because my VIN is not included in the recall list despite the defect being identical. Safety Concern: The sudden loss of power creates a risk of rear-end collisions, loss of control and potential fire. This defect can be life threatening and should not be excluded from recall coverage simply due to VIN range. Requested Action: I am requesting that NHTSA investigate why vehicles with identical engine defects, including mine have been excluded from recall coverage and compel Kia to provide a no-cost repair. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 KIA FORTE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Apr 2025
Nov 2025

On Saturday, March 1, 2025, I took my 2021 Kia Forte LXS for a routine oil change. I had NO PRIOR issues, warning lights or anything with my vehicle. The oil change was performed. I then drove my vehicle less than 20 miles, the vehicle would then not accelerate and started to bog down. I was able to get my vehicle off the major I-4 interstate, however eventually the vehicle then shut down. The vehicle now will still start however is making this terrible clicking noise. I have had video of the engine running looked at by several mechanics who states the engine is blown. I have contacted Kia who clearly has known engine issues on several of their Fortes however Kia continues to state since mine is not currently on recall, they are not taking responsibility. Kia know they have several recalls due to engine issues. I cannot get a mechanic to work on my vehicle due to the recalls as mechanics only want to put in brand new engines due to Kia engine recalls. A new engine will cost upwards of $10,000. Again, Kia knows and had several recalls with engine issues

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 KIA FORTE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2025
Oct 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the cylinders and pistons had failed, and the engine needed to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 93,532.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 KIA FORTE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Oct 2025
Sep 2025

My 2021 Kia forte GT is currently sitting in my driveway, undriveable. It started about 3months or so ago I had realized I was getting more and more frequent oil changes to the point where the car would be consuming a quart of oil in at least a week or less. Fast forward to this previous week, I now had a hard knock/rattle within my engine. The engine gave way on my way home which is a significant safety issue to myself and those who were driving around me. I have contacted Kia customer as they have had previous complaints as well as a lawsuit on the engine for the excessive engine oil consumption leading to possible engine failure. There’s no reason why an only 4 year old car should have a blown motor. I am thankful that I am personally ok and didn’t hurt anyone else while in the midst of driving my vehicle home.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 KIA FORTE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: May 2025
Jan 2025

I am writing to report a serious safety concern involving my Kia vehicle. Shortly after getting an oil change, my car began making unusual noises and then suddenly stopped working in the middle of a busy intersection. This unexpected stall created a dangerous situation for both myself and other drivers. After having it towed to the dealership, it comes down to an engine malfunction which was not covered by my warranty since it just hit 70,000 miles. I have since learned that other Kia owners have experienced similar issues, and I am concerned this may be related to a larger defect or recall issue. I wanted to report this incident to ensure it is properly documented and investigated.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 KIA FORTE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jul 2025
Nov 2024

While driving on the interstate, multiple dash lights came on, the engine started knocking and shutting down. The vehicle was towed to the dealership and was found that the oil plug had fallen out, causing the oil to drain out and ruin the motor.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 KIA FORTE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Dec 2023
Jun 2024

I get regularly scheduled oil changes but the car is making a noise like a rod knock

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 KIA FORTE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jun 2024
Jan 2023

Engine is very noisy for quite some time before getting quiet. 40000 miles. Lifters making a lot of noise. Possibly a failing oil pump.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 KIA FORTE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2023
Jun 2022

While driving down the highway, the entire crank pulley system fell out from under the car and onto the highway.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 KIA FORTE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jun 2022

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2021 Kia Forte has 10 Engine complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.