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Kia Forte
Model Overview
Kia's compact Forte sedan is still an upstart among economy cars, but it has come a long way in a short time. In the South Korean way, the Forte has always been known for strong value for the dollar. A 2019 redesign brought a more upscale look and feel, and 2020 added a sportier GT variant. If you want an inexpensive car that will impress your friends, the Forte is a good way to get it.
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Comfort
N/A
Performance
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Fuel Economy
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Interior Design
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Exterior Styling
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Reliability
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Owner Reviews
CanadianDriver9218
Engine Recall and noisy
March 16, 2021
Overall Score
We have the GDI engine version of this car and maybe put around 10k km per year on it. Change the oil twice a year as specified in the severe condition category.
The engine is quite noisy and shaky at low idle speed. I am also very worried that this generation of GDI engine has issues with carbon build up on the intake valves.
Now there is a recall campaign in Canada because the engine could catch on fire.
I actually really like this car, but feels like a timebomb.
Comfort
8
Performance
8
Fuel Economy
8
Interior Design
6
Exterior Styling
8
Reliability
6
Recall Information
* Data provided by Transport Canada
Recall number
Recall date
System affected
Model year(s) affected
Recall number
2024-211
Recall date
2024-04-04
System affected
Suspension
Model year(s) affected
2023
Manufacturer Recall Number:
RC203
Units Affected:
2
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
Issue:
On a small number of 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.
Note: This recall is an expansion of Transport Canada recall No. 2023-525.
Safety Risk:
A loss of vehicle control could increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Actions:
Kia will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the right-front lower control arm.
Recall number
2024-163
Recall date
2024-03-12
System affected
Brakes
Model year(s) affected
2014 2015 2016 2017
Manufacturer Recall Number:
SC044B
Units Affected:
42,571
Notification Type:
Safety TC
Issue:
On certain vehicles, the inspection completed by a Kia dealer during service campaign SC044 (Transport Canada recall number 2022-222) may not have been done correctly. As a result, a second inspection is required.
Over time, the brake lines under the vehicle could corrode. If this happens, a brake line could fail and leak. A brake fluid leak can result in reduced braking.
Note: This service campaign replaces service campaign SC044 (Transport Canada recall number 2022-222). Vehicles that had brake lines replaced under that service campaign don't require this inspection.
Safety Risk:
Reduced braking can cause extended stopping distances and increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Actions:
Kia will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect the brake lines. The dealer will apply an anti-corrosion treatment and replace the brake lines, if required.
Recall number
2023-529
Recall date
2023-09-26
System affected
Brakes
Model year(s) affected
2011 2012 2013
Manufacturer Recall Number:
RC191
Units Affected:
276,225
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
Issue:
On certain vehicles, the brake hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU) could short circuit.
Safety Risk:
A short circuit could create a fire risk, even while the vehicle is parked and turned off.
Corrective Actions:
Kia will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the fuse(s) for the HECU. Kia recommends that you should park your vehicle outdoors and away from other vehicles or structures until the recall repairs have been completed.
Recall number
2023-525
Recall date
2023-09-22
System affected
Suspension
Model year(s) affected
2023
Manufacturer Recall Number:
RC190
Units Affected:
113
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
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.
Safety Risk:
A loss of vehicle control could increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Actions:
Kia will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the right-front lower control arm.
Recall number
2022-698
Recall date
2022-12-08
System affected
Steering
Model year(s) affected
2023
Manufacturer Recall Number:
RC174
Units Affected:
1,182
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
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.
Safety Risk:
A loss of vehicle control could increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Actions:
Kia will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect the left-front steering knuckle. If the batch code stamped on the knuckle is within the affected range, it will be replaced.
Recall number
2022-238
Recall date
2022-05-06
System affected
Steering
Model year(s) affected
2021 2022
Manufacturer Recall Number:
RC162
Units Affected:
6
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
Issue:
On a small number of vehicles, the bolt connecting the lower steering column universal joint may not have been properly tightened. If the bolt loosens, you could lose steering control.
Safety Risk:
A loss of steering control could create a risk of a crash.
Corrective Actions:
Kia will notify owners by mail and instruct you to bring your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and tighten the lower steering column universal joint bolt, as necessary.
Recall number
2022-023
Recall date
2022-01-27
System affected
Airbag
Model year(s) affected
2017 2018
Manufacturer Recall Number:
RC157
Units Affected:
58,053
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
Issue:
On certain vehicles, a defect in the airbag control unit could cause the airbag warning light to turn on. If this happens, the airbag system may not work properly, and the airbags may not inflate in a crash.
Safety Risk:
An airbag system that does not work properly could create an increased risk of injury in a crash.
Corrective Actions:
Kia will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to update the airbag control unit software. If the airbag warning light is on because of diagnostic trouble code B1620, the dealer will replace the airbag control unit.
Recall number
2021-504
Recall date
2021-08-10
System affected
Structure
Model year(s) affected
2016 2017 2018
Manufacturer Recall Number:
RC150
Units Affected:
32,274
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
Issue:
On certain vehicles, a part in the trunk release latch could fail. If this happens, the emergency trunk release located inside the trunk compartment may not work properly. This could prevent a person that is trapped inside the trunk from opening it.
Safety Risk:
If a person is closed inside the trunk compartment, they may not be able to get out. This could create a risk of injury.
Corrective Actions:
Kia will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the trunk latch assembly.
Recall number
2021-225
Recall date
2021-04-14
System affected
Engine
Model year(s) affected
2020
Manufacturer Recall Number:
RC144
Units Affected:
19,634
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
Issue:
On certain vehicles, the engine's piston oil rings may be defective. This can cause engine wear that can lead to increased oil consumption. Eventually, this can create abnormal engine noise and the oil pressure warning light may turn on. If you continue to drive the vehicle with these symptoms, the engine could fail.
Safety Risk:
A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash. An engine failure could also create the risk of a fire.
Corrective Actions:
Kia will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect the engine. The engine will be replaced, if necessary. The dealer will also install a Piston-ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software update, to alert the driver of potential damage before an engine failure occurs.
Recall number
2021-040
Recall date
2021-02-01
System affected
Engine
Model year(s) affected
2010 2011
Manufacturer Recall Number:
SC037
Units Affected:
48,787
Notification Type:
Safety TC
Issue:
Kia Canada is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign that provides an update to the engine control module to detect potential problems before an engine fails. An engine failure could cause a sudden loss of power with an inability to restart.
Note: This only affects vehicles equipped with a 2.4 L MPI engine.
Safety Risk:
A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of an accident. An engine failure could also create the risk of a fire.
Corrective Actions:
Kia will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to update the software for the engine control module.
Note: Kia recommends that you should always follow the correct vehicle maintenance schedule, which is printed in the Owner's Manual. If you experience unusual engine noise, reduced power, or a check engine/oil warning light, Kia advises you to immediately visit a Kia dealership to have your vehicle diagnosed.
Recall number
2020-597
Recall date
2020-12-04
System affected
Engine
Model year(s) affected
2012 2013 2014 2015
Manufacturer Recall Number:
RC140
Units Affected:
39,658
Notification Type:
Safety TC
Issue:
On certain vehicles equipped with a 2.0 L NU GDI or 2.4 L Theta II MPI engine, an engine compartment fire could occur while driving. Kia is conducting this recall as a preventative measure to prevent fire risk due to potential fuel leaks, oil leaks and/or engine damage. In some situations, you may notice any of the following symptoms: there could be an abnormal knocking noise from the engine; the check engine light and/or the oil pressure warning light could turn on; you may smell fuel, burning or smoke; or you may notice oil leaks. If you continue to drive the vehicle with these symptoms, the engine could fail and/or a fire could occur. An engine failure can cause a sudden loss of power with an inability to restart.
Note: For the Optima model, only the Optima Hybrid is affected by this recall.
Safety Risk:
An engine compartment fire can create a risk of injury. A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Kia will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer for an inspection of the engine and engine compartment. The dealer will inspect for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, if necessary. Kia will also perform a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software update free of charge, once it is available for your vehicle. This update will detect and prevent engine damage from worn connecting rod bearings.
Recall number
2020-369
Recall date
2020-08-12
System affected
Powertrain
Model year(s) affected
2019
Manufacturer Recall Number:
RC136
Units Affected:
359
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
Issue:
On certain vehicles, the left-front axle shaft may not have been heat treated, and could break. If this happens, there would be a loss of power to the wheels. Also, if this happens and the vehicle is parked without the parking brake applied, the vehicle could roll away.
Safety Risk:
A loss of power to the wheels or a vehicle rollaway could increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Actions:
Kia will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect the left front axle shaft for a heat treatment code. If the heat treatment code is missing, the driveshaft will be replaced.
Recall number
2018-610
Recall date
2018-11-02
System affected
Lights And Instruments
Model year(s) affected
2019
Manufacturer Recall Number:
RC121
Units Affected:
370
Notification Type:
Compliance Mfr
Certain vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 108 - Lighting System and Retroreflective Devices. The LED headlamps may have been produced with improper low-beam lamp aiming, which is contrary to the requirements of the standard. This could reduce illumination of the roadway, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect the headlamps and replace them as necessary.
Recall number
2018-301
Recall date
2018-06-08
System affected
Airbag
Model year(s) affected
2010 2011 2012 2013
Manufacturer Recall Number:
RC117
Units Affected:
65,548
Notification Type:
Safety TC
On certain gasoline and hybrid engine vehicles, the circuits within the airbag control unit may become damaged. This could cause the airbags and seat belt pretensioners to not deploy in certain collisions where deployment is warranted, which could increase the risk of injury to vehicle occupants. Correction: Dealers will install a wire harness kit between the ACU connector and vehicle harness connector as necessary. Note: This recall does not affect the 2013 model year Optima Hybrid.
Recall number
2017-626
Recall date
2017-12-13
System affected
Brakes
Model year(s) affected
2012 2013 2014
Manufacturer Recall Number:
RC113
Units Affected:
22,205
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
On certain vehicles, the brake pedal stopper pad material could deteriorate over time and allow the stop lamp switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. This could result in the stop lamps illuminating continuously, which would result in following road users being unaware of the driver's intentions. Additionally, it could result in activation of the engine management system’s brake pedal override feature, the illumination of the traction control warning lamp, and/or the ability to move the shift lever without depressing the brake pedal, which could result in unintended vehicle movement. These conditions could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad.
Recall number
2016-221
Recall date
2016-05-12
System affected
Seats And Restraints
Model year(s) affected
2013
Manufacturer Recall Number:
RC101
Units Affected:
390
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
On certain vehicles, the screws holding the seatbelt retractor’s retaining plate may not have been properly tightened. In the event of a crash, this could cause the retaining plate to break and come in contact with the occupants of the vehicle, which would increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect and replace the seatbelt assembly as necessary.
Recall number
2016-061
Recall date
2016-02-08
System affected
Powertrain
Model year(s) affected
2011
Manufacturer Recall Number:
RC097
Units Affected:
1,402
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
On certain vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions, the transmission’s fluid cooler hose may have been improperly manufactured. This could result in transmission fluid leaking from the hose, and cause abnormal transmission shifts and/or illumination of the instrument cluster malfunction indicator lamp. If enough fluid is lost, the loss of hydraulic pressure to the transaxle could cause a loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace the cooler hose with the revised hose.
Recall number
2015-015
Recall date
2015-01-16
System affected
Electrical
Model year(s) affected
2014
Manufacturer Recall Number:
RC093
Units Affected:
15,901
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
On certain vehicles, the cooling fan resistor could be defective. If this occurs; the resistor could overheat and melt creating a potential risk of fire that could cause injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace the cooling fan resistor and multi-fuse unit.
Recall number
2013-324
Recall date
2013-09-25
System affected
Electrical
Model year(s) affected
2009 2010
Manufacturer Recall Number:
RC084
Units Affected:
39,054
Notification Type:
Safety TC
On certain vehicles, the stop lamp switch may fail and cause intermittent operation of the brake lights. Failure of the brake lights to illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the switch. Note: This is an expansion of recall 2013-098.
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