Owners have reported 8 crashes, 4 fires, 4 injuries and 1 death to NHTSA for the 2023 KIA Forte. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints12
STEERING
Owners report several steering-related issues with the 2023 Kia Forte. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle pulling to the right, requiring constant correction to maintain a straight path, with some owners noting that the steering wheel tightens unexpectedly. Additionally, clunking sounds when turning, particularly at low speeds or when making left turns, are described. These issues are often reported at various mileage points, with some starting as early as 500 miles. Safety implications are significant, as two complaints involve crashes, one of which also involved a fire. Potential buyers should be aware of these steering-related concerns, especially since some owners report difficulty in obtaining timely repairs.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints7
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2023 KIA Forte report several electrical system issues, with complaints frequently mentioning dashboard lights malfunctioning and electrical components failing, such as backup cameras and headlights burning out at a high rate. Multiple owners describe safety concerns related to unintended braking and the vehicle shutting off unexpectedly while driving, with one incident leading to a crash. These issues often occur at varying mileages, with some reports starting as early as 44,000 miles. The symptoms include loss of control features like blinkers and gauges, as well as erratic behavior of the electronic parking brake, posing potential safety risks.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints7
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2023 Kia Forte frequently report issues related to the power train, specifically concerning transmission and clutch failures. Common symptoms include unexpected loss of motive power and inability to engage gears, with some vehicles requiring multiple transmission replacements within the first 10,000 miles. Complaints often mention the vehicle becoming undriveable, and in some instances, the failure occurs without warning lights or prior indications, leading to potential safety risks such as coasting in neutral. Additionally, some owners report clutch pressure plate failures that result in grinding noises and blockage in traffic. These issues typically arise at varying mileages, starting as early as 6,000 miles.
Owner complaints4
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2023 KIA Forte report several concerning issues. Two complaints involve fires, one occurring after the vehicle was idle for 24 hours, and another starting from the undercarriage after getting stuck in mud. An additional complaint describes the vehicle shutting down unexpectedly at 40 miles per hour without warning lights or error codes, occurring at approximately 20,000 miles. Another owner reports an incident involving the Auto Emergency Braking system activating erroneously on the freeway, causing difficulty steering and vibrations when accelerating, which resulted in an injury. These reports highlight potential safety risks including fire hazards, sudden loss of power, and unexpected braking.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 2 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints4
LANE DEPARTURE
Owners report that the Lane Keep Assist feature in the 2023 Kia Forte often causes the vehicle to veer unexpectedly, with some describing it pulling towards adjacent lanes or exits. Complaints frequently mention the system failing to maintain lane position, with one incident leading to a crash and injury when the vehicle merged into a guard rail. These issues are noted around mileage of 30,000 to 40,000. Safety implications include potential collisions due to unintended lane changes. Buyers should be aware of these patterns, particularly if considering a vehicle with similar mileage.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints3
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2023 KIA Forte report issues with airbag deployment during crashes. Complaints frequently mention that airbags fail to deploy, even in significant collisions, including side impacts at speeds of 45-50 mph. Two reports involve injuries, with one owner describing hitting their head on the B pillar due to the lack of airbag deployment. The incidents reported do not mention any prior warning lights or messages. These reports indicate potential safety risks, particularly in crash scenarios where airbags are expected to activate.
Severity signals: 3 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints3
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Owners report that the 2023 KIA Forte experiences issues with the forward collision avoidance system. Common symptoms include the forward collision warning light remaining on and the system misdetecting vehicles, resulting in unnecessary emergency braking. Some owners describe the system identifying vehicles in adjacent lanes as if they are directly in front, leading to inappropriate braking. These issues typically begin around 20,000 miles or within the first two years of ownership. Safety concerns are noted, as sudden braking at high speeds could lead to rear-end collisions. Multiple owners have sought assistance from dealerships, with mixed responses regarding awareness and solutions.
Owner complaints3
STRUCTURE
Owners of the 2023 KIA Forte report issues with doors becoming unlatched while driving. Multiple complaints describe incidents where both the passenger and driver side doors opened despite being locked and fully closed, with warnings triggered as a result. These incidents occur at low speeds, approximately between 10-20 mph, and are not linked to any specific weather conditions or obstructions in the door frame. One complaint involves a crash, but it is related to external damage from another vehicle rather than the door issue. Used car buyers should note the potential safety risk of doors unexpectedly opening while the vehicle is in motion.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints3
SUSPENSION
Owners report issues with the suspension system of the 2023 KIA Forte, particularly involving the lower control arm, trailing arm, and potential coil and strut failures. Common symptoms include noises such as clicking and rattling, a floating sensation while driving, and scraping of the car's bottom over speed bumps. These issues often arise around 20,000 miles, with one complaint noting a complete collapse of the vehicle, leading to a disconnected tire and bent tie rod. Safety implications include a potential loss of control, as described by an owner whose vehicle collapsed on the road. Used car buyers should be aware of these suspension-related issues and the associated symptoms when considering this model.
Owner complaints2
ENGINE
Owners of the 2023 KIA Forte report engine issues, with symptoms including the check engine light activating, noticeable shaking, and rough running. One complaint specifies a cylinder misfire detected at around 6,000 miles. Another owner describes an engine-related fire occurring on the highway, attributed by fire personnel to a problem with the engine and fuel, which resulted in the vehicle catching fire in under three minutes. These reports suggest safety implications, particularly concerning potential fires, which are critical for prospective buyers to consider.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports
