Kia Forte

Kia Forte

 3.8/5 (174 reviews)

Our promise. We provide a buying advantage with verified reviews and unbiased editorial research.

Overall Rating3.8 out of 5
See all 174 reviews

About Kia Forte

The Kia Forte is an affordable compact sedan. Read more Kia reviews to learn about other models.


Kia Forte Reviews

Recent
  • Recent
  • Oldest
  • Most helpful
Any
  • Any
  • Rated with 5 stars
  • Rated with 4 stars
  • Rated with 3 stars
  • Rated with 2 stars
  • Rated with 1 star

A link has directed you to this review. Its location on this page may change next time you visit.

How do I know I can trust these reviews about Kia Forte?
  • 4,241,839 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
  • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
  • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
  • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
Page 1 Reviews 0 - 10
Rated with 1 star
Verified Reviewer
Original review: May 19, 2023

I own a Kia Forte that I can never trust again. These cars were one of the thousands of KIA Fortes that were not manufactured correctly to ensure the safety of the car against theft. My car was in the category of at-risk vehicles for theft of my vehicle. I was told my car qualified for an upgrade to my ignition and instead, I was sent a steering wheel anti-theft device instead of the upgrade being done. I will never trust KIA again and I recommend that anyone considering purchasing a KIA reconsider because of trust issues with KIA motors.

Be the first one to find this review helpful
Rated with 1 star
Verified Reviewer
Original review: Nov. 7, 2022

I have a 2019 Kia Forte, My vehicle was towed to Kia Macon on August 16th. My vehicle has then been sitting at the dealership for 2 whole months. At first there was a lot of back and forth on getting maintenance records etc then I kept getting they are waiting for an approval from the warranty dept. After waiting a month in a half on that approval I was then told the warranty related issue of a Crankshaft, Camshaft, and VVT would amount in replacing the engine which my car has 60K miles on it, and I was told it wasn't approved, no one never gave me a real reason why the warranty wasn't approved - the dealership nor the Customer care line.

I have requested for the Advisor who made the decision to give me a call no one ever did. I was then told to email to get in contact with the advisor the advisor never emailed me back nor called. After calling again I was then told I can't speak with the advisor who made the decision. This is very frustrating. I have been spending money on a rental vehicle for 2 months. No one seems to care I guess because it's not coming out of their pockets. I have never had to experience or go through something as such and then I am told it will cost $3200 to repair for a new engine on top of paying my car note for it to sit at the dealership lot.

I am very disappointed in Kia service dept and I want answers as to the real denial and how Kia can help me resolve this issue. I am now left stranded not getting reimbursed for the rental vehicle I have, Not getting repairs and still having to pay my car note for my vehicle that's been sitting on the lot no one has offered me any real help and as a customer of 3 years I am not satisfied and will go to the highest level of corporate to resolve my issue.

Be the first one to find this review helpful

Not sure how to choose?

Get buying tips about Car Models delivered to your inbox.

    By entering your email, you agree to sign up for consumer news, tips and giveaways from ConsumerAffairs. Unsubscribe at any time.

    Thank you, you have successfully subscribed to our newsletter! Enjoy reading our tips and recommendations.

    Rated with 1 star
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: Sept. 8, 2022

    Took my vehicle (2018 Kia Forte) in to kia at Stonecrest, GA, 8/5/2022, the same location I bought the used car from, for check engine light. Was told to drop the car off because it would not be ready for a couple days just to check to see why the check engine light is on. 2 weeks later popped up at kia because they were not answering phones to give me the status of repairs but they wanted to charge me the $155 diagnostic fee, was told the check engine light was off by Fitz (kia worker), checked the car myself, the light was still on, no work was done. Now, the service department is saying they checked all of the codes and did the recalls but the light is still on and I have been waiting for a month for tech to review to give them a status on what to do next with my car.

    Today 9/8/22 Fitz said I can come get the car, the light is still on, it has no tag and can't get a tag because the check engine light is on, "Sir why would I come get the car when you have not fixed the car, I can't drive it." He/They do not care and don't give out loaner cars, so I have been without a car for a month, paying Uber/Lyft fees to work and home. They barely answer phones, you have to pop up to get questions answered.

    Be the first one to find this review helpful
    Rated with 1 star
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: Aug. 22, 2022

    I bought a 2015 Kia Forte Koup in September 2021 with 66,500 miles on it, then I made the oil change and Emission Inspections, and both went good, Multipoint Inspection's Report during Oil Change said everything was perfect, then before 72,000 miles engine was dead after producing a big noise, that after only 5.500 miles after the oil change, even the guide says Oil Change after 60,000 miles is every 7,500 miles, I didn't pass that amount, I was 2,000 miles before. KIA knows that oil change every 7,500 miles is going to kill the engines but they don't care about the customers, they just told me "You don't have a warranty because you are a second owner." The 100,000 thousand miles warranty is only for First Owners, but even to First Owners, they blame the driver for the defects in their cars.

    2 people found this review helpful
    Rated with 1 star
    profile pic of the author
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: April 1, 2022

    I was in love with the car when I leased it. After 12k the car would jam on its brakes for no reason. My left front tire blew and the car jammed on it. Brakes not allowing me to gain control of the car. Flipped over and flew down a ditch. The scene looked like an airplane crash and I am lucky to be alive but the frontal collision warning needs to be adjusted. The entire car was demolished. The car did not handle well and Kia will not help you or even car. Get yourself a Volvo if you value your life. The guard rail came though the car. All windows exploded. Even the battery was thrown from the car 75 feet and fuel was leaking. The airbags only saved me but I have left hip pain ever since. Do not buy at all. Spend an extra 5k to get a Volvo. All because of a blow out. Stay far away from this car. Kia never returned my calls or even

    Be the first one to find this review helpful
    Rated with 1 star
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: March 2, 2022

    I have Kia Forte GT Line. The car looks good but cheaply made. When go start it hear clicking noise that don't go away. Transmission slips, you can feel jerk in shifting when driving. Brakes too small for quick stops they don't stop well. It don't come with spare tire so when you have blowout you stranded cause sealant ain't gonna fix it. It's 2021 with only 6700. I am in process of getting Toyota Corolla. That's a more dependable car. All I can say is beware.

    Be the first one to find this review helpful
    Rated with 1 star
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: Oct. 22, 2021

    I purchased a 2014 Kia Forte on August 24, 2013. On August 26, 2021 I reported an electrical fire in the trunk of my car to the dealership. My car was towed home. The insurance company totaled the vehicle. I would still have my vehicle if this electrical fire had not occurred. The dealership stands on they sell and maintain the cars only. They performed the regular maintenance on the vehicle. They never noted any electrical issues. After 3 weeks they also said the car was totaled. They referred me to the makers in California. They had not reported the fire to them.

    After 2 months of going back and forth, Kia corporate determined they can not find what caused the electrical fire. Therefore they are not responsible. It was not declared arson. My car caught fire in the parking where I work in Southern Louisiana while I was in Northern Mississippi on the job. The car was locked and both keys were with me. The wires, the trunk door, the cloth covering over the top of the trunk, and back window burned. Some water bottles, Sprite bottles and the empty bag of cat food that were placed on the day before burned. The plastic binders, the bottom of the trunk, and the spare tire space did not burn.

    It is clear the car had a defect. The wires burned casing the fire. The car set itself on fire. Even though the car is under the 10 year, 100,000 mile Warranty. They will not acknowledge the defect, the warranty, or responsibility. Do Not Buy A Kia. If I could rate the maker and the dealership with how this was handled, it would be a 0. 1 star is the lowest it would let me rate them. Do Not Buy A Kia!!!!

    Be the first one to find this review helpful
    Rated with 5 stars
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: Aug. 17, 2021

    I have recently purchased a 2021 Kia Forte EX+. I must say I love the drive, style and feel of the car. It feels very well built and I feel that I got a lot of car for little money. Obviously time will tell how well built this car will be but reading other reviews with the CVT transmission issues…I think it may be your driving habits. CVT transmissions are not meant for people that like to drive hard. Regular maintenance and good driving habits should give long lasting reliability but as mentioned time will tell and I will report back ASAP if what I said is totally wrong and this vehicle is a lemon.

    2 people found this review helpful
    Rated with 1 star
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: May 21, 2021

    2012 Forte Ex 2.0 I4. Premature Rod/main bearing failure. Same engine in multiple Kia models that is a part of an engine replacement recall. Kia tells me to kick rocks and that my vin isn’t in the selected range. Kia asked for oil change receipts and I asked how many oil changes could I have performed to clear all of the metal debris from the engine. They won’t answer and will talk very condescending to you to draw a negative response from you! Stephan and Michael (Kia Corporate case managers.) I also have a 2020 Optima with less than 15 thousand miles and guess what... Engine Knock!! Not only do they refuse to fix their manufacturing failures, they stated they could care less if I ever drive or buy a Kia again!! There you have it, buy anything but Kia!!! I will definitely be getting rid of this Optima for a new Toyota! STAY AWAY FROM KIA/STAY AWAY FROM KIA. THEIR ENGINES ARE TRASH AND THEY WILL NOT HELP YOU!!!

    2 people found this review helpful
    Rated with 1 star
    profile pic of the author
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: March 24, 2021

    Bought a 2015 Forte CPO. It's been nothing but a nightmare. First when I bought it from Monroeville Kia, they put my wipers on wrong and the blades came out and scratched my windshield and paint. They promised to take care of it, but when the time came they couldn't buff the windshield because it's illegal, and they refused to replace it. Funny thing was, when I got the car home after they "Fixed" it, the wiper blades was coming out to once again damage my windshield and paint. I ended up giving up with Kia corporate and the dealership and having my brother fix the wipers for me and just have had a scratched windshield the whole time I've had the car. Scratched literally from one side of the windshield to the other, which is absolutely obnoxious. I tried to brush it off because this was my first time buying such a new car, and I didn't want to admit I had made a very bad choice.

    Flash forward to Jan 13 2021. The car has had all its maintenance done on time and even earlier and despite a pretty long commute, I still am consider a low mileage driver, so I really tried to take care of my car. We're tight on money and this year I finally decided to go back to school to better my situation. Clearly my Kia thought different of my idea to temp while I'm in college again because the car engine seized at 67,000 miles, just over the original warranty as the woman on the phone pointed out, on the highway. I had cars coming up on me blowing their horn while I panicked trying to figure out how to get the car into a parking lot. Looking back, probably not a good idea to push a car with a hernia, but what else are you suppose to do when your car breaks down with no warning lights on a busy highway? I get it to the parking lot and get Triple A to tow me to our private mechanic.

    After getting it to the mechanic I started researching right away what could have happened to my car, pretty much out of desperation because I'm not exactly rich enough to pay for major repairs. I started finding out that this is a common problem not just among fortes but Kia in general. I called my mechanic and told him not to touch the car since we changed our mind and wanted to bring it to the dealership.

    After towing it a second time, we got it to Jim Shorkey Dealership for a Monday appt. On Tuesday I didn't hear anything so I called to check. They had a mix up and didn't even know the car was already there. Appt was rescheduled for Wed. Once again Thursday I heard nothing so I call in. They say the engine is knocking and is done. I asked them about the potential recall. They tell me they didn't know what I was talking about. They advised using my 3rd party warranty. I asked if we should wait until they release the vin in a few days for the recall, they tell me no because I only have so much time to make a warranty claim. I said okay. Friday I get a call I need to call the 3rd party warranty and have them go over the contract with me.

    I'm talking to the warranty company and let them know what's going on with the recall and he asks why I wouldn't just wait the few days until the recall is announced to avoid potential charges if the warranty won't cover the engine, one of my biggest concerns. I explain the time limit for filing. He tells me I have no limit and can file the warranty at any time! Basically they lied so I would use to warranty and I found out later by that date corporate had sent the dealerships all the info about the recall, just not the vins affected. So I call Jim Shorkey back to let them know to wait for the recall.

    Now I had to wait and finally I was able to pull the car up via vin about a week later. I call the dealership and they check the vin and start the process of the recall. About 6 days later I get a call I can finally pick up a loaner car which couldn't have come at a better time because I had been out of work the whole time my car was down. I pick up the loaner and didn't hear from Kia/dealership for weeks. Until today, I had a voicemail from them and think, finally my car is ready. It's been a nightmare because I can't have the dogs in the loaner, couldn't bring my dogs to the vet. One was really sick and needed put down and we couldn't take him to see anybody or go anywhere and had to find a mobile vet.

    I've been wanting to travel to see family and feel like I can't because I need to be around to turn the loaner in if my car ever got done. Ect. Well to my surprise its the dealership asking me to authorize charges because my rotors are now bad from the car sitting for so long waiting for the new engine. Rotors I had just replaced 6 months ago. Rotors that should not being having any warping. I go to call jim ** back and get the answering machine. I've gotten no call back from them.

    My next step was to call Kia corporate. Certainly they will care that the dealership damaged my car while it was being repaired for the faulty engine they put in it. Lol. Joking. Of course they don't care. I talked to the eastern regional manager, Michael J. Now I will admit I'm huffy because I haven't had my car now for two months. Lost income. Paid to tow it twice (over $200 I was 35 miles away from home on a toll road when it seized the first time). Have to make arrangements to take my dogs to the vet, had to spend extra on a mobile vet because I wasn't allowed to put my sick dog in my loaner car, and this regional manager has the nerve to tell me I should be grateful they're replacing the engine and it's not his fault the dealership didn't move the car and the rotors are now damaged.

    Hmmm. Let me say thank you to NHTSA for suing Kia and forcing them to recall and replace my engine and bring my car up to a proper safety standard. Kia would have never replaced the engine if their hand wasn't forced. I know this because I called them before the vins were released and all I heard was how I was just over my warranty. I also don't know who to blame for the rotors being damaged because yes, the dealership should have been moving the car to keep parts from sitting, but it's also easier to move a car with an engine that works and if that was the case the car would have never sat in the first place.

    I'm sure when I finally talk to the dealership, because I haven't, I have no idea what's going on with the rotors, how damaged they are, or anything and who knows when I will actually talk to them because communication has been zip pretty much, but I'm sure the next thing they will say is, "Oh your battery is bad from the car not being started as well," something else I just replaced brand new this summer. In the end I hope some of you will refrain from buying a Kia. Avoid the nightmare that is their staff and improperly and unsafely built cars that is their product and I hopefully I can stop someone from experiencing the headache I've now had to endure for months.

    Be the first one to find this review helpful
    Loading more reviews...

    Kia Forte Company Information

    Company Name:
    Kia Forte
    Website:
    www.kia.com