2011 KIA Forte problems
Owners have filed 214 complaints about the 2011 KIA Forte with NHTSA. Engine accounts for 21% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of air bags at 16.4%.
Complaints214
Crashes44
Fires23
Injuries49
Deaths2
What owners report breaking
Engine 21.0% · 45
Air bags 16.4% · 35
Power train 8.4% · 18
Service brakes, hydraulic 7.9% · 17
Electrical system 7.5% · 16
Unknown or other 6.1% · 13
Service brakes 5.1% · 11
Vehicle speed control 4.7% · 10
Severity
Of those complaints, 44 describe a crash, 23 describe a fire, 49 report an injury and 2 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 10 model years of the KIA Forte in this data, 2011 draws comparatively few complaints; 2014 is the outlier year.
Filing volume has held steady, 35 in the last three years against 35 in the three before.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 82,000 miles.
In owners' own words
There is a constant knocking coming from the engine and loud noise when accelerating the engine. The check engine light is also turning on and off. 2012-2015 KIA Forte koups have recently been recalled, but not the 2011 model. This car has the same theta 2 engine and the same problems. The engine is shot and will not last much longer. I sincerely hope the recall is extended to the 2011 model KIA Forte koup. Engine · reported at 97,000 miles
In 2016, just a few months past the five year warranty, engine started making noise. $5K repair. Engine had broken engine bearing causing knock sound. Less than 50k miles. Many models that year recalled for engine problems, same model in surrounding years recalled for engine problems, only two remanufactured engines in country when I needed a replacement. This should've had a recall. It's a cover up by KIA. Engine · reported at 47,000 miles
Hi I believe u should have a recall on the engines for an example when I look up the timing change its says most had to replace then the piston slop is knocking and it seems like most had to replace that. I have been looking for a rebuild kit for my KIA and would like to just rebuild it myself but can't seem to find a 2.0 Rebuild kit for a 2011 Forte ex online... Why is that? Engine · reported at 153,578 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…