Kia Forte Koup knocking problems

Filed Jun 9, 2025 · Engine · GA

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte Koup. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced, white smoke was coming from under the hood. While the independent mechanic was starting the vehicle, there was smoke coming from the vehicle. The mechanic turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that prior to the smoke on a separate occasion, while the contact's daughter was driving 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine had caused the battery, starter, and knock sensor to fail. The vehicle was repaired for the prior failures. The contact stated that after the most recent failure, the independent mechanic diagnosed that the engine had failed and damaged the battery, starter, and knock sensor. The independent mechanic replaced the battery, starter, and knock sensor. Additionally, the engine needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Mar 9, 2025 · Engine · TX

In December after getting letter in the mail saying I needed an upgrade to my car's knock sensor I took it to a Kia dealership. I received word from the dealership that my car had suffered a lower crank shaft failure and would need to be replaced. The dealership told me that this was a known issue and gave me a number to call to file a claim. After months of trying to get follow-up from the Kia claim office, they denied the claim. They said my engine had suffered failure before I had the knock sensor update and if it would have occurred after they would have replaced the engine. Kia knows that there is a severe issue with the engines they put in these vehicles and they are failing to fix the problem.

Filed May 2, 2021 · Brakes, Engine · 70 miles · UT

These vehicles are absolutely dangerous! I've been in the automotive business my entire career for 15 years with a level certifications and ase's. I stopped driving the vehicle due to the simple matter of any acceleration over 2900 RPM it starts knocking. I will not put my family or myself in the danger of driving this vehicle any longer. If something were to break while making a left turn the results could be devastating! I've contacted kia many times regarding this matter yet I've been told that knocking his normal they call it a ping. I told them I use 91 octane every time I fill so there's no way of pinging from pre detonation. The vehicle is always maintained and oil changes are always done early. After being told many times that the kia 2010 is not a part of the recall I have taken my own action to fixing the problem. Upon teardown I have discovered rod bearing damage and a oil pan full of minor flakes from rod material. Due to me keeping RPM slow I will hopefully be able to replace the rod bearings without further problems but who knows on this motor. I just worry about all the people that drive normally and could potentially have a motor failure and possible fire from a rod breaking through the block. I sure hope kia does something before someone is killed!

Filed Mar 18, 2021 · Engine · 77,800 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia forte koup. The contact stated that the check engine warning light would illuminate intermittently for several months. The contact stated that the engine was previously replaced. The vehicle was taken to valley kia of fontana (16272 s. Highland ave, fontana, ca 92336) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed of an engine diagnostic code that was the cause for the failure. The contact stated that the consumption valve was replaced however, the failure recurred with the check engine warning light illuminated, and a knocking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer but was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,800.

Filed Mar 1, 2019 · Driver assistance, Engine · 82,000 miles · WI

One morning I started the car and the "check engine" light came on. The car also made a knocking/ticking sound that was not usual and the engine had an abnormal sound to it when stationed and in motion. It progressively got worse, especially as it was driven to the dealer right after the light came on. We brought it into the dealer we bought it from and found out that the light was for a code about the intake manifold (butterfly) valves not opening/closing properly. It later ended up being complete internal engine failure due to the connecting rod bearing failing. The car required a completely new engine because of this. It only had 82,000 miles on it when the problem occurred. It also had problems starting occasionally before the check engine light came on. The dealership also found that the vehicle control module (vcm) was bad and needed to be replaced as well at the same time of the engine failure.

Filed Dec 20, 2018 · Engine · 82,000 miles · WA

While driving at 70mph on the highway heard a tapping sound from the engine. Towed to the kia dealership. Mechanic found that the connecting rod bearing failed, ruining the engine (2.4l). Quoted $6,000 for repair. 82,000 miles. All maintenance done on time. Dealer and kia corporate denied any help or that the 2.4l was defective at manufacture.

Filed Nov 13, 2018 · Engine · 131,000 miles · IL · fire

I had a 2010 kia forte koup that caught on fire 5/29/18 while going down a highway approximately 55 miles/hr. Before the fire began, there was some knocking in the engine and all power went out, including power steering and brakes. I was able to get it to the side of the road and popped the hood to see flames coming out of the engine. I immediately called the fire department. They didn't make it in time, and the whole car was a complete loss. I have always kept up with the oil changes and having all fluids checked and filled as needed. I have had all recalls done as they became available. The fire was in the front of the car and gave no warning before the power steering and brakes went out. All we could do is evacuate the car, get as far away from it as possible, and call 911. It was devoured within minutes with flames, and is now a complete loss. I have contacted kia international (case #12745414) who told me that the manufacturer's warranty was expired, so there was nothing that they could do. I also purchased an extended warranty from cna national, but they claimed that they weren't responsible for mechanical issues.

Filed Oct 15, 2018 · Engine · 61,000 miles · IL

I heard a knock coming from the engine and suddenly the car died while driving in the city the check engine light came on and would not start up again but the power was still on for lights, etc. I had to have it towed to the repair shop. I was told the engine is shot. After researching the kia forte I found a lot of reviews complaining of the same thing on the 2012 forte. Now with the recalls for the other kia engines with the same or similar engine types, this make and model needs to be included!!!

Filed Oct 15, 2018 · Engine · 114,620 miles · TN

While driving, engine made a sound like a ticking noise then just blew. Oil all over the engine bay and ground. A lot of smoke coming from under the hood. Would not start or do anything. Glad it didn't catch fire with all the oil everywhere. Had to have it towed. Took it to mechanic, come to find out the engine had seized up. This happen while driving on highway. Speed limit 70. It was like the engine went boom. Glad I was in the right lane to be able to get the car over to the side. Lost all power and unable to control car. Mechanic had to order and waiting on used engine coming from california to put into car. Will cost 4000.00 for this repair. Still owe on this car too.

Filed Sep 4, 2018 · Engine · 127,000 miles · GA

While driving this car, I heard a knock coming from the engine!! I had it towed to a kia dealer and was told that I needed a new engine! This is unacceptable for car that is only 6 years old and all maintenance kept up to date!! I did some checking and other kia engines with similar or same engine types have been recalled. This make and model needs to included!!