2016 Kia Forte: engine knocking or ticking

Filed Jul 1, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · OK

Unknown it makes a ticking noise check engine light came on and oil isn't low. Recently bought it.

Filed May 26, 2026 · Engine · AR

This Forte was not neglected and it was not abused. Nearly 90% of its miles came from highway commuting and interstate travel. It was completely stock, never modified, never driven hard. More importantly, it received fully synthetic oil changes every 3k-4k miles since new, well ahead of what Kia or the oil manufacturer even recommends, because I intended to keep this car long term. All of that is verifiable through Carfax. The engine failure came without meaningful warning. While driving, I noticed an unusual noise and pulled over as quickly as safely possible. I checked the dash expecting some kind of indicator and found nothing. No check engine light, no oil pressure warning. A nearby mechanic found the engine more than 2.5 quarts low on oil despite the vehicle being only about 3,300 miles into a fresh synthetic oil change. There were no external leaks. No oil spots at home, none at work. Nothing to explain where that oil went. After topping it off, the noise briefly stopped. With no warning lights on and the noise stopped, I thought we had caught it in time. I even felt confident enough to also have the mechanic change the transmission fluid as it was about due again. However, a few miles later, the engine suffered complete failure. Violent shaking, severe knock, then the check engine light came on. I shut it down immediately and pushed it home. Once home, I checked the oil again and found it had unusually darkened in an extremely short period of time. The vehicle has not been driven since and is currently inoperable. What troubles me most, beyond the financial loss, is that this vehicle gave me no real opportunity to save it. The oil pressure warning light never illuminated. More than two quarts of oil vanished within a single service interval with no external source and no indication whatsoever, even with checking the level periodically. I went above and beyond in maintaining this vehicle and still lost the engine. This could have been a catastrophe on the road

Filed Oct 1, 2025 · Engine · 85,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed and then stalled. The contact stated that the "Battery" symbol was illuminated on the instrument cluster. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine connecting rod bearings had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

Filed Aug 5, 2025 · Engine · CT

I purchased the 2016 Kia Forte on [XXX] from Bald Hill Kia in Warwick, RI. Within the first 30 days, there was a knocking noise which turned out to be the knocking sensor. I took the car to be checked on 11/1/2022 and paid to replace the knock sensor. On [XXX], the knock sensor acted up again so the knock sensor had to be replaced again. They also found a small evap leak and the charcoal canister was cracked and replaced. On 12/9/2022, the engine assembly was replaced. On [XXX], the check engine light came on and the O2 sensor was replaced. On 1/5/2023, the catalytic converter had to be replaced. On 1/16/2023, the canister purge valved was replaced. On 8/29/2023, the catalytic converter had to be replaced again. On 6/11/2024, the catalytic converter had to be replaced a third time! Over a year passed and on Saturday afternoon on [XXX] the check engine light turned on again and Kia was closed on Sunday so I took the car to Firestone for a diagnostic test and it turned out that it was the catalytic converter for the 4th time. I dropped off the car in 8/4/2025 and I'm waiting to see if the car can get looked at this week to confirm the problem for a 4th time. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 31, 2025 · Engine · 84,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal to merge onto the highway, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 15 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an auto parts store, where it was scanned, and DTC: P1326; was retrieved. The contact stated that the code indicated a Knock Sensor Detection system failure. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where the contact was informed that the manufacturer had advised the dealer not to diagnose the vehicle due to an incomplete oil change history. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

Filed Jul 24, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · IL

1. the federal safety agency Safety Complaint Draft Vehicle Info: Make: Kia Model: Forte5 SX Year: 2016 VIN: [XXX] Engine: 1.6L GDI (G4FJ Nu engine) Issue: This vehicle uses the 1.6L GDI Nu engine (engine code G4FJ), which is the same engine involved in Kia’s engine defect recalls and class action settlements related to connecting rod bearing failure and engine seizure risks. However, Kia is refusing to provide the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) update, and no internal campaigns or recalls are listed for my VIN despite the identical mechanical risk. I purchased the vehicle in 2017 and was unaware of the extended warranty and safety campaigns until now. I am experiencing symptoms of rough idle and pre-knock concerns, and yet Kia and my local dealership are unwilling to escalate my case or even verify warranty eligibility. This defect poses a risk of sudden engine failure and should be addressed under expanded recall coverage. I am requesting the federal safety agency investigate inclusion of later-production 2016 vehicles like mine, which clearly share the same defective power train. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 23, 2025 · Engine · OH

While driving my 2016 Kia Forte with my [XXX] daughter in the car, the engine began making loud knocking noises and quickly deteriorated until it became unsafe and undriveable. This failure occurred without warning lights, oil pressure issues, or prior symptoms. We were nearly stranded in an unsafe location and had to immediately pull over and arrange alternate transportation. I later learned this issue aligns with a known defect in Kia’s Theta II engines, which have been recalled or covered under extended warranty in many cases. However, Kia has denied any support, stating my vehicle is “outside the factory warranty” and disqualified due to not completing a knock sensor software update I was never notified about. How Safety Was Put at Risk: My daughter was in the vehicle at the time, and we were placed in a vulnerable position with a failing engine, unable to safely continue driving. A sudden loss of power could have resulted in an accident if we had been in traffic or on the highway. This defect is a serious safety hazard, especially for families with young children. The vehicle has not been inspected by Kia directly since they declined to assist once they determined the factory warranty had expired. I am happy to make the vehicle available for inspection upon request. Warning Lamps or Messages: There were no warning lights or indicators prior to the onset of the knocking and failure. The symptoms began suddenly and escalated rapidly. My Request: I am requesting an investigation into Kia’s handling of these failures, particularly in cases where families were not properly notified about knock detection software updates and are now being denied support for what is clearly a known and widespread engine defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Feb 25, 2025 · Engine · NE

I had diagnostic ran because of a knocking sound and stalling and the oil pressure warning light. I was informed by the technician that the oil pressure was extremely low. Upon further inspection they found metal shards in the oil filter blocking oil flow. They told me this is a known defect and that Kia should be responsible. Contacted Kia and they said it’s not covered. It has 98,289 miles

Filed Nov 8, 2023 · Engine · 115,000 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the accelerator pedal made an abnormal grinding sound, and the vehicle failed to respond. Additionally, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. The contact also stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine rod was knocking, and the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

Filed Aug 3, 2023 · Acceleration, Electrical · CA

I am writing to express serious concerns about the safety and performance of my Kia vehicle. Over the past few months, my car has been exhibiting abnormal behavior, jeopardizing the safety of myself and other road users. One of the most alarming issues is the unpredictable acceleration and deceleration of my vehicle, especially on the highway. There have been numerous instances where it failed to respond to acceleration while changing lanes, putting me in stressful situations where I feared a potential collision. Even more troubling, my car has shut off unexpectedly multiple times during both city driving and while navigating driveways and hills. This sudden engine shutdown has exposed me to hazardous situations and increased the risk of accidents. There is also a loud knocking sound coming from the car, accompanied by sluggish driving. To my dismay, the vehicle now starts and immediately cuts off, forcing me to wait for a period of time and multiple attempts to restart the engine before it finally starts. Seeking a resolution, I took my vehicle to the Kia Service center, where they advised me that I needed a new engine, attributing the problem to sludge build-up. However, I maintain a diligent oil change schedule every three months and can provide evidence of this fact. Despite filing a claim with Kia of America, they regrettably denied my request for assistance in obtaining a new engine, placing the financial burden solely on my shoulders. This not only presents a financial hardship for me but also underscores a broader issue with Kia vehicles' quality and reliability. I am deeply concerned about the safety of Kia vehicles, and I believe that they should be subject to a thorough investigation and, if necessary, a recall. I understand that KIA has experienced problems with design of this or similar engines, causing recalls of those products, and I request the federal safety agency to investigate these concerns regarding the 2016 KIA Forte. My Car is available to inspect once more

Filed Jul 14, 2023 · Engine · IL

A portion of the air intake system was rubbing against the front driver side wheel and wore a hole causing damage to the engine and is knocking at very low RPM. The car was in one of Kia’s dealerships for a headlight repair and a reference was made about a strange noise coming from the wheel but they did not advise of a problem and said the brake pad life is fine.

Filed Jun 26, 2023 · Engine · AZ

I have a 2016 KIA Forte that I bought 6 months ago. I'm a subsequent owner. The dealership where we brought it from told me that it's in good condition. My partner was driving it when it started making knocking noises and would not accelerate past 20 mph. The engine failure happened 5 months of using it (the car only has 92000 miles). I had a mechanic came to check it, even changed the oil again to see if the problem is in connection with the oil. We never had the oil light prior to the knocking noises, not even the engine light. The engine light only came on with the knocking noises. It was completely out of nowhere. Changing the oil did not solve the issue at all. My mechanic found metallic shards in the oil and was also just as confused as we were. He said that it's possible that the connecting rods under the engine have been worn out. My mechanic said that it could've blown up, and thankfully, my partner and his friend were not harmed when the incident happened. There were no recalls regarding my car. I wasn't informed of the KSDS update either because I'm a second owner. We're still paying for it and its insurance even when we cannot use it.