2016 Kia Forte transmission problems

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 Apr 1, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · NC

We have a 2016 Kia Forte 5 that did not meet the criteria when the other 2016 Kia Forte's were recalled due to engine failure as it has a 2.0L engine. On or about [XXX], while driving this vehicle, the car lost all power and came to a stop on a busy highway. It still had electrical power, but failed to accelerate and we lost the ability to steer or control the car. We were able to get it off the road and called for a tow. The car was towed to a repair shop and we were informed that the engine failed, and needed to be replaced. This is the same situation that is occurring with the current Kia engine recalls. The garage attempted to contact Kia and we were told that due to the car not selling well in the US, it was considered a niche vehicle, and therefore no recalls were made. The car was in perfect running order with no signs of failure, no lights on the dashboard to warn of a malfunctioning component, and no audible sounds of a failing engine. Our safety, as well as others, was put at risk due to the car losing all power on a 55mph road that is heavily travelled and could cause an accident. The engine was inspected by a certified mechanic and all they can determine is that the engine failed and it needs to be replaced. This placed my wife in a dangerous situation that could have ended badly. To date, the car has been towed back to our home and sits in our driveway as there is no current fix to it, but the reason for the original recall on the 1.6L engines, and the current recall on Kia engines, is the same that occurred with this vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 9, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · TX

On May 25th 2023 I was driving on the highway when I experienced extreme loss of power and the infotainment screen displayed "possible engine condition". Considering I was driving 70 mph on the highway it was super dangerous because there were several 18 wheelers driving on the highway alongside me it could have been deadly for many of us. Thankfully I was able to get to the shoulder to assess the situation. I have been unable to get my vehicle to a dealership since I was traveling and had to leave my vehicle 150 mi from where I live. If Kia knew there was some sort of issue with engine failure and extreme loss of power they should have issued notification before other than have people possibly die on the highway from engine failure.

Filed Nov 21, 2022 · Engine, Fuel system · GA

The car is unable to receive fuel adequately. Car was sold in an intermittently undriveable condition.

Filed Oct 3, 2022 · Engine, Transmission · IN

When driving on a divided four lane highway, after about one hour and at about 60 mph, vehicle would not accepperate to pass. Loss of power in traffic. Felt like transmission slipping, but the check engine light came on. P0240 code. It got progressively worse. An experienced mechanic diagnosed it as the engine, and was not sure I could drive to dealership. I had it towed. The warranty (10 year, 100,000 mile), covers engine, as agreed by delar. First, the dealer said it was catalytic converter $2200. When questioned, price was "corrected" to $1,200. Most for part and less than one hour labor. On a differen phone call, repair cost increased to $3300, saying the tech mistakenly thought it was the cat near muffler, but its the cat near engine, and comes as one pice with exhaust manifold. I am waiting on written estimate that I requested, and the dealer assurance there are no other problems with the car. I suggested they drive the car, and see that the problems are the same ones they used to have to video tape and send to Kia to get repairs approved on other engines. Still waiting on the written estimate and the assurance from dealer there is no safety risk in me driving it home. I can buy the Kia part they say it needs for about $500.

Filed Jun 30, 2021 · Engine, Fuel system · CA · fire

Car engine caught fire driving on freeway. No apparent reason

Filed Jan 16, 2020 · Transmission · 55,180 miles · MI · crash

When driving in motion my 2016 forte the car stalls out. The power steering, breaks and dashboard do not work. This has caused me to lose control of the vehicle and the front end of my car went into a pond. This car stalling out before the incident has happened more than 5 times; I have taken the car into two different kia dealerships aren't able to fix the problem or detect it.

Filed Jun 20, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 44,500 miles · MI

Kia forte 2016 - while driving the engine shuts off and it loses power steering breaks, this has happened many times. Stopped at a red light, starting the car, driving 10 MPH, 50mph, 35 MPH. I have had to use the emergency break to stop. The car is still in drive, the key is turned on, the dashboard goes out, but the radio and clock stay on. I have taken it to 2 kia dealerships 4 times total and the issues continue. Not safe to drive.

Filed Jun 4, 2019 · Transmission · 10,000 miles · IL

My kia forte has a hesitation in acceleration from any speed below 50mph. It is especially bad between 10mph and 35mph. It takes the car between .5 and 1.5 seconds to respond to a press down on the accelerator pedal. This has come close to causing me to have an accident on a few occasions when the car just would not go when commanded to do so. I have had it looked at three times by two different kia dealers and one time with a kia field service rep. Kia took over six months to respond to me with there ridiculous answer which was "your car operates as it should". I have owned may cars and have never owned one that had any noticeable throttle response delay. This kia has a big delay in the transmission downshift and start to accelerate after pushing the accelerator pedal way down.

Filed Apr 2, 2019 · Engine, Transmission · 75,200 miles · WI

While driving my vehicle loses power while going above 65 MPH and shutters when losing power. It also burns 1/2 quart of oil per week while driving or in use. Also when refilling oil there is a white substance on the dipstick when checking the oil levels. When it loses power while in motion the electronics dim or flicker. This have been on going for about 3 weeks now. This is an apparent engine failure like other forte's.