2019 Kia Forte: sudden loss of power

Filed Oct 23, 2026 · Engine · IN

While Driving, the vehicle lost power and stopped. Found out the timing chain went out/broken. This car only had 62,000. 2019 Kia Forte

Filed Jul 13, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · CA

Power loss, engine failure. Will not start

Filed Jun 1, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · GA

While driving, the Forward Collision Warning system activated unexpectedly without any apparent hazard or obstruction in front of my vehicle. Immediately after the warning appeared, the vehicle suddenly lost speed and became very slow to accelerate. I was unable to safely increase my speed while traveling on a busy roadway, creating a dangerous situation and nearly resulting in a collision with surrounding traffic. Due to the sudden loss of power and inability to accelerate normally, I activated my hazard lights and was forced to pull onto the shoulder of the road for my safety and the safety of other drivers. There were no visible obstacles, vehicles, or road conditions that appeared to justify the activation of the Forward Collision Warning system. This unexpected activation and resulting loss of vehicle performance created a significant safety risk. I am submitting this complaint because a malfunction of the Forward Collision Warning system or related vehicle systems could potentially lead to a serious accident or injury. I have experienced recurring brake issues despite recently having the brakes replaced. The problem continues to occur, raising concerns that there may be an underlying electrical or electronic malfunction affecting vehicle performance. I was recently pulled over shortly after the brake replacement due to concerns regarding the vehicle's braking system. Because the issue persists after repairs, I am concerned about the safety of the vehicle and the potential risk of a crash or loss of control.

Filed Feb 5, 2026 · Engine · IA

Engine stalled while driving causing the car to turn off in traffic. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This caused loss of power and steering at 45 miles per hour and could have caused a collision. A licensed and accredited auto mechanic has confirmed that the engine is a total loss. The same day and shortly before the engine stalled, a check engine light appeared. The driver was on his way home and had planned to park the car and have it towed to the mechanic the next day.

Filed Apr 3, 2022 · Engine, Transmission · KY

The transmission failed while on the interstate/freeway while trying to merge into traffic. The vehicle lost power and would not accelerate even though the engine was revving up in RPMs. The vehicle is available. The transmission was replaced with a "Refurbished Transmission" through Warranty by KIA. Two days later the car began jerking and the check engine light came on. The vehicle was returned to the Dealership. The car was then returned to me, the owner, only to have the Check Engine light come back on, so the car was returned a third time for "Transmission" related issues. The vehicle in question has been at the dealership for over two months as the Dealership tells me that they are going "back and forth with KIA Techline" to figure out the issue. The initial Transmission failure was confirmed by the KIA Technicians and reproduced prior to the "Refurbished" transmission being put in. The vehicle and component have been inspected by the KIA Technicians who say they cannot solve the issue and are currently working with KIA Techline to solve the issue. The only prior symptoms were briefs moments of hesitation in acceleration from the vehicle when on the interstate/freeway. This series of events began at the beginning of December 2021 and the vehicle is still in the shop as of April 3, 2022.

Filed Jan 27, 2022 · CT

#1 I assume the fuel system or electric system are what failed #2the car shuts off while driving,when trying to restart{if it restarts} no power & shuts off again #3 I have contacted the dealer& kia main branch in california 3 times by phone & email but have heard nothing, I have been trying to find out if there is a recall but the dealership said have it towed here & it will cost 100$ to see if its been recalled{ my answer was you could tell me by the v I n # I cant affored a tow the 100$ to tell me if there is a recall{there answer was thats not my problem}#4 there were problems with the head lights kept blowing out{I replaced them2x out of pocket#5 the only warning I had was loss of power before dying.

Filed Jul 15, 2021 · Engine · OH

My Kia is experiencing the same problem that Kia has issued a recall on for every year but 2019 Kias. My 2019 Kia is experiencing the same problem from the recall of "An inconsistent heat-treating process for the piston oil rings can damage the engine and lead to a loss of power, thereby increasing the risk of a crash." My 2019 Kia experienced all of this and no help from the dealership as they didn't want to figure out the problem and wanted me to spend thousands of dollars on a problem Kia has recalled many of there makes/models now. My safety was at high danger due to the car stalling during driving. The diagnose was a bad timing chain and after my mechanic I trust more then the dealership and have proof of the problems/diagnosis is now my Kia has two Pistons that are actually shot and caused problems with my oil life in the car. The mechanic believes it could be caused by the same problem/recall stated above on other makes/models. I have know suffered without a car for a few months and my family has suffered tremendously from just needing to get my car fixed but I still continue to pay my monthly payments on my 2019 Kia. Now the shop I have it at says there's 2 bad Pistons and I need an entire new engine. There was no warnings or check engine light that came on and I just hope there will be an investigation at least on the 2019 models as well and or an answer to why they did 2015 models-2021 but skipped the 2019 Kia Fortes & this investigation of this complaint started after my car was already made and waiting to be sold by a dealer but my car is now experiencing the exact same problems listed above that other Kias have. I can provide and proper paper work from the mechanic if necessary/upon request.

Filed Apr 9, 2021 · Acceleration, Body · 375 miles · TN · crash

I have lost power pulling out into traffic, car has lost all function when pulling out into traffic, 1 time when pulling out of a parking lot the car locked the wheels and slammed it onto a curb. Every time the screen display in the car glitches. I have been going down the road and the emergency braking applied for no reason. Had to replace the battery was going down the road and the car shut off (at night) kia has had this car multiple times and has no idea what is wrong with it. I filed a report with kia cause I want my money back and this car should not be sold to an individual until they figure it out and fix it. Last week the mirrors quit working as well but they said it needed a master switch. Already had some kind of computer recall and took it in to be replaced. Car still scares me to drive it. I have not heard back from kia and was told it does not qualify for the lemon law as they seem to have no idea how to fix it much less get it to duplicate for a diagnosis. But the stalling, glitching and loosing power is almost always at take off. One time I just knew I was going to end up in the hospital or morgue as it was a very busy highway at rush hour. 3 times was on take off and when I was making a turn. Sometimes the screen/radio won't even work or connect to any devices either. Kia told me to record it happening, they must be crazy it happens so fast all I can concentrate on not getting injured or killed or injuring or killing anyone also when we first took the car home I noticed a banging under the car like something hitting under the floor board took it to kia a few times for that as well and since they couldn't duplicate it they said I probably have a something under the seats doing it. But I told them that made no sense cause could feel it under my feet while driving it.

Filed Oct 23, 2020 · Transmission · 10,403 miles · MA

I was driving north on ma 495 north near haverhill ma when all of a sudden my car was over-revving and no power was getting to the wheels. I had to pull over on a busy highway. I was lucky I made it to a rest stop. I talked to the tech at kia and they are aware of this problem being a "common thing" and I need a new transmission. Thankfully it is under warranty still. I feel kia's complete disregard for customer safety in this matter is appalling. Loss of power like that can cause a major crash and potential loss of life. If they are aware of the problem they should do a recall on the vehicles and replace every transmission.

Filed Oct 22, 2020 · Transmission · NC

The ivt trans went bad with out warring I was doing 70 MPH on I 77 in nc with cruse on . Then the engine tacked up to 7000 RPM a fue times then I shifted to sport mode the rpms stoped jumping around till I got to hickory nc . When driving to dealer ship the car would not hardly pull its self/ no warring lights or any type of warring of lost of power. Other then high RPM on the engine. The car is at dealership now to get a new trans . It only has 17500 mile on it this ivt is trash and dangerous. It will kill some one that dont know autos

Filed Apr 13, 2019 · Steering, Transmission · 3,150 miles · GA

Car was making a grinding noise and had to take it into the dealership to get it checked. This was around 3000 miles. Took it in confirmed the grinding noise but did not note down what it was on receipt. A month later dealership took car back and gave me a rental and had specialist look at the transmission said nothing wrong with it but still has some lost of power from time to time and grinding noises..

Filed Apr 2, 2019 · Transmission · 3,000 miles · IL

The car seemed to be losing power, called for roadside assistance, and the kia dealership where the car was towed to said the transmission needs replaced. The car has 3000 miles on it & we have only had it 2.5 months. The dealer service person said this is the 3rd 2019 kia forte they've had to replace the transmission in! We were driving on an interstate highway.