2020 Kia Forte transmission problems

Filed Aug 20, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · OH

I experienced a check engine light and had the vehicle diagnosed with codes P0017 and P0014. The vehicle was taken to a Kia dealership, where the technician found that the exhaust camshaft was free-spinning without the phaser and that the pin connecting the two had sheared. The dealership replaced the exhaust camshaft and phaser and released the vehicle as repaired and operating normally. Less than 24 hours after pickup, the check engine light returned during normal driving. While returning the vehicle to the dealership as instructed, the engine lost oil pressure and stalled three times. One stall occurred after exiting the highway and left the vehicle disabled in a high-traffic intersection, creating a serious safety hazard. The vehicle was returned to the Kia dealership and remains available for inspection. Subsequent examination reportedly found metal debris in the engine/oil pan and a possible restriction of engine oil flow. The exact cause of the sudden oil-pressure loss has not yet been definitively explained. The failure occurred immediately following a dealership repair involving a physically sheared internal engine component.

Filed May 15, 2026 · Transmission · 200,000 miles · MI

The contact leased a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle began to chug. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed as needing a transmission replacement. The vehicle was repaired. The contact eventually purchased the vehicle. After the purchase, the failure recurred. While driving, the vehicle began to chug without warning. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was called, but there was no response. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Filed Apr 21, 2026 · Transmission · OH

I am reporting a transmission failure in my 2020 Kia Forte with approximately 54,000 miles. The vehicle experienced a sudden and complete transmission failure on March 19, 2026, on the highway from Cleveland to Cincinnati. after being owned for less than seven months. The vehicle is now at a dealership 2.5 hours away, requiring a full transmission replacement. This appears to be a premature failure and not consistent with normal wear and tear for a vehicle with this mileage. I am aware of a Technical Service Bulletin issued by Kia regarding IVT transmission issues in 2019–2021 Kia Forte models, which may be related to this failure. As well as legal investigations and lawsuits regarding said transmission models. Given the safety implications and potential for loss of power while driving, I am submitting this complaint for review.

Filed Jun 24, 2025 · Transmission · NE

We were driving on vacation in the Nevada desert on a Sunday when the RPMs began to bounce between 2,000 and 4,000 RPMs causing the carto jerk back and forth when we were going up hill. This continued until it got to the point where the engine was going 8,000 RPMs but we were not moving forward. It felt like when driving a stick shift and you are out of gear. We pulled off and were towed to St. George, UT. The tow truck said it was the transmission and that we should go to a Kia dealer because it would be covered by warranty. No warning lights came on. Our mileage was 70,000 miles. The dealer said they could not find anything wrong and suggested it was bad gas. After paying $150 we were sent on our way back home through the mountains. We got about 20 minutes on the road when the car starting doing the same thing again as we went up hill. We immediately turned around and made it to the dealer in St. George. They checked the car again and found the transmission fluid was black instead of red. They eventually got approval from Kia for a new transmission. It ended up taking 5 days to finally get our car working. while the transmission installation was covered, we ended having to pay $2,000 in out of pocket expenses. Kia claims to have a Trip Interruption Policy to cover expenses when they have a failure covered by warranty when you are on vacation. At best, it only covers $100 per day for a maximum of 3 days ($300). But you have to have pre-approval before they will even pay that little amount. We made a mistake buying a Kia but it is one we will never make again. It was interesting to see how many similar transmission incidents with the 2020 Forte have happened when they hit 70,000 miles.

Filed Apr 11, 2025 · Transmission · IL

Transmission from the original factory failed on it. I was driving when the engine check engine light came on and my car started ringing at me to get it serviced. I got the transmission replaced and not even 2 days later a brand new transmission failed yet again. This time the transmission (new) was revving up and down while driving at a consistent speed for a few minutes. Then my car started slipping gears when I tried to accelerate. The check engine light then came on again after my car started slipping gears stating to get it serviced. It is currently having its THIRD transmission put in.

Filed Jan 20, 2025 · Transmission · TX

My vehicle has 74,000 miles on it. While driving on the highway at 70 mph, the RPMs began fluctuating erratically, jumping from 2,000 to 3,000 and then from 2,000 to 5,000 before the car completely slipped into neutral. I was stranded in the middle of nowhere. Took it to the dealership and since it's out of warranty they quoted me 3500 American dollars to replace the transmission. Don't buy a Kia.

Filed Nov 3, 2024 · Electrical, Transmission · MI

1st problem, catalytic converter code says it's bad, check engine light on ever since, car is only 4 years old. 2nd problem possible electrical or wiring issue. Had to replace front right headlight(2times), back brake lights both sides, rear top brake light (2 times), daytime running lights both(2 times), currently right light bulb works, but light on says needs replacement. All in total changed 5 to 6 bulbs within 2 weeks of each other, which leads me to believe there is electrical or wire issue? Very frustrated with both issues. Not sure if related but issue just happened, heat blows warm driver side, cold air on passenger side, possible heater core issue. Again car is only 4 years old and should not have this many issues. Please help!

Filed Jun 13, 2024 · Transmission · TX

Transmission was having issues, car would not accelerate properly. Engine light came on and vehicle was towed to the original dealership for inspection where they confirmed transmission had gone out and it did get replaced. Vehicle was driving strange for about 3-4 days before engine light came on (12/30/2023).

Filed Apr 12, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · 31,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the residence. An independent mechanic informed the contact that the battery needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced, and the contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic, who stated the failure was due to the transmission pressure. The contact stated that there was an abnormal knocking noise after restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.

Filed Dec 5, 2023 · Transmission · GA

MAKE: 2020 KIA FORTE MODEL: FORTE ODOMETER: approximately 88,000 miles VIN: [XXX] [XXX] On [XXX], while driving my Kia towards my home driveway, I noticed that the car's speed was fluctuating unpredictably. Despite having my foot slightly on the brake and off the gas pedal, the vehicle continued to accelerate and decelerate as I made the turn into my residence. The Forte exhibited irregular and sluggish shifting, displaying a reluctance to engage or maintain gears, as well as experiencing missed or delayed gear changes. Additionally, it demonstrated unpredictable trembling and stalling occurrences multiple times while being driven in the driveway. The check engine light turned on. I promptly deactivated the engine and abstained from operating the vehicle. Afterwards, I had the vehicle undergo a scan, during which the check engine light turned on, indicating the presence of the code P0730. Without delay, I scheduled an appointment for service and maintenance at the Kia Bulldog dealership located in Athens, Georgia. Following a consultation with the service department, I scheduled a diagnostic assessment and test drive for the vehicle. On [XXX]. The mechanic at Bulldog Kia conducted a thorough examination of the vehicle and diagnosed it after performing a test drive. Additionally, he confirmed that he observed the same driving condition that I had previously described to him. It was associated with the transmission which related to the sc. However, when he scanned the vehicle for any code, the code reading was not accessible. I have photographic evidence of the exact state of distress and audio recordings of the car's engine accelerating as I approach the residence. I consulted a nearby mechanic with extensive expertise, who thoroughly examined and scanned the vehicle. The mechanic determined that the problem may be related to the transmission bearing, which corresponds to the diagnostic code P0730. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)