2021 Kia Forte: engine knocking or ticking

5 of the 69 complaints about the 2021 Kia Forte describe engine knocking or ticking.

owner complaints: 5
of this car's complaints: 7%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 10 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Engine knocking or ticking by model year

2023
1
2021
5
2020
3
2019
3
2018
5
2017
30
2016
18
2015
51
2014
90
2013
48
2012
77
2011
28
2010
44

What owners say

Filed Apr 18, 2026 · Engine · NC

To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting a formal complaint regarding a serious safety issue involving my 2021 Kia Forte. Approximately one year ago, I purchased this vehicle used with approximately 56,000 miles. I have owned the vehicle for nearly a year without prior incident until a recent and significant failure occurred. While driving on a highway after work, the vehicle suddenly lost engine power. The RPMs dropped abruptly, and the vehicle began decelerating rapidly before completely shutting off. This occurred without any prior warning indicators, such as dashboard warning lights or messages. I attempted to restart the engine three times before it successfully turned over. Upon restarting, the engine produced a loud knocking noise that had not been present before. Since this incident, the vehicle has been unable to operate reliably. It will start and run briefly but stalls again after a short distance. The knocking noise persists, suggesting a serious internal engine issue. The vehicle remains in my possession and is available for inspection. Component/System Involved: The failure appears to involve the engine and/or internal engine components. The exact cause has not yet been diagnosed by a professional. Safety Risk: This failure posed a significant safety hazard, as the sudden loss of power occurred while traveling on a highway. This could have resulted in a serious accident, particularly if surrounding traffic had been heavier or less responsive. Inspection and Diagnosis: The issue has not yet been formally diagnosed or confirmed by a dealership or independent repair facility. Additionally, the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, law enforcement, insurance representatives, or other entities. Warning Indicators: There were no warning lights, messages, or other indicators prior to or during the initial failure. The only symptom Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 9, 2025 · Engine · CT

My 2021 Kia forte GT is currently sitting in my driveway, undriveable. It started about 3months or so ago I had realized I was getting more and more frequent oil changes to the point where the car would be consuming a quart of oil in at least a week or less. Fast forward to this previous week, I now had a hard knock/rattle within my engine. The engine gave way on my way home which is a significant safety issue to myself and those who were driving around me. I have contacted Kia customer as they have had previous complaints as well as a lawsuit on the engine for the excessive engine oil consumption leading to possible engine failure. There’s no reason why an only 4 year old car should have a blown motor. I am thankful that I am personally ok and didn’t hurt anyone else while in the midst of driving my vehicle home.

Filed Jun 27, 2024 · Engine · TX

I get regularly scheduled oil changes but the car is making a noise like a rod knock

Filed Jan 11, 2024 · Engine · TX

While driving on the interstate, multiple dash lights came on, the engine started knocking and shutting down. The vehicle was towed to the dealership and was found that the oil plug had fallen out, causing the oil to drain out and ruin the motor.

Filed May 28, 2022 · Engine · MI

Ticking sound under hood at 35000 miles