Kia Forte harsh shifting problems

Filed Sep 11, 2025 · Steering · OH

The steering coupler clunks when I turn my steering wheel

Filed May 14, 2025 · Steering, Suspension · CA

Clunking when going over bumps especially when turning into a driveway. Started at about 20,000 miles along with excessive clicking when turning the steering wheel.

Filed Dec 18, 2023 · Steering · AZ

Clunking sound in steering column. Steering Coupler in Steering motor defect Has failed in my steering column. Dealer refuses to repair under other agreements.

Filed Nov 20, 2023 · Engine · CO

The engine pistons seized while going slow turning a corner and brought my car to a sudden stop. There were no engine lights on before it seized and after it happened there are still no engine lights on yet it no longer can function. Essentially after the starter turns over, the engine just makes a loud clunking noise. Oil levels are full, coolant full, and with the radio off there weren't any noises coming from the car until it stopped dead in the road. My safety was at risk when it happened because at midnight after coming back from a long movie, on a dark winding road, the car seized and I couldn't get it all the way over. I was so scared a car would come around the corner and hit my car, my wife and myself while we waited. My insurance company towed the car to a repair shop and they gave me a $6500 repair bill. I called a Kia dealership, specifically the repair shop talking though the issue and next steps and they said not to bring it into the dealership because they aren't able to fix it and instead to send it to a junk yard. This issue has no warning lights, no red engine lights, no odd sounds coming from the engine, no oil leaks present prior to the engine seizing and essentially left me and my wife stranded in a dangerous situation.

Filed Sep 30, 2023 · Steering · NY

The steering wheel makes a clunking sound and can be felt when turning the wheel. There appears to be a recall/extended warranty for this part for other years of this car but not sure why mine was not included.

Filed Jul 6, 2023 · Steering · MD

Clunk and clicking in steering. There is extra play in steering. All research points to a steering coupler.

Filed Jun 23, 2023 · Steering · 80 miles · NV

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Forte. The contact stated while pulling out of the driveway and making a left turn, there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from underneath the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and test driven the vehicle and diagnosed but no issue was found. However, the contact stated that the failure reoccurred increasingly while making left turns with a clunking sound coming from the floorboard. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V906000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80.

Filed Feb 12, 2023 · Acceleration, Transmission · NC

While I am driving it is hard shifting and idling high, sometimes it doesn't want to pick up speed when starting from a stop. The wheels locked up going down a off ramp. There are no warning lights or anything on the dash. I will have it checked Monday but this started out of the blue. I have had regular maintenance on the vehicle and have all my receipts for proof. This is a serious issue especially with the wheels not functioning right and speed control is fluctuating.

Filed Oct 8, 2020 · Engine · 118,000 miles · NC

When driving down the road our kia motor started to knock. A loud clunking sound ensued and it struggled to work. We brought it to kia and they said we needed a new motor that cost 4700. This car is less than 7 years old with great care. Millions of other kias have had the same issue and recalls have been made but I am forced to pay out of pocket for an issue that is no fault of mine. Kia needs to be held responsible for the cost and labor for a new motor. They have shown through the many calls that customer service is not their way. This issue needs to also be resolved buy issuing a recall for all kia 2014 kia fortes. Countless people are held responsible for the poor actions of kia motors dealers.

Filed Sep 28, 2020 · Engine, Transmission · 100,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia forte. The contact stated that the engine was emitting a sound like that of a diesel engine. The contact stated that the engine was revving at high speeds. The contact stated that there was a loud clunking sound while starting the vehicle. Several unknown dealers were contacted were contacted and the contact was informed that the issue was common with similar vehicles. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not subjected to a recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that there was a known issue with the crank bearing however, there was no recall on the vehicle. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.