Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Kia Forte owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
On 8/28/2022 my 2011 Kia Forte's engine caught on fire and it caused damage to my entire garage along with my personal belongings. I had contacted Kia multiple times and was put on hold for over an hour at a time and hung up on multiple times until a few weeks after the fire I finally got a hold of them and they put in a "work order". After following up with them a week later I come to find out that the work order was put in for a car pare (the engine in the car was burnt to crisp). I finally had someone help and a representative from Kia came out afterwards they conveyed that after "their investigation" that "evidence shows fire and heat attacking vehicle from outside and moving into the engine compartment". Which is completely false per fire department who where first on the scene they determined the fire started in the engine compartment of the vehicle". …
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the check engine, ABS, and Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) warning lights were illuminated. There was a burning odor emitting from underneath the hood near the engine compartment. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 200,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
The car had a slow ticking noise that was very faint in the front for about 20 minutes 20 minutes later the noise continue to get louder about 45 minutes later six gear was lost in the car in about an hour and a half later the engine failed and the car Came to a failure lock down procedure all lights on the front door shut on steering wheel locked on friendship Road exit 8 and the vehicle had to be towed to a shop we're now it was put on a lift and there is a hole in the bottom of the engine , And the transmission is not in tact
The engine has had a ticking noise which has only become louder with more miles on the engine. The car has been serviced by Kia dealership regularly. The car started stalling during random times while drive. You release the gas pedal, it will almost stop. You push the gas pedal and sometimes you will regain power to the engine. This has almost caused me to have several accidnts. The car was taken to the Kia dealer and told the engine oil level was low. It was change 3 months earlier and had not been driven more than 1000 miles. The Kia dealer said it was an engine failure and would need to be replaced. I researched the car and discovered that it had 2 recalls. I have never received any information about any recall on this car ever. I was not notified of any recall when it was serviced at Kia for routine maintenance (oil and brake changes). …
I have a 2011 Kia forte had 130,000 plus miles when I bought it. I've had the car for 1 year first 2 months motor sound it 100% 3rd month I started to hear a knocking sound coming from motor I took it to kia dealer today for recall service so I asked them if they could here the knocking sound they told me that the sound was normal. I told them that when I got the car it wasn't making this knocking sound and getting louder each month. They changed the conversation and told me that i was there for them to work on a recall matter for my car. i don't know what it could be maybe the engine pistons idk but I have read a lot of people with this problem as well car has 145,500 miles now I have the oil and oil filter changed every 5,000 miles. I really think that this needs to be investigated asap as this could cost an accident if car brakes down.
My daughters Kia Forte, started making a ticking noise. Them more she has driven the car, the worse the ticking has become. Looking on line to see what the problem may be, it appears that this is a very well known issues with Kia's. Also reading on your sight there has been MANY complaints for the very same thing. If Kia has been made aware of the issue and did nothing about it. I feel that is negligible for them. My daughter travels out of state for college. I would hate for her to break down on the side of the road. Our mechanic said that we should use a certain type of oil of her car, her oil changes are done every 3,000 miles. They now coast us 70.00 each time we have to change the oil. I hope that you will investigate this issue with as many complaints that have been registered against Kia.
About 9 months ago, I started my 2011 Kia Forte up and it cut off. Happened on and off for the next 6 months or so, gradually getting worse and more often. Decided to take it to Kia, needed an oil change done at same time. Kia dealership said there is metal in my oil and means engine is failing. The stalling they said was a computer issue and reset it. Did another oil change about 3 months later at another facility, they did not look for the metal or notice any on their own. Today, vibrations started when sitting idle at a traffic light. No check engine light on.
I just bought this car with 79873 miles on it it now has 81853 miles and its making a ticking noise.I been looking over the engine and wondering why my check engine light doesn't come on when I left my gas cap off.I bought this car from a used car dealership..I been doing some research on this type engine and most of them have me recalled.
Engine was replaced 97218 miles - under warranty - now the second engine needs to be replaced with 106607 miles - there is a limited warranty of 20 years /200000 miles - isn't the second engine still under warranty two engines and both have been under 200000 miles isn't the second engine covered under the warranty??
When driving straight along an interstate with my cruise control set to the speed limit, a loud bang came from under the hood of my Kia, the check engine indicator turned on, and smoke began to pour out from under the hood and inside my car through the air vents. When I pushed the gas pedal gently, there was a low guttural noise and my car was not picking up speed. I put my car into neutral and coasted to the shoulder with low visibility as the smoke became more dense and darker in color. I brought my vehicle to a full stop on the shoulder and put it into park before turning it off and removing my key from the ignition. Upon exiting the car I noticed the smoke was even more intense than before and promptly called 911 and gave my location and situation information to the 911 representative. …
NHTSA investigations
Loss of Motive Power
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021.
Engine complaints in other Forte years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2011 Kia Forte?
NHTSA has 48 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2011 Kia Forte, 31% of the model year's 154 complaints. The component named most often is cooling system › radiator assembly (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Kia Forte engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2011 Kia Forte, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2011 Kia Forte engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 105,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 6 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.