Fuel System complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 4% | — |
| 2023 | 2 | 3% | — |
| 2022 | 2 | 7% | 13,000 miles |
| 2021 | 3 | 4% | — |
| 2020 | 3 | 4% | — |
| 2019 | 4 | 3% | 18,000 miles |
| 2018 | 8 | 6% | 22,000 miles |
| 2017 | 30 | 10% | 23,000 miles |
| 2016 | 7 | 5% | 11,000 miles |
| 2015 | 10 | 4% | 67,000 miles |
| 2014 | 25 | 6% | 86,000 miles |
| 2013 | 6 | 3% | 105,000 miles |
| 2012 | 11 | 4% | 36,000 miles |
| 2011 | 4 | 3% | 94,000 miles |
| 2010 | 9 | 4% | 60,000 miles |
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
This car was sold to me without disclosing that the manufacture failed to have a engine security system on the car to at least "deter" auto theft.If the key to the car was programmed/chipped like other cars, it would provide at least some level of protection. I've already stopped car thieves from trying to steal it once by pure luck, but I'm like the thousands out there constantly worried that someone's going to try to take it in lieu of the social media challenges.The horrible settlement that out government gave us was to upgrade the software which provides NO help with deterring thieves from breaking in and trying to steal it.The reimbursement provided in the settlement is complete joke, and doesn't offer to properly repair or reimburse for after-market security systems.This is evident from the fact that insurance companies still won't insure this car, even after the software upgrade. …
I own a 2020 Kia Forte LXS with approximately 136,000 miles. The check engine light came on with code P0420 ("catalyst system efficiency below threshold"), and an Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers location confirmed the catalytic converter is failing. The back pressure was measured and is within spec but slightly elevated, showing the part is deteriorating. I was also told my O2 sensors are burned due to the failing catalytic converter. This failure affects drivability and safety: the vehicle sometimes struggles on acceleration and hills, and I feel vibrations through the gas pedal. Because I commute 50 miles each way to work on the interstate, sudden loss of power would put me at risk in high-speed traffic. …
The lane assist malfunction and periodically jerks. Very unsafe I no longer use this feature . To keep control of the vehicle. I never got it inspected. As the lane assist was in use and it would jerk it would alert me of a lane departure . I mention this to include every known problem I have experienced with the vehicle. The problem That brought me here. Is my engine light came on today. Leading up to this. I have had oil leaks since I've owned the car. Im adding oil in between oil changes due to it being low. In the beginning it was a hint of smell of gas in the oil. I was informed to do more frequent oil changes. Over time the smell of gas grew stronger . No Indication to a problem then. Now the smell of gas is prominent in the oil. When the dip stick is checked its always needing more oil and smells of gas and has blackness like burning in the oil. …
As I was driving on the turnpike the car engine literally just shut down on me! It could have caused a serious accident. This is the 3rd time when driving the car just stopped on its own on me! Gas tank full, oil good and battery good, but the engine is not! It gave me NO WARNING either. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL. I could have been hit all 3 times! Family came to help and tried to jump it and it wouldn't start so I had to get it towed. Dates happened March 28, 31st and April 6, all 2026. Also the key fog lock is defective! It works when it wants too.
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 was told to come to service department on 2/22/2022 to change my indicator light because it was not working and had to be ordered in advance and for RECALL on TRUNK LATCH. The invoice said bulb was replaced and trunk lock and did Multi Point Inspection. I asked her if everything was Ok with my car she said yes but the next day I realized it indicator light was still not working. I got another RECALL TO REPLACE AIR BAG. I called in and got a service appointment for 4/2/2022. I told them the indicator was still not working and I was having an oil leak. They said $155.00 for inspection for leak, confirmed that one of the OIL PAN was leaking and would cost $200.00 to replace but it was cover under warranty. I said OK. …
Engine would run fast and then sound like was going to stop and then it would start shaking and rumbling while driving on highway and in town. Car would stall while at a stop. Gas smells inside the car. Did not feel safe driving. Had the car towed to an independent garage on February 7th and They did an oil change, change 2 Sensors, changed all the spark plugs and changed all 4 Cylinders and on the way home from Starks garage the car was doing the same as before going to the garage with gas smells inside the car, shaking, rumbling and stalling of the engine. And the car wanting to stall while on the highway speed limit of going 60 mph. the next morning My mom and stepdad had the car towed again to another mechanic close to them at Hudson Import Automotive -Napa Auto Care and they emailed a list of problems after inspecting the car. …
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Forte. The contact stated while making a stop the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the fuel pump, but the failure occurred several times. On a different occasion the vehicle stalled and shut down completely. The vehicle would not start. The vehicle was towed to a repair facility where they replaced the vapor canister purge valve and the canister solenoid, but it did not repair the vehicle. The vehicle then was towed to a Kia dealer where they did a fuel injector service and clear codes and a transmission fluid flush on the vehicle, but the failure reoccurred. The dealer was not able to determine the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 94,777.
Frequently asked questions
Which Kia Forte years have fuel system problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2017 (30), 2014 (25), 2012 (11), 2015 (10) and 2010 (9) model years. Fuel System complaints make up 10% of all complaints for the 2017.
Is there a recall for Kia Forte fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for any Kia Forte model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Kia Forte fuel system problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles; 52% happened before 50,000 miles.
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.