2016 Kia Forte Engine Problems

While driving on I-95 at 60mph the car began to jump as it attempted to shift gears and the speed stalled to where it slowed down to 20mph and would not go any faster. The car slowed while I was in the fast lanes of the highway and I had to work my way to the right to the slower lanes to avoid abusing traffic congestion or any accidents. It was scary. Separately, my engine light has been on for the last year. I recently had the MAPs replaced and the light went off for two days and came back. It’s a steady continuous light, no flashing. The analysis check gives some other reason for the light but when checked it doesn’t fix the issue.

Point 1)CVVT pin was sheared off. Not available for inspection, was replaced and discarded by KIA. Point 2)The vehicle had a rough start and stalled out while stopping. Had to have the car towed to the dealership. Point 3) UNKNOWN Point 4) No Point 5) The Check Engine Light would come on and off randomly. Code P0017 & P0016 would come up as pending when the engine light was on.

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed and then stalled. The contact stated that the "Battery" symbol was illuminated on the instrument cluster. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine connecting rod bearings had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

I purchased the 2016 Kia Forte on [XXX] from Bald Hill Kia in Warwick, RI. Within the first 30 days, there was a knocking noise which turned out to be the knocking sensor. I took the car to be checked on 11/1/2022 and paid to replace the knock sensor. On [XXX], the knock sensor acted up again so the knock sensor had to be replaced again. They also found a small evap leak and the charcoal canister was cracked and replaced. On 12/9/2022, the engine assembly was replaced. On [XXX], the check engine light came on and the O2 sensor was replaced. On 1/5/2023, the catalytic converter had to be replaced. On 1/16/2023, the canister purge valved was replaced. On 8/29/2023, the catalytic converter had to be replaced again. On 6/11/2024, the catalytic converter had to be replaced a third time! Over a year passed and on Saturday afternoon on [XXX] the check engine light turned on again and Kia was closed on Sunday so I took the car to Firestone for a diagnostic test and it turned out that it was the catalytic converter for the 4th time. I dropped off the car in 8/4/2025 and I'm waiting to see if the car can get looked at this week to confirm the problem for a 4th time. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

1. NHTSA Safety Complaint Draft Vehicle Info: Make: Kia Model: Forte5 SX Year: 2016 VIN: [XXX] Engine: 1.6L GDI (G4FJ Nu engine) Issue: This vehicle uses the 1.6L GDI Nu engine (engine code G4FJ), which is the same engine involved in Kia’s engine defect recalls and class action settlements related to connecting rod bearing failure and engine seizure risks. However, Kia is refusing to provide the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) update, and no internal campaigns or recalls are listed for my VIN despite the identical mechanical risk. I purchased the vehicle in 2017 and was unaware of the extended warranty and safety campaigns until now. I am experiencing symptoms of rough idle and pre-knock concerns, and yet Kia and my local dealership are unwilling to escalate my case or even verify warranty eligibility. This defect poses a risk of sudden engine failure and should be addressed under expanded recall coverage. I am requesting NHTSA investigate inclusion of later-production 2016 vehicles like mine, which clearly share the same defective power train. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal to merge onto the highway, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 15 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an auto parts store, where it was scanned, and DTC: P1326; was retrieved. The contact stated that the code indicated a Knock Sensor Detection system failure. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where the contact was informed that the manufacturer had advised the dealer not to diagnose the vehicle due to an incomplete oil change history. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

I had diagnostic ran because of a knocking sound and stalling and the oil pressure warning light. I was informed by the technician that the oil pressure was extremely low. Upon further inspection they found metal shards in the oil filter blocking oil flow. They told me this is a known defect and that Kia should be responsible. Contacted Kia and they said it’s not covered. It has 98,289 miles

While driving our 2016 Kia forte 5 the engine completely failed and lost all power while on a busy highway. The engine in this vehicle was not part of the original 2016 Forte Recalls for the same issue and is not part of any current recalls for the same issue. It could have led to very severe injuries or even death due to the failure and complete loss of engine power only. Battery power remained on the car.

We have a 2016 Kia Forte 5 that did not meet the criteria when the other 2016 Kia Forte's were recalled due to engine failure as it has a 2.0L engine. On or about [XXX], while driving this vehicle, the car lost all power and came to a stop on a busy highway. It still had electrical power, but failed to accelerate and we lost the ability to steer or control the car. We were able to get it off the road and called for a tow. The car was towed to a repair shop and we were informed that the engine failed, and needed to be replaced. This is the same situation that is occurring with the current Kia engine recalls. The garage attempted to contact Kia and we were told that due to the car not selling well in the US, it was considered a niche vehicle, and therefore no recalls were made. The car was in perfect running order with no signs of failure, no lights on the dashboard to warn of a malfunctioning component, and no audible sounds of a failing engine. Our safety, as well as others, was put at risk due to the car losing all power on a 55mph road that is heavily travelled and could cause an accident. The engine was inspected by a certified mechanic and all they can determine is that the engine failed and it needs to be replaced. This placed my wife in a dangerous situation that could have ended badly. To date, the car has been towed back to our home and sits in our driveway as there is no current fix to it, but the reason for the original recall on the 1.6L engines, and the current recall on Kia engines, is the same that occurred with this vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I was two states away at conference for my side job. My car turned off without warning. No lights no nothing. I couldn't use my hazards or anything. It was dark outside already. I called AAA and the person with me called 911. Someone stopped and jumped me off. We got back to the hotel. The next day another consultants husband looked at my car and we discovered there was no oil in the engine. I had driven more than 450 miles to get to conference the day before by myself. The oil light had never came on during my trip. It only came on when my entire instrument panel lit up when the car cutoff. I am a female and was traveling by myself and put over 1100 miles on my car that trip. If it had turned off at any point on my trip before I had gotten to my destination I would have been alone and not known what to do. If I had not had AAA I would have possible had to pay a tow truck that night. I am disappointed that the light didn't give me a warning something was wrong or going wrong. Luckily, I didn't blow my engine

VEHICLE ISSUED DTC'S P1326 AND CAR FAILED COMPLETELY IN THE MIDDLE OF A VERY BUSY EXPRESSWAY

Vehicle is having same symptoms as recalled Kia’s with Nu engine. My engine is consuming oil. I brought it to Kia dealership to have it diagnost and piston rings are not working as they should. This will lead to engine failure. This problem is what is occurring on the recalled Kia’s. I have not had the vehicle for long & am very disappointed in what is going on. I want something done & to have this reported for the other Kia’s who are experiencing the symptoms that don’t have their VIN called. I had my vehicle looked at Cartown Kia in Florence, SC. My tech was Robert & service rep was Kelcey.

While driving my 2016 Kia Forte with my [XXX] daughter in the car, the engine began making loud knocking noises and quickly deteriorated until it became unsafe and undriveable. This failure occurred without warning lights, oil pressure issues, or prior symptoms. We were nearly stranded in an unsafe location and had to immediately pull over and arrange alternate transportation. I later learned this issue aligns with a known defect in Kia’s Theta II engines, which have been recalled or covered under extended warranty in many cases. However, Kia has denied any support, stating my vehicle is “outside the factory warranty” and disqualified due to not completing a knock sensor software update I was never notified about. How Safety Was Put at Risk: My daughter was in the vehicle at the time, and we were placed in a vulnerable position with a failing engine, unable to safely continue driving. A sudden loss of power could have resulted in an accident if we had been in traffic or on the highway. This defect is a serious safety hazard, especially for families with young children. The vehicle has not been inspected by Kia directly since they declined to assist once they determined the factory warranty had expired. I am happy to make the vehicle available for inspection upon request. Warning Lamps or Messages: There were no warning lights or indicators prior to the onset of the knocking and failure. The symptoms began suddenly and escalated rapidly. My Request: I am requesting an investigation into Kia’s handling of these failures, particularly in cases where families were not properly notified about knock detection software updates and are now being denied support for what is clearly a known and widespread engine defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Was fixing to head and get my oil changed even though i still had about 570 miles left before i absolutely had to change the oil, my 2016 kia forte LX with the 1.8l engine with 79996 as of currently; lost power at around 15mph and started lugging after leaving my neighborhood gas station, luckily i was about 1/8 mile away from a kia service center so i drove it to the service dealer so i could hear, "We only have lube technicians because all the maintenance technicians quit so we cant check your vehicle for mechanical failure, and we are booked until march 2024." So i parked my car and called kia customer service where they told me that the recall is only applicable to the 1.6l and the 2.0l engine, the 1.8l is only warrantable to 60k miles being i am the second owner and the car is passed the 60k mile marker I was told "we would be happy to take a look at it but it will be an out of pocket expense being insurance doesnt cover an engine. This is the second time this year this specific incident has happened to me and i will not be buying another kia or hyundai vehicle ever again. Let this be known to all kia buyers these are cheap cars you get what you pay for.

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the accelerator pedal made an abnormal grinding sound, and the vehicle failed to respond. Additionally, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. The contact also stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine rod was knocking, and the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

We used to have a 2016 Kia Forte5 LX hatchback we been having problems with this vehicle the car would stall and it was having electrical problems like my turn signals not working even when the bulbs were replaced and same thing to the brake lights prior after I noticed the problem with the car was going to take it in to get ot looked at and serviced when exiting my home with the car and turning left the vehicle stalled while in drive I did have my emergency flash on but the other cars didn’t seem to notice the vehicle got t boned and we got in to a accident when trying to get this issue resolved

Always had correct maintenance and the engine just randomly blew coming home from work and Kia Corp is not wanting to replace motor. I’m out thousands of dollars now

A portion of the air intake system was rubbing against the front driver side wheel and wore a hole causing damage to the engine and is knocking at very low RPM. The car was in one of Kia’s dealerships for a headlight repair and a reference was made about a strange noise coming from the wheel but they did not advise of a problem and said the brake pad life is fine.

Wednesday night I departed work, I was in the 4th lane of the 10Fwy when my car shut down. All dashboard lights came on. I turned on my 4ways and managed to change lanes to the service Lane on the right. I attempted to restart the vehicle..nothing. I started looking through my insurance papers for the tow service and thought to try and restart the vehicle one last time. It started I departed the freeway and used the streets instead of the fwy to make it home. The next morning I drove the car to AutoZone for spark plugs and a diagnostic check. The clerk printed it out and it said no issues. I drove back to the house and as I was pulling into my driveway it shut down again, no clicking sounds this time. Friday I had it towed to pepboys. They were replacing faulty shocks that were under warranty new brakes and rotors all the way around and a full oil change all items were inside the vehicle I pretty much only had to pay for maintenance except for the faulty shocks the manager called me as I was on my way to work. My engine is blown. I saw my engine check light come on Wednesday night when the car stalled no oil light ever came on in the car except when you initially started and then it disappeared. My complaint is why wasn't I notified by the vehicle that there was no oil in the pan that's the whole purpose of the oil light indicator. Now am stuck with a 3500.00 engine repair bill which was the cheapest I found online for a used 1.8 liter engine. I want my dashboards computer checked. I have the AutoZone diagnostic paper the attendant gave me.

Was driving and car lost power and shut off while in traffic car would not restart