2016 Kia Forte engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Aug 31, 2026NCEngine

   Im getting denied dued to engine failure but whoever had the vehicle before didn't follow up with the ksds update, I just purchased the vehicle on June 30th,2026, I need this fixed ASAP because I still owe on this car.

   NHTSA complaint #11760909 · source
2. Filed Aug 10, 2026NCEngine

   My 2016 Kia Forte had a recall that was never performed and I was never told anything about the car fax or any recalls from where I got the car from, it needs a engine repair.

   NHTSA complaint #11755914 · source
3. Filed Jul 19, 2026TNEngine

   Car runs fine at lower speeds. When traveling over 50 mph for ten minutes or more, then decelerating or stopping in traffic or at a stop light it stalls. It cranks right back up after you put it neutral and turn the key. We’ve almost been rear ended twice since this started. The car has only been driven about 3000 miles a year over the past 7 years and only about 45 mph. It has been to two shops and hasn’t been driven since May 15th.

   NHTSA complaint #11751429 · source
4. Filed May 26, 2026AREngine

   This Forte was not neglected and it was not abused. Nearly 90% of its miles came from highway commuting and interstate travel. It was completely stock, never modified, never driven hard. More importantly, it received fully synthetic oil changes every 3k-4k miles since new, well ahead of what Kia or the oil manufacturer even recommends, because I intended to keep this car long term. All of that is verifiable through Carfax. The engine failure came without meaningful warning.…

   NHTSA complaint #11740160 · source
5. Filed Feb 28, 2026FLEngineOther / Unknown

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11721142 · source
6. Filed Jan 22, 2026PAEngine

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11712704 · source
7. Filed Oct 1, 202585,000 miNJTowedEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11690736 · source
8. Filed Aug 5, 2025CTEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11678419 · source
9. Filed Jul 31, 202584,000 miFLTowedEngine

   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.…

   NHTSA complaint #11677520 · source
10. Filed Jul 24, 2025ILEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11675975 · source
11. Filed Jun 23, 2025OHEngine

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11668553 · source
12. Filed Jun 9, 2025NCEngine

    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.

    NHTSA complaint #11665911 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology