Problems · NHTSA complaints

2024 Kia Forte problems

Owners filed 26 complaints about the 2024 Kia Forte with NHTSA between Mar 2024 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is engine (8).

Complaints
26
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
6
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine8
  2. Air bags7
  3. Electrical system6
  4. Power train4
  5. Suspension2
  6. Service brakes2
  7. Exterior lighting2
  8. Lane departure2
  9. Visibility/wiper1
  10. Fuel/propulsion system1
  11. Seat belts1
  12. Forward collision avoidance1
  13. Steering1
  14. Structure1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 13, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20245
202510
202611

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Engine

8 reports
“On October 4, 2026, at approximately 27,870 miles, my 2024 Kia Forte GT-Line unexpectedly shut off while I was driving and making a right-hand turn into a parking lot. The vehicle was in Drive when the engine shut off. The instrument cluster continued to indicate “D” and displayed the message: “Engine Off! Shift to P or N, then start engine.” The tachometer indicated 0 RPM, and the gas pedal was unresponsive. I photographed the instrument cluster immediately following the event. This was not the first occurrence of an abnormal shutdown. On two previous occasions, while backing up in a parking lot, the vehicle displayed a similar instruction requiring me to place the vehicle in Park and turn off/restart the vehicle. During those events, the vehicle would not operate normally until the ignition was completely cycled off and restarted. The October 4 occurrence is particularly concerning because the engine shut off while the vehicle was actively moving rather than while parking. Loss of engine power while turning, crossing an intersection, entering traffic, or traveling at higher speed could create a significant collision risk. The cause is currently unknown. I am…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 4, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11768865

Air bags

7 reports2 crashes
“This malfunction started in August of 2025 within 12 months of buying this new vehicle. A airbag sensor was replaced, then a national bbb case found the same malfunction only this time it includes the whole safty system failure. I gave the manufacturer a year and they have not corrected the malfunction. I am forced to drive a unsafe car *if I get hit my airbags will NOT DEPLOY*”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 27, 2026Air bags, Service brakes, EngineODI 11753181

Electrical system

6 reports
“Exposed electric wires, airbag system failure codes, breaks non resistance in functional limitation of human safety. Voltage malfunction involves hazardous crash impact results”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 8, 2026Electrical system, Air bags, Service brakesODI 11722834

Power train

4 reports1 crash
“While the vehicle was approximately ten months old with approximately 11K miles, it was continuously not functioning properly and would not start/accelerate. My 2024 KIA Forte, which was purchased new from a KIA dealership, has continuously failed to function properly. It had a water pump replaced after failing to be operated for more than a week and has since continued to fail - this time for not starting at all, not accelerating properly, and losing all power while driving (switching off completely) on at least two separate occasions. The dealership stated that I should drive the vehicle and document it when it occurs again (video) to assist them with identifying the issue since they are unable to correct the malfunction. It has been at the dealership for more than a month with no definitive resolution concerning the safety of the vehicle. I refuse to drive the vehicle and am afraid that I may injured/killed in an accident due to the safety concerns aforementioned. As of today's date, 09/22/2025, my 2024 KIA Forte remains at the KIA dealership with no foreseeable actions that may lead to a safe resolution. Further: 1) Component or system failed/malfunctioned…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 22, 2025Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11688947

Suspension

2 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2024 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while a friend was driving 65 MPH, the vehicle was pulling to the right. Suddenly, the vehicle bounced up and down, pulled over and crashed into a railing, and the driver was forced to stop the vehicle using the parking brake. The driver was unable to maintain steering control due to the severe pulling to the right. After exiting the vehicle, the driver became aware that the frame and engine were sitting on the ground on the right side. Due to the crash, the driver sustained a black eye, a bruise behind the jaw, a bruised thigh, and a bruised left foot; however, no medical attention was sought. The vehicle was towed to a Jeep Chrysler Dodge dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the structural and steering failure. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V244000 (Suspension); as a possible cause for the failure; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 65,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 21, 2026SuspensionCrash reportedODI 11765827

Service brakes

2 reports
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 13, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.