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2020 Kia Forte Other Problems

22 owner-reported other complaints from NHTSA data

22
Complaints
3
Crashes
1
Fires
Feb 2022Dec 2023
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (22)

criticalUNKNOWN OR OTHER
FireFiled: Mar 2026

While driving your 2020 Kia Forte on the expressway at normal speed with no warning signs, the brakes suddenly felt weak and failed. You heard a popping sound from under the vehicle, followed by smoke that quickly intensified into a full fire within 1-2 minutes. The vehicle caught fire without any prior warning lights or symptoms, creating an immediate safety hazard at highway speeds. The cause is unknown, but the vehicle is available for inspection to determine what caused the brake failure and fire.

NHTSA #: 11726147
highUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Aug 2025

Your 2020 Kia Forte has experienced theft attempts and significant damage ($7,000 in May 2025), even after Kia's anti-theft upgrade was installed. The upgrade did not prevent theft attempts on your vehicle or others in your area on the same night. You've reported the incidents to Pennsylvania State Police and are disputing Kia's handling of your claim in court.

NHTSA #: 11679654
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Sep 2025

Your trunk opens by itself without any action on your part. Additionally, your trunk may pop open when you open the driver's door. This could be a problem with the trunk latch mechanism or the sensor that controls when the trunk should open.

NHTSA #: 11690225
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Sep 2025

Your dashboard screen is bubbling and separating from the dashboard. This is happening on a 2020 vehicle with only 28,000 miles, which suggests premature failure even though it's beyond the 36-month warranty period. Fixing this will likely require replacing the entire dashboard display unit or instrument cluster.

NHTSA #: 11688057
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jun 2025

Your car's touchscreen display is peeling apart and eventually stops working, which prevents you from using any of the screen's features. The dealer won't fix it under warranty because your vehicle is outside the 3-year/36,000-mile coverage period. The delamination worsens gradually over time, making the problem worse day by day.

NHTSA #: 11668037
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
CrashFiled: Aug 2024

- UNKNOWN - Just my safety in a lot of different ways from both parties, that I do not feel comfortable or know exactly how to explain as of right now and/or just over an app. - No, it has not. -No, but I would wish to do so in the near future. - Yes, all the way back in 2014 but started getting really really weird/bad/weird/disgusting around 2018-2020.

NHTSA #: 11606939
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
CrashFiled: Aug 2024

UNKNOWN

NHTSA #: 11606940
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Feb 2024

Check engine light came on, got a code of P0867-Trans Fluid Pressure reading. May need a transmission fluid pressure sensor replacement, or to replace the transmission control module. Lastly, it could be a leak.

NHTSA #: 11573509
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
CrashFiled: Dec 2023

The antitheft software upgrade that Kia installed in my vehicle after it was stolen the first time DID NOT WORK. My car was stolen again WITH the software upgrade installed. The car was locked and parked in my apartment parking lot and the Kia Boys smashed the driver side front window, ripped open the column, and were able to turn the ignition and steal my car.

NHTSA #: 11558895
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Nov 2023

My car was stolen right from my driveway. Kia’s have been targeted for a lack of safety security if back window is broken and they’re able to ride off using a usb port.

NHTSA #: 11555768
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Oct 2023

The car is extremely easy to steal costing myself and others thousands of dollars. The vehicles should be recalled.

NHTSA #: 11548585
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jul 2023

I have a 2020 KIA FORTE that had a recall on the Security System, yet it is NOT listed on this or any other sites. I did receive a letter and I did the UPDATED Security install with Kia Community Service of Bloomington Indiana where I purchased it new in 2020. The Tic Tock Challenge that has been going around did NOT have my VIN number listed nor was any other FORTE'S but MINE WAS A TARGET on 7/23/2023 as I was parked in front of a home I was at. They were able to get into my LOCKED Kia with a Screw driver and tore everything out of it looking for a USB cable that I never leave in there and since they couldn't find this used a screwdriver they pried the door open with to destroy my under dash area along with totally destroying the ignition leaving it inoperable and stealing a container of change. I feel the KIA FORTE was a target in these videos as well yet we were left out of the information on these silly things and were NOT included in the settlement. I am requesting a steering wheel lock free of charge because of this ! As a consumer we ALL pay for safety features and this I feel should have been passed on to us sooner. I have my car now in another City and have to go through so much because of something I was UNAWARE of because KIA did NOT have us down for the recall. I have to park outside a lot and for added protection would be so appreciative of the steering wheel lock. This happened to me in Indianapolis Indiana and they are participating and giving out Free steering wheel locks to Kia owners BUT you have to live there and bring your registration.I have contacted our Local law enforcement and we are NOT doing this in Bloomington Indiana, but they are in Indianapolis Indiana where my car was broke into. I was told to contact My Kia Community Center in Bloomington and they don't have any and they told me to contact Kia Consumer affairs . This has been a nightmare as Seniors we are a fixed income and I have to be in Indianapolis very frequently. Please help

NHTSA #: 11534383
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jul 2023

Kia USB Hack fix is a software update. They are still working on the fix for only their own Remote start. They did not respond back when I told the remote start is from Viper. The Remote start was added before I was notified of the hack.

NHTSA #: 11531689
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jun 2022

My Kia has been stolen once and vandalized and almost stolen a second time because Kia doesn’t have the alarm connected to the back windows and Kia has made the car easy to steal. I have even been denied renewal of my car insurance because of this!

NHTSA #: 11470313
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Feb 2022

Two massive safety/security flaws led to theft: break-in through rear window didn’t trigger alarm AND lack of immobilization system. They KNOW this is a problem.

NHTSA #: 11451454
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Nov 2021

my 2020 kia forte was stolen May 4,2021- car locked and anti theft system activated at that time. Then on October 22,2021 there was an attempted theft on my car again. This time there was also a steering wheel club on car as well as the anti theft system that comes with car.

NHTSA #: 11442163
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Aug 2021

When there is a YouTube tutorial on how to steal a Kia or Hyundai, it is time to stop the abuse, pain and suffering of the consumer!

NHTSA #: 11430545
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jul 2021

The break system fail while the vehicle motion, the brake pedal just go all the way down and can stop the car until release and try again, I follow the step owner's manual for a visual inspection for any leaking fluid on the floor, no brake pads sound alarm, no check engine light or any other warning light, the Car has inspected by Authorized Dealership technicians to perform service/repair on June 04 2020, they diagnostic say air pockets in the brake system, but the car continues with the same issue. I put my family on risk on a car accident I don't think the car is safe

NHTSA #: 11423329
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Mar 2021

WHEN FUELING AFTER PUMP AUTO SHUT OFF GAS WILL SPILL OUT, CAUSING A GASS SPILL. DEALERSHIP HAS STATED THERE IS NO FIX. REAR DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WILL NOT LOWER WITH SWITCH. DEALERSHIP IS WELL AWARE BUT STATES THERE ARE NO FIXES. ALSO COOLANT LIGHT CAME ON OVER THE DASH AND THE COOLANT WAS LOW WITH LESS THAN 9K MILES. CAR IS LESS THAN 1 YEAR OLD AND HAS LESS THAN 10K MILES.

NHTSA #: 11403194
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,LANE DEPARTURE
Filed: Mar 2021

I PURCHASED THE 2020 KIA FORTE LAST APRIL 2020. THE TRUNK LATCH WOULD NOT OPEN TRUNK, REPORTED, SERVICED IT STILL PRESENTED TIGHT LEVERAGE FUNCTION DURING STABLE PARK POSITION. THE COMPUTER SCRAMBLED THE 1ST OR 2ND WEEK OF OWNING IT DURING MY EARLY MORNING HIGHWAY TRAVEL THE COMPUTER SCRAMBLED MORE THAN ONCE. I CONTACTED KIA- THIER RESPONSE WAS NOT HELPFUL TO THE NEW CAR MALFUNCTION. IT HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE. THE LANE DEPARTURE DID NOT WORK AT DIFERENT PERIODS IN TIME; WITHIN THE YEAR I REPORTED TO KIA. THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED DURING FIRST FROST. KIA CLAIMED ROCK CHIP. I HAD JUST SERVICED CABIN FILTER AREA, KIA RELENTLESSLY ASSUMED ROCK CHIP, I BELIEVE DEFECTED GLASS. THE FIRST FROST IT CRACKED 2ND FROST WITHIN 2WEEK TIME OR LESS SPLIT CRACK ACROSS WINDSHIELD. THE GAS AND MILAGE WERE NOT STABLLY OPERATING WAS OUT OF SYNC DURING HIGHWAY TRAVELS. I NOW FOR THE LAST WEEK NOTICED A NOISE IN MY CAR ENGINE WHEN IN PARK TURNING IT OFF. I AM UNHAPPY WITH MY PURCHASE AND THE KIA DEALERSHIP I PURCHASED IT FROM. I HAVE PICTURES OF REPORTED DASH COMPUTER MALFUNCTIONS, AND AN UNWILLING DEALERSHIP TO ASSIST WITH MY VEHICLE. I AM CONCERNED WITH MY SAFETY, MY PASSENGERS SAFETY, AND SAFETY IN MY FUTURE DRIVE. I PUT DATE OF APRIL 20, 2020 BECAUSE IT WAS ROUGHLY WHEN MALFUNCTIONS BEGAN TO OCCURE. THE TRUNK LATCH IMMEDIATELY 4/10/2020 OR AT PURCHASE DATE UPON ARRIVING HOME.

NHTSA #: 11400072
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Nov 2020

WHEN FUELING GAS, ONCE THE PUMP CLICKS AND STOPS PRODUCING FUEL AS THE CAR IS FULL, GAS GUSHES OUT OF THE TANK AND ONTO THE SIDE OF THE CAR FROM THE OPENING. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, TURNED OFF. THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN EVERY TIME, BUT I WOULD SAY ABOUT 2 OUT OF 5 TIMES FUELING. IT DOES THIS AT ALL DIFFERENT GAS STATIONS, THERE IS NO SPECIFIC PUMP THAT IT DOES IT AT.

NHTSA #: 11374644
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Mar 2020

WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET, SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS POPPED UP ON THE DASHBOARD: ELECTRONIC PWR STEERING, ELECTRONIC STABILITY INDICATOR, TPMS TIRE PRESSURE, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP, AUTONOMUS EMERGENCY BRAKE, ADAPTIVE FRONT LIGHTING , AND LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHTS. AT THE SAME TIME THAT ALL THOSE LIGHTS TURNED ON (WHILE IN MOTION) THE ODOMETER AND SPEEDOMETER NEEDLE STOPPED REGISTERING SPEED AND DROPPED TO ZERO ON BOTH GAUGES ALONG WITH THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE AS WELL. I PROCEEDED TO PUT THE HAZARD LIGHTS ON AND PULL OVER SAFELY. ONCE STATIONARY I PLACED THE CAR IN PARK, THEN THE GEAR SHIFT LOCKED UP AND WOULD NOT UNLOCK. AFTER ABOUT 20 MINUTES OF BEING STATIONARY ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, I WAS ABLE TO ENGAGE THE GEAR SHIFT, PLACE IT IN DRIVE AND PROCEED DOWN THE ROAD. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION THE WARNING LIGHTS PROCEEDED TO STAY ON AND THE SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER WERE NOT REGISTERING SPEED THROUGHOUT THE REMAINDER OF MY TRIP.

NHTSA #: 11316571

Other 2020 Kia Forte Issues