What are the most common Kia Forte problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 812+ owner reports, the 2019 Kia Forte has 17 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 7-Speed D7UF1 Dry Dual-Clutch (DCT) Judder and Slipping on 1.6T GT Models, No Engine Immobilizer on Turn-Key Ignition Models - Trivially Defeated Steering Lock Enables 'Kia Boyz' USB Theft, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) Phantom Braking and Repeated 'Check FCA System' Warnings. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Kia Forte reliable?
The 2019 Kia Forte has 17 known issues documented across 812+ owner reports. 3 issues are rated critical: 7-Speed D7UF1 Dry Dual-Clutch (DCT) Judder and Slipping on 1.6T GT Models and No Engine Immobilizer on Turn-Key Ignition Models - Trivially Defeated Steering Lock Enables 'Kia Boyz' USB Theft and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) Phantom Braking and Repeated 'Check FCA System' Warnings. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Kia Forte problems?
Repair costs for known Kia Forte issues range from $0 to $4,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 7-Speed D7UF1 Dry Dual-Clutch (DCT) Judder and Slipping on 1.6T GT Models, typically costs $1,800-$4,200 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2019-2024 Kia Forte 7-Speed D7UF1 Dry Dual-Clutch (DCT) Judder and Slipping on 1.6T GT Models?
The Forte GT (and GT-Line with the 1.6L Gamma T-GDI) uses the D7UF1 seven-speed dry dual-clutch transmission rather than the IVT used on 2.0L cars. The dry clutch friction material glazes and the clutch actuator adaptation drifts, producing a body-shaking judder when creeping awa… Repairs typically run $1,800-$4,200. Severity: high.
What is the 2011-2021 Kia Forte No Engine Immobilizer on Turn-Key Ignition Models - Trivially Defeated Steering Lock Enables 'Kia Boyz' USB Theft?
Forte models built with a mechanical turn-key ignition (rather than push-button start with a smart key) were sold in the US without an engine immobilizer. The steering-column shroud can be pried off and the ignition lock cylinder pulled, exposing a splined shaft that spins with t… Repairs typically run $0-$500. Severity: high.
What is the 2019-2023 Kia Forte Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) Phantom Braking and Repeated 'Check FCA System' Warnings?
BD-generation Fortes fitted with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist use a windshield-mounted mono camera plus a front radar. Owners across the Forte forums report the system applying the brakes hard with nothing ahead - typically triggered by an oncoming car on an undivided road,… Repairs typically run $0-$400. Severity: high.
What is the 2019-2024 Kia Forte CVT Shudder and Hesitation Under Acceleration?
The IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission, Kia's name for their CVT) in the 2019-2024 Forte develops a shuddering sensation during light-to-moderate acceleration, particularly from stops and at speeds between 20-45 mph. The issue is caused by the CVT chain and pulley interface w… Repairs typically run $0-$4,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2010-2022 Kia Forte A/C Compressor and Compressor Clutch Failure Causing Intermittent Warm Air?
Two related A/C failures are common on the Forte. On older clutch-type systems (TD/YD), the compressor clutch coil fails or the air gap opens up, so the clutch will not pull in even with correct refrigerant charge and battery voltage at the connector - the A/C blows ambient-tempe… Repairs typically run $250-$1,600. Severity: medium.
What is the 2014-2023 Kia Forte UVO Head Unit Locking Up on the Splash Screen or Going Black - Loss of Radio, Bluetooth and Backup Camera?
The UVO/AVN infotainment head unit hangs during boot on the UVO logo, or the display goes black at random while driving, taking the radio, Bluetooth phone/audio, navigation and the rear-view camera image with it. Some cars recover on the next key cycle or when reverse is selected… Repairs typically run $0-$1,200. Severity: medium.
What is the 2010-2022 Kia Forte Front and Rear Wheel Hub Bearing Failure Producing Speed-Dependent Humming/Growling?
Forte wheel hub bearings wear out early relative to the rest of the car - owners report front bearings going noisy well inside 60,000 miles, sometimes on cars still under the basic warranty, and rear hub assemblies failing on YD sedans and Forte5s. The noise starts as a faint hum… Repairs typically run $200-$500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2014-2023 Kia Forte Catalytic Converter Substrate Breakdown and P0420 Caused by Nu 2.0L Oil Consumption?
Forte 2.0L Nu cars that consume oil push unburned oil ash through the exhaust, which poisons and eventually plugs the washcoat on the close-coupled (manifold) converter and the underfloor converter. Owners see P0420 catalyst-efficiency-below-threshold, sometimes with a rotten-egg… Repairs typically run $600-$2,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2010-2024 Kia Forte Clogged Sunroof Drain Tubes Flooding Front Passenger Footwell and Trunk?
Sunroof-equipped Fortes route water from the sunroof tray through four small rubber drain hoses down the A- and C-pillars. Pollen, pine needles, and road grit pack the upper end of the hose; once blocked, the tray overflows past the seal and water runs down inside the A-pillar in… Repairs typically run $0-$600. Severity: medium.
What is the 2019-2024 Kia Forte Front Strut Bearing and Upper Spring Pad Noise/Failure?
Kia bulletin CHA121 applies to certain 2019-2024 Forte vehicles and documents an intermittent front-suspension noise while turning the steering wheel, whether the vehicle is moving or stationary. Kia’s procedure replaces the front strut bearing and upper spring pad on both front… Severity: medium.
What is the 2014-2025 Kia Forte Timing Chain Tensioner Bleed-Down Causing a Metallic Rattle for Several Seconds on Cold Start?
Nu-family Forte engines use a hydraulic timing chain tensioner that depends on oil pressure to keep the chain taut. After the car sits overnight the tensioner bleeds down, and on start-up the slack chain slaps the guides for one to five seconds until oil pressure builds - a loud… Repairs typically run $350-$1,400. Severity: medium.
What is the 2010-2022 Kia Forte Manual Transmission Clutch Hydraulics Failure and Second-Gear Synchro Grind on 5- and 6-Speed Cars?
Manual-transmission Fortes have two linked, well-reported complaints. First, the clutch master and slave cylinders fail early - owners report both replaced together at mileages as low as 45,000 on a 2020 car - producing a soft or sinking pedal, a bite point that walks up and down… Repairs typically run $300-$1,800. Severity: medium.
What is the 2010-2025 Kia Forte Plastic Thermostat Housing Cracking and Water Pump Seal Weep Causing Slow Coolant Loss?
Forte cooling systems across all three generations lose coolant from two recurring points. The plastic thermostat housing (water outlet) on the Nu engines warps or develops hairline cracks with thermal cycling, leaving a small puddle under the front of the engine that owners desc… Repairs typically run $180-$650. Severity: medium.
What is the 2019-2023 Kia Forte Intake Oil Control Valve (CVVT Solenoid) Clogging on the 2.0L Nu Setting P0011 With Rough Idle and Stalling?
On BD-generation Fortes the intake camshaft phaser is commanded by an oil control valve (OCV/CVVT solenoid) mounted in the front of the head. Because the 2.0 Nu is a known oil consumer, the sump often runs low and the remaining oil gets heat-cycled and sludgy; the fine screen and… Repairs typically run $90-$450. Severity: medium.
What is the 2019-2023 Kia Forte Headlight and Taillight Moisture Condensation?
The 2019-2023 Forte commonly develops condensation (fogging) inside the headlight and taillight assemblies. Water enters through degraded seals or vent tubes that become clogged. In severe cases, standing water can short out LED driver boards or corrode wiring connectors. Kia has… Repairs typically run $50-$800. Severity: low.
What is the 2010-2023 Kia Forte Canister Purge Control Solenoid Valve (PCSV) Sticking Open - Hard Start After Refueling and P0441/P0496?
The EVAP purge control solenoid on the Forte's intake sticks or leaks in the open position, so fuel vapor from the charcoal canister is pulled into the intake manifold when it should be sealed - including with the engine off and immediately after a fill-up. The classic owner symp… Repairs typically run $90-$350. Severity: low.
What is the 2010-2023 Kia Forte HVAC Blower Motor Connector Overheating and Melting - Loss of Fan Speeds or Total Blower Failure?
Forte owners across generations report the heater/AC blower quitting entirely or losing individual speeds, and the cause traced repeatedly on the forums is heat damage at the blower motor's electrical connector rather than the motor itself. Owners describe pulling the connector o… Repairs typically run $60-$450. Severity: low.
