WORST Kia Forte Years To Avoid, as per Real Owner Complaints

If you’re thinking about buying a Kia Forte, it’s important to know about certain model years that could cause you trouble.

The 2010, 2012, and 2017 models have been known to have ongoing engine problems, like engine knocking and rough running. Fixing these issues can cost between $400 and $3,500.

Knowing which years to avoid can help you avoid engine problems, but there’s more to keep an eye on. You might want to know about other potential issues and how to make a smart choice.

Key Takeaways

• It’s best to avoid the 2010, 2012, and 2017 Kia Forte models because they have serious engine problems, like knocking and running rough.
• These years often have high oil consumption, which can damage the engine and lead to expensive repairs.
• The 2010, 2012, and 2017 models also have electrical issues that can cause big problems with buttons, the radio, and the A/C.
• Steering problems, including cracked steering knuckles, are common in the 2010, 2012, and 2017 Kia Forte models.
• There are safety risks with the airbags in the 2010, 2012, and 2017 models because of electrical failures.

Overview of Kia Forte Models

When looking at a Kia Forte, it’s important to know what you’re getting into with each model year. Some older Kia Forte models, especially from 2010, 2012, and 2017, have had serious engine issues. These problems include engine knocking and rough running, which can cost between $400 to $3,500 to fix.

It’s a good idea to check the maintenance records and read reviews from other owners for these specific years. Many people suggest avoiding these models to dodge engine troubles. By doing your homework, you can find a reliable car and avoid surprise repair bills.

Common Engine Issues

When thinking about getting a Kia Forte, you should know about some common engine problems in certain years. People have often reported engine knocking and high oil use in the 2010, 2012, and 2017 models.

Fixing these issues can be expensive and may affect how reliable the car is.

Engine Knocking Problems

Engine knocking problems in the 2010, 2012, and 2017 Kia Forte models usually show up around 100,000 miles, leading to high repair costs and making the car less reliable.

You might notice vibrations, noise, and worse fuel efficiency as signs of engine knocking. These issues can get worse, with repair costs ranging from $400 to $3,500, which can affect your budget and peace of mind.

The ongoing knocking not only hurts performance but also poses long-term risks to your engine. If you’re considering a Kia Forte, avoiding these specific years can help you dodge these expensive and annoying problems.

This way, you’ll have a more reliable and smoother driving experience.

Oil Consumption Issues

Some Kia Forte models have problems with using too much oil, which can cause the engine to fail if not fixed quickly. Owners have noticed that certain years of the Kia Forte need frequent oil refills to keep the engine running right. Ignoring these oil problems can lead to serious engine damage and expensive repairs.

If you own or are thinking about buying a Kia Forte, it’s important to keep an eye on the oil levels and deal with any oil use issues early. These problems can get worse fast and affect how long the car lasts and how reliable it is. Always check with a mechanic if you see unusual oil use.

Electrical System Faults

Why should you worry about electrical problems in the 2010, 2012, and 2017 Kia Forte models? These specific Kia years often have electrical issues that can really mess up your driving experience.

Common problems include:

1. Buttons inside the car not working – This can make it hard to control important functions.
2. Problems with the radio – This can mean no music or navigation.
3. A/C not working right – Making it tough to keep the cabin comfortable.
4. Major electrical failures – These can lead to expensive repairs, costing between $400 and $3,500.

Steering clear of these model years can save you from these headaches and extra costs. Keep this in mind when thinking about buying a Kia Forte.

Airbag Deployment Problems

When looking at Kia Forte models, watch out for problems with the airbags, like electrical issues and failures in the airbag control unit. These problems can cause the safety systems to malfunction, which could be dangerous in an accident.

Make sure to check for recalls and fix these issues to ensure you’re driving safely.

Electrical Overstress Concerns

Many Kia Forte cars have had problems with their airbag control units because of electrical issues. This can mess up the car’s safety systems, making it dangerous for drivers and passengers.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Airbag Control Unit: This key part can fail due to electrical issues, stopping airbags from working properly.
2. Safety System Problems: Electrical issues can mess up the whole safety system, not just the airbags.
3. Reported Problems: There have been many reports of airbag failures, showing how serious this issue is.
4. Need for Quick Action: It’s important to fix these electrical issues quickly to keep your car safe.

Stay informed and make sure to address these safety concerns.

Airbag Control Unit Failures

Airbag control unit failures in Kia Forte models can cause serious problems with airbag deployment, making the vehicle less safe. One common issue is electrical overstress, which can damage the airbag control units. When these units fail, the airbag system mightn’t work properly in an accident, putting you at risk.

Faulty sensors and control modules have been reported often, raising questions about the reliability of the airbag system in these cars. To stay safe, it’s crucial to fix any airbag control unit problems right away. Ignoring these issues can lead to major safety risks, so it’s important to keep your vehicle’s airbag system in good shape.

Safety System Malfunctions

Addressing problems with the airbag control units, it’s important to note that some Kia Forte models have serious issues with airbag deployment. These problems can be very dangerous for passengers.

Electrical problems in the airbag control units can cause the airbags to either not deploy when they should or to deploy when they shouldn’t.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Which Cars Are Affected: Certain years of the Kia Forte have these issues.
2. Electrical Problems: The airbag control units often fail because of electrical issues.
3. Safety Concerns: If the airbags don’t work properly during a crash, it can be very dangerous.
4. Act Fast: It’s important to inspect and fix these problems right away to keep everyone safe.

Fixing these airbag issues quickly ensures the highest level of safety for all passengers.

Steering System Concerns

Despite being popular, the 2010, 2012, and 2017 Kia Forte models have had major issues with their steering systems, such as cracked steering knuckles and steering column separation. These problems can be very dangerous, potentially causing a loss of control and accidents.

Recalls have been made to fix these steering system defects, but safety and functionality are still big concerns for owners. If you own one of these Kia Forte models, it’s crucial to stay updated on these issues and get any recall work done as soon as possible.

Fixing these steering system problems in these specific years ensures a safer driving experience and helps reduce the risk of accidents.

2010 Kia Forte Issues

The 2010, 2012, and 2017 Kia Forte models have a lot of complaints, especially about their engines and electrical systems. If you’re thinking about buying a used Forte, you should know about these common problems, which can be expensive to fix.

Here’s what to watch out for:

1. 2010 model: This one often has engine knocking problems, usually needing expensive repairs around 100,000 miles.
2. 2012 model: The worst of the bunch, with lots of complaints about both engine knocking and electrical issues.
3. 2017 model: People report the engine runs rough and the check engine light keeps coming on.
4. Repair costs: Fixing these problems can cost anywhere from $400 to $3,500, which can be a big unexpected expense.

Knowing about these issues can help you make a better choice if you’re shopping for a used Forte.

2012 Kia Forte Complaints

When looking at the 2010, 2012, and 2017 Kia Forte models, you’ll notice two main problems: engine knocking and electrical system failures. Engine knocking can cause serious damage to the engine, often showing up as a check engine light. Electrical issues, like malfunctioning dashboards and faulty sensors, can make driving difficult and lead to high repair costs.

Problem	Model Years
Engine Knocking	2010, 2012, 2017
Check Engine Light	2010, 2012, 2017
Electrical Failures	2010, 2012, 2017
Rough Engine Running	2010, 2012, 2017

These common problems can make owning these cars frustrating and expensive, with repair costs ranging from $400 to $3,500. To avoid these issues, it’s best to steer clear of these model years.

2017 Kia Forte Troubles

If you’re thinking about getting a Kia Forte, there are seven common problems you should know about, especially if you’re looking at used models from 2010, 2012, or 2017. Here are the main issues:

1. Engine Knocking: This is a big problem in the 2010 models, often starting around 100,000 miles. It can be expensive to fix.
2. Electrical Problems: The 2012 Forte is known for having a lot of electrical issues, which can be annoying and costly.
3. High Repair Costs: Fixing these problems can cost anywhere from $400 to $3,500, which can add up quickly.
4. Frequent Complaints: The 2012 model has the most complaints, mainly because of engine and electrical problems.

Being aware of these issues can help you decide if a Kia Forte is right for you.

Avoiding Problematic Years

When looking at used Kia Fortes, it’s recommended to stay away from the 2010, 2012, and 2017 models. These years have a lot of complaints about engine problems, electrical issues, and safety concerns. This can lead to expensive repairs. By avoiding these years, you’ll have a better chance of getting a reliable car.

High Complaint Models

If you’re looking at a Kia Forte, you might want to avoid the 2010, 2012, and 2017 models. These years have a lot of complaints from owners, which could mean expensive repairs and a lot of hassle.

Here are the main issues:

1. 2010 Kia Forte: Expensive repairs and engine knocking around 100,000 miles.
2. 2012 Kia Forte: Most complaints overall, with engine knocking and electrical issues.
3. 2017 Kia Forte: Engine runs rough and check engine light comes on a lot.
4. Repair Costs: Can range from $400 to $3,500, showing how serious these problems can be.

Common Engine Issues

When looking at common engine problems, certain Kia Forte models stand out. Specifically, the 2010, 2012, and 2017 models often have engine issues.

The 2010 Kia Forte tends to get engine knocking around 100,000 miles, which can be expensive to fix.

The 2012 model has the most complaints, mainly because of engine knocking that can really rack up repair costs.

The 2017 model also has its problems, like the engine running rough and the check engine light coming on a lot. Fixing these issues can cost anywhere from $400 to $3,500.

To avoid these common engine problems and high repair bills, it’s best to steer clear of these specific years.

Electrical and Safety Faults

If you’re looking at buying a Kia Forte, it’s best to avoid the 2010, 2012, and 2017 models because they’ve a lot of issues. These years are known for having big electrical and safety problems.

Here are some common issues you might face:

1. Interior buttons that don’t work and radio problems
2. Airbags that mightn’t deploy properly
3. Cracked steering parts and steering columns that can separate
4. Bad sensors that have led to safety recalls

Fixing these problems can cost anywhere from $400 to $3,500. If you want to save money and avoid safety risks, choose a Kia Forte from a different year.

Maintenance Tips for Longevity

To make sure your Kia Forte lasts as long as possible, keep up with regular maintenance like oil changes, tire rotations, and system checks. Doing regular maintenance can help your Forte last between 150,000 to 200,000 miles, which is about 10-13 years for the average American driver. It’s important to follow the maintenance schedule and drive safely. The Kia Forte’s 10-year/100,000-mile warranty and its high reliability score of 87 out of 100 show its potential to last a long time. Here’s a simple guide:

Maintenance Task	How Often
Oil Change	Every 5,000-7,500 miles
Tire Rotation	Every 5,000-7,500 miles
Brake Inspection	Every 10,000 miles
System Inspections	Every 15,000 miles

Recommended Model Years

When looking at a Kia Forte, the best years to consider are 2011, 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2021. These models are known for being reliable and performing well. Experts like the NHTSA and Consumer Reports have highlighted these years for a few reasons:

1. Engine Reliability: These models have engines that run smoothly and don’t have many problems.
2. Steering System: They handle well and the steering works great.
3. Electrical Systems: The electrical components are solid and have fewer issues.
4. Build Quality: They’re built to last and stay in good condition over time.

Customer Satisfaction Insights

To understand how happy people are with their Kia Forte, especially the 2010, 2012, and 2017 models, we need to look at what owners are saying. Many have complained about engine and electrical problems in these years, with repair costs ranging from $400 to $3,500. These costs can really affect how satisfied owners are.

However, many people say their cars ran fine up to 100,000 miles if they avoided these specific years. To make sure you have a good experience with a used Kia Forte, check the car’s maintenance records before buying. By choosing models other than the 2010, 2012, and 2017 ones, you can be happier with your car and avoid common issues.

This way, you’ll have a smoother and more reliable ride.

Safety Concerns and Recalls

When thinking about getting a Kia Forte, you should be aware of some important safety issues, like the risk of engine fires and problems with the airbag system.

Some models have been recalled because of these serious problems, which can affect your safety.

Be sure to check for any recalls and take care of them right away to ensure you have a safe drive.

Engine Fire Risks

Dealing with the risk of engine fires in some older Kia Forte models can be scary. It’s important to know about the safety issues and check for recalls regularly.

There have been cases where engines caught fire without any warning, so it’s crucial to stay alert and take action to protect yourself.

Here are some steps to follow:

1. Check for recalls: Go to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website or Kia’s official site often to see if your car is affected.
2. Watch for warning signs: Even though some fires happen without warning, if you hear strange engine noises or smell something odd, get it checked out right away.
3. Do regular maintenance: Have certified mechanics look at your car regularly to find and fix problems early.
4. Stay informed: Keep up with any new safety alerts or recalls about engine fire risks.

Airbag System Faults

After dealing with engine fire risks, it’s just as important to look at airbag system problems that have affected various Kia Forte models. Issues like airbags not deploying and faulty sensors are serious safety concerns.

If the airbags don’t work properly during a crash, it can be very dangerous. Kia has recalled some Forte models to fix these problems. If you own a Forte or are thinking of buying one, check for recalls and make sure any airbag issues are fixed. Doing this can make your car safer and protect you and your passengers in an accident.

Always keep up with recalls to stay safe.

Second-Hand Buying Tips

To make a smart choice when buying a used Kia Forte, it’s important to look into the maintenance history of the specific model year you’re considering. Pay attention to detailed records, as good care can greatly affect how long the car lasts and how well it performs.

When buying second-hand, follow these steps:

1. Check for Recalls: Make sure all recall issues for that model year have been fixed.
2. Review Maintenance Records: Look at the records to see if the car has had regular servicing and any major repairs.
3. Compare Customer Reviews: Check for common problems reported by other owners.
4. Examine Brand Statistics: Look at overall brand data to see how reliable the car is in the long run.

Comparing Forte Generations

When you compare the two generations of the Kia Forte, you’ll see that the second generation is more reliable and has fewer complaints from owners than the first.

The first generation, which was made from 2010 to 2014, doesn’t do well in reliability and has left many owners unhappy. Common problems with the engine and transmission make these years less appealing.

On the other hand, the second generation, made from 2015 to 2020, is known for being more reliable and having fewer issues.

When looking at performance cars, make sure to check out our guides on models like the Kia Optima, Kia Rio, Kia Sedona and Kia Sorento. Knowing which model years to target and which to avoid is crucial. Our expert reviews break down these models, providing insights into the years that are celebrated for their engineering excellence and driving satisfaction, as well as those that are best to avoid due to potential issues.

Conclusion

If you’re shopping for a Kia Forte, it’s best to avoid the 2010, 2012, and 2017 models because they tend to have problems with the engine, electrical system, and steering.

Make sure to check for engine knocking, keep an eye on any electrical issues, and ensure the airbags work properly.

Paying attention to these details now can save you a lot of trouble later on. A bit of caution today can help you avoid big problems in the future.