KIA built a terrible engine and won't admit it, I wish I hadn't bought a KIA. I won't be foolish enough to buy another piece of junk from this company ever again. It's absolutely unacceptable to have a knock in an engine with less than 120,000 miles on it, and the fact that they haven't done a recall to fix this obvious design flaw is just infuriating. If you see one used avoid it like the plague and if you own one that hasn't started ticking yet trade it in to a KIA dealer as fast as you can.
My mechanic diagnosed the problem as the rod bearing that's the cause and suggested I confirm the diagnosis with a Kia dealership to see if Kia would cover the cost. The Kia dealership diagnosed the same problem, reached out to Kia to discuss covering the costs, and Kia told the dealership that they wouldn't. I was told either replace the engine which with parts and labor would be around $4,500-$5,000 or I could trade it in and get a few hundred for it.
Why on earth would I buy another Kia if they're not even going to rectify the problem when it turns out to be an assembly defect to begin with. What's even more frustrating is that there is a engine recall on Optimas and Sportages within the same year as my Forte but they don't feel the need to open up a recall.
Reading about it online there have been hundreds of complaints about the same (engine needs to be replaced) problem but Kia still won't do a recall for Forte models in the same year range. If Kia won't do right by it's customers, I don't see the motivation in continuing to give them my business.
Update from Jan 9, 2019: If others are experiencing the same issues/problems the number for the Kia Consumer Affairs office is 800-333-4542 so you can make an official complaint on record where you can leave your info should Kia open the engine recall to your Forte.
My engine is making a loud knocking sound. Anywhere I take the car they said there is no way to fix it other than replacing the engine. Sometimes it makes noise as if it wants to shut off. It gets louder as I push on the gas or turns the heat up.
Update: I have brought the car into several mechanics and none of them could fins the problem. There is a loud ticking noise in the engine and I have replaced the pcv valve, fuel injector O-rings, throttle position sensor, etc. Nothing has fixed/corrected the problem.
The engine now has a tickling noise, occurring mostly around 2,000 RPM. Kia should really be ashamed, as a lot of people are getting this problem. Less than 90,000km should really be nothing for an engine. Oil changes always done as required too. The fix is to replace the faulty part, the engine. For now it seems they replace it if you are still under warranty... with the SAME PART !
Very dissatisfied with Kia.
- Vincent B.,
quebec, QC, Canada
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Reported the problem to Kia Canada after having the dealer state the problem is the engine block that needs to be replaced. Originally Kia Canada would not do anything, but I stated this was unacceptable to have to change the block after 130k. After providing Kia with my service history they agreed to pay for the parts but I still need to pay the labor which will cost around $1300. Recently Kia reported a recall for the Optima and few other models but not the Forte which has the same problem. Based on my research there are many people with the same problem and Kia continues to not acknowledge that the Forte has the same defect. I'm one of the lucky ones to have part of the cost covered since most people do not have the warranty when it happens.
ticking noise in engine last few weeks. KIA technician it classified as a knock. part of the crank/piston assembly is damaged internally and now i require a new engine for a 6 year old vehicle. my car has many miles, but they are all highway. KIA wants nothing to do with the vehicle since I am out of warranty. I will get a new engine as its the most cost effective solution for me. Never going to KIA again after this one.
At 99,980 miles (20 miles before warranty ran out, the engine began "ticking". I couldn't get it into the dealer in time, with only 20 miles left on the warranty, so it is not covered. I am having it diagnosed tomorrow, but the repair shop owner says that it sounds bad - valves or something. I have talked to other Kia owners and this ticking noise (engine problem) seems to be VERY common around 90,000 -100,000 miles. They all traded theirs in, rather than dishing out $1000 or more to fix it. I don't have that option. Kia obviously is aware that there is an issue with their engines that generally occurs at or near when the warranty expires. I think that is unethical. I had/have bad credit and the dealer saw me coming from 100 miles away. He knew that hearing the words "you are approved" was all I needed to hear. He sold me this car at well above blue book value (more than the brand new models were selling for) and added in the 100,000 mile warranty to jack up the price, which I never got to use, since the car was rigged to go bad right at the 100,000 miles. I will NEVER buy another Kia again. I am telling all who will listen NOT to buy a Kia.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
KIA built a terrible engine and won't admit it, I wish I hadn't bought a KIA. I won't be foolish enough to buy another piece of junk from this company ever again. It's absolutely unacceptable to have a knock in an engine with less than 120,000 miles on it, and the fact that they haven't done a recall to fix this obvious design flaw is just infuriating. If you see one used avoid it like the plague and if you own one that hasn't started ticking yet trade it in to a KIA dealer as fast as you can.
- J W., Baxter, MN, US