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EnginePart report

2011 Kia Forte Engine Problems

Complaints
45about this part
Share
29%of 154 total for the year
Median mileage
105,945miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 45 complaints about the engine of the 2011 Kia Forte, 29% of the 154 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 105,945 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 6 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Hi I believe u should have a recall on the engines for an example when I look up the timing change its says most had to replace then the piston slop is knocking and it seems like most had to replace that. I have been looking for a rebuild kit for my Kia and would like to just rebuild it myself but can't seem to find a 2.0 rebuild kit for a 2011 Forte ex online... Why is that?”

NHTSA complaint #11387807, filed 2021-01, 153,578 miles

“Car developed a knocking sound and check engine light came on. Took it to dealer to check out and they tell me need to replace motor. Also told me they are aware of problem with motor like mine. Apparently they have recalled same motors in different models but not the Forte”

NHTSA complaint #11321722, filed 2020-04, 150,000 miles

“Driving down the freeway 70 MPH loud clanking sound began and engine quit working, I coasted to the side of the highway and checked my fluids,all were at operating levels, there is a recall on the engine but not if it's in a Forte.”

NHTSA complaint #11344137, filed 2020-08, 218,000 miles

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #11194114, filed 2019-04, 115,000 miles

“The check engine light came on, I heard a sound like metal scraping metal, I was driving about 20mph going straight down s. Main st downtown warrenton, oregon and was planning to pull over when suddenly my car stopped dead after a horrible noise of what sounded like a heavy metal snapping/crunching noise. I looked under the hood and everything looked ok, but some black fluid was dripping onto the ground. The oil had been changed about four days before this and they said it was 2.5 quarts low. …”

NHTSA complaint #11362492, filed 2020-10, 105,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2024831%
2023914%
2022414%
20212232%
20202026%
20193825%
20185742%
201714548%
20166649%
201515861%
201421649%
201310755%
201216155%
20114529%
20107433%

Other parts of the 2011 Kia Forte

Air bags
35 complaintsBrakes
29 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
18 complaintsElectrical system
16 complaintsOther or unknown
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaintsExterior lighting
8 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaintsElectronic stability control
5 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2011 Kia Forte

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology