Diagsheet

2017 Kia Forte · symptom sheet

Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing

  • 57owner reports
  • 97,000median miles
  • $7,600median quote
  • 2involved a crash

Newest report Apr 20, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

157 of the 301 complaints on this car are about the engine. 57 of those describe engine failure. Only stalling is reported more often on this car.

Tick what matches of 57 reports

25
3
7
8
8
2

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (54 reports).

Recalls and investigations

One recall on the engine covers the 2017 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

21V-260Apr 13, 2021
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Oil/Lubrication:Pump

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Forte vehicles equipped with a 2.0L Nu MPI engine. Foreign particles may stick inside the oil pump, which may cause an oil pump failure and engine damage.

Risk and remedy
Risk: A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the oil pan, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed August 16, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC210.

NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Forte

DP22-003opened Sep 12, 2022
Engine · model years 2010 to 2015

Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.

NHTSA summary
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan as
EA21-003opened Dec 22, 2021
Engine · model years 2012 to 2015

Engine fires. Closed feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V-877.

NHTSA summary
On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles. During the PE investigations, Hyundai and Kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to engine failures involving various engine types. The remedies for the engine failure recalls typically involve engine inspection (to detect existing damage), and if necessary, engine replacement. Additionally, both manufacturers have been installing an engine control software modification known as Knock Sensor Detection Software (KSDS) which is intended to detect impending engine failure, alert the driver, and limit engine power (to lessen likelihood of engine failure).KSDS is being installed under recalls and non-safety field actions, and both companies have extended limited engine warranties (see recall files). On December 22, 2021, ODI upgraded PE19-003 and PE19-004 to this Engineering Analysis (EA21-003, covering both Hyundai and Kia) to evaluate the scope of the prior recalls related to engine failures/fires and the efficacy of the recall remedies for the recalls, as well as the long-term viability of related programs and non-safety field actions being conducted by Hyundai and Kia. The former issue involved approximately 550,000 MY 2013 Hyundai Elantra, MY

None of these investigations covers the 2017 model year.

What owners paid

9 of the 57 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $5,000 to $8,000.

$5,000$7,600$8,000
$0k$2k$4k$6k$8k

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 76,000 and 112,530 miles, from the 34 reports that gave a mileage.

118
119
120
721
1422
1423
724
1025
226

What owners wrote

“Engine light came on around 81k miles and I've replaced several components and it fixed then light would come back on. I kept up on oil changes frequently. I had the spark plugs, o2 sensors replaced twice. It would idle low and or stall. The engine started knocking at 135k I still owe 9k on loan and it's the 2.0L NU MPI M/T ENGINE. PLEASE RECALL IT ALREADY SO MANY OWNERS ARE BEING SCREWED ON THIS VEHICLE.”

Filed Nov 17, 2025 · 81,000 miles

“Overconsumption of oil, led to engine damage and stalling. Car struggles to start and there is an engine knock. Mechanic advised that the car is not drivable as it will stall while driving as it has done previously and there was a noticeable burning smell when the car was running. Car is under 100,000 miles”

Filed Oct 31, 2025 · 100,000 miles

“The engine failed. Transmission wouldn’t switch. No prior warning but oil lamp. Was on Freeway when it happened. Problem has been confirmed but not with my vin. Lamp didn’t come on until It started to fail”

Filed Oct 17, 2024 · 159,124 miles

“Engine burns oil quickly. No leaks reported after each oil change. I have to add a quart of oil every week and sometimes I have to add 2 quarts. Mechanic states he has had multiple Kia Forte's have complete engine failure because engine will burn all of the oil until there is no oil at all.”

Filed Mar 23, 2023

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 2 of 57 reports involved a crash and 1 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.

File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.

Other problems on this car