2009 Kia Forte problems

General information about Kia-Forte
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list

The Kia Forte, known as the K3 in Asia, the Forte K3 or Shuma in China and Cerato in South America, Australia, New Zealand and Russia, is a compact car manufactured by South Korean automaker Kia since mid-2008, replacing the Kia Spectra. It is available in two-door coupe, four-door sedan, five-door hatchback variants. It is not available in Europe, where the similar sized Kia Ceed is offered (except for Russia and Ukraine, where the Ceed and the Forte are both available).

In some markets, such as Costa Rica, Australia and Brazil, the Forte is marketed as Kia Cerato, replacing its predecessor of the same name. In Colombia and Singapore, the name Cerato Forte was used for the second generation, while Naza Automotive Manufacturing of Malaysia has assembled the vehicle since 2009, selling it there under the name Naza Forte.

First generation (TD; 2008)

The first generation Forte was introduced in 2008. In North America, the Forte replaced the Kia Spectra, while the Forte retained the Cerato name in numerous markets. It shares the same platform as the Hyundai Avante/Elantra (HD), though employing a torsion-beam rear suspension in place of the Elantra's multilink design. Kia has stated that the Forte was specifically designed to target younger buyers attracted to sharper auto designs.

Succeeding the first generation Cerato or second generation Spectra, several elements of the interior and suspension were changed. The car received a wider (4 cm) and longer (3 cm) body, a longer (4 cm) wheelbase and a wider (7 cm) gauge. However, ground clearance was reduced by a centimeter, thereby reducing the height by a centimeter. At the same time, the design of the rear suspension was simplified, which instead of independent multilink thrust became semi-dependent double-lever, with an elastic beam, which made it more reliable and easy to repair and maintain.

Three body styles, which are compact 4-door sedan, 5-door hatchback, and a new 2-door coupe body style was introduced.

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Common 2009 Kia Forte problems

The Kia Forte, a compact car produced by Kia since 2009, has been praised for its spacious interior and range of features. However, like any vehicle, it has had its fair share of problems. Here are some of the most common issues reported by owners of the 2009 Kia Forte, based on complaints from owners:

Engine Knocking Sounds: Several owners of the 2010 Kia Forte have reported strange knocking sounds coming from the engine while it is running. In some cases, these noises have been accompanied by engine stalling, and in at least one instance, metal shavings were found in the engine, leading to a $6,000 replacement.

Exterior Lighting Malfunctions: The 2015 Kia Forte has had issues with exterior lighting malfunctions, affecting all exterior lights for no apparent reason.

Airbag Light Issues: Some owners of the 2009 Kia Forte have reported issues with the airbag light staying on, indicating a problem with the airbag system.

Rough Engine Operation: Complaints of rough engine operation have been reported by owners of various model years of the Kia Forte, with symptoms such as abnormal knocking sounds, excessive stalling, shaking, idling, misfiring, and complete engine failure.

It is important to note that these issues are based on complaints from owners and may not be representative of all 2009 Kia Forte vehicles. If you are considering purchasing a used Kia Forte, it is recommended to have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic before making a decision. Additionally, being aware of these common issues can help you better understand potential problems that may arise and how to address them.

What is the most common problem with the Kia Forte?

With proper maintenance and good driving habits, you'll have no trouble getting this car to over 200,000 miles. There are, however, some issues surrounding the Forte across various model years. Some of these include defective speakers, faulty ignition coils, lighting issues, and leaky interiors, among others.

What years did Kia Forte have engine problems?

The most severe problem with the Kia Forte is with the Theta II engine found in 2012 to 2015 models. This engine design is known to be highly problematic, with serious issues affecting Fortes equipped with the 2.0L or 2.4L engines. Engine problems include oil leaks, knocks, and complete engine failure.

Is the Kia Forte a reliable car?

The 2024 Kia Forte has a predicted reliability score of 87 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.

What is a good year for Kia Forte?

The first-year kinks of the 2019 Forte appear to have been worked out with the arrival of the 2020 edition (and later model years)—owner complaints are modest. So, unless something unexpected arises, the 2020-2022 editions deserve a place among the most reliable Kia Forte years.

2009 Kia Forte car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Kia Forte problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Engine problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2009 Kia Forte vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2009 Kia Forte complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2009 Kia Forte.

2018-06-29

ENGINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2018-02-02
Components: ENGINE
Summary: NOISE WHEN TURNO ON THE IGNICIN MOTOR...NOISE IN THE TIMING CHAIN. . 3.8L

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2009 Kia Forte problems:

Forte Koup common issues and solutions | Kia Forte Forum

https://www.forteforums.com/threads/forte-koup-common-issues-and-solutions.8935/

Oct 27, 2011 ... For example, motor, exhaust, suspension, intake, and brake problems to name a few. Please post any issues so we as a forum can help each other ...

Does anyone have a 2012 Kia Forte that's gone the distance without ...

https://www.reddit.com/r/kia/comments/13jiai4/does_anyone_have_a_2012_kia_forte_thats_gone_the/

May 16, 2023 ... In a "KDM" car group and none of my friends on there have had issues. We maintain our cars and they that us well. My Theta 2 Optima has 100k ...

Forte 2.0L Manual Transmission shifting problem | Kia Forte Forum

https://www.forteforums.com/threads/forte-2-0l-manual-transmission-shifting-problem.679/

Mar 19, 2010 ... I bought my Forte EX 5 speed manual transmissionin July 2009. I live in Québec. From the beginning, I experienced a problem with the ...