2016 Kia Forte problems
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 2016 Kia Forte problems
The Kia Forte 2016 has been reported to have several engine problems, which are some of the most common issues for this model year. These include excessive oil burning, oil leaks, sudden loss of power, and complete engine failure. The oil leak problem is caused by the faulty and leaking oil pan seal on the underbody, which can lead to engine stalls and engine failures due to oil deprivation.
In addition to engine problems, the 2016 Kia Forte has also faced electrical issues, including complete electrical system failure. Reports state that the electricals of the vehicle failed suddenly while driving, causing the engine to stall and disabling the power steering and exterior lights. In some cases, the dashboard went out completely, along with other electrical components failing.
Airbag failure is another safety problem reported for the 2016 Kia Forte. Many owners have reported that the airbags did not deploy despite having all the criteria and situations for deployment. This issue has led to accidents and injuries, with affected owners involved in crashes under various scenarios.
Power steering failure is another problem that some owners have experienced. Reports mention that while driving, the vehicles started to pull to one side and became hard to steer, increasing the risk of accidents.
Despite these issues, the Kia Forte has been praised for its spacious cabin, extensive warranty coverage, and striking design language. However, it is essential to perform all the mandatory inspections and get the car from a trusted used car dealer when buying a used example.
Is 2016 a good year for Kia Forte?
The 2016 Kia Forte is one of our top recommended sedans. There are three different engines for the 2016 Kia Forte, two of which offer competitive power and acceleration.
Does 2016 Kia Forte have engine problems?
Apparently this year (2016) model has the same engine defect as the 2015 models. It is burning oil and constantly stalls. The Kia dealerships refuse to even bring up the issue, they just say $5,000 for a new engine right away as if they know what the issue is right off the bat.
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.
Is there a recall on the 2016 Kia Forte?
Summary: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Forte 4-door, Forte Koup 2-door, and 2018-2019 Rio 4-door vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside.
2016 Kia Forte complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2016 Kia Forte.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2016 Kia Forte recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2016 Kia Forte.
- Manufacturer: Kia Motors America
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH
- Summary: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Forte 4-door, Forte Koup 2-door, and 2018-2019 Rio 4-door vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
- Consequence: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the trunk latch assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 10, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC216.
Negative 2016 Kia Forte car reviews
Positive 2016 Kia Forte car reviews
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I bought this car as my daily commuter, driving 90+ miles a day round trip to and from work. I am very pleased with its performance, averaging over 40 mpg. I gave the car five stars in performance because it outperforms other cars in its class and price range. The manual transmission version (which I drive) accelerates circles around other subcompacts like Corolla, Sentra, and Fit (not Hyundai -- same platform). While its cornering isn't amazing, it's still a great car for the price. Reviewers who criticize a sub $20K car's performance because it won't compare with that of a $60K sports car are being unfair. This is actually my second KIA, having owned a 2013 Soul which I put 130K miles on with no problems whatsoever. Likewise, I have had no issues with the Forte. When this one reaches 100K miles, I'll most likely trade it for another KIA. The 100K mile warranty is the best in the industry.
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I can tell you that I absolutely love driving my Forte! One of the coolest features is that when I open the doors, the mirrors automatically adjust to the perfect position. It's also incredibly spacious and handles every turn like a dream. Plus, the engine is the perfect size and gets amazing gas mileage. And let's not forget about the heated seats, steering wheel, and sunroof - they make every drive feel like a luxury experience!
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I decided to lease a Kia as an experiment, as I had never owned one before. Although I knew they had made huge strides in design and engineering, I wanted to see for myself just how far they had come. As someone who loves sporty hatchbacks with manual transmissions, I found the design of the Kia particularly appealing. I considered other options such as the Mazda 3, GTI, and Ford Focus, but ultimately chose the Kia for several reasons. Firstly, it is a rare car and I have yet to see another one on the road. Secondly, I really like the styling. Thirdly, the car comes with a lot of great features such as heated and cooled seats, LED lights, dual-zone climate control, and a heated steering wheel. The interior is also very impressive and looks and feels much more expensive than it actually is. Although I was aware of the car's shortcomings, such as its abysmal mileage for a 4-cylinder engine and not quite as refined ride and handling as some of the bigger dogs like the Focus and GTI, I was confident that it would make for a nice, clean, fun, and reliable daily driver. Overall, I am very happy with my decision and the only minor complaints I have are the engine's small size, which results in high fuel consumption, and the suspension, which can make for a slightly hard ride around town.
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Great value, excellent gas mileage, and a blast to drive!
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I bought my 2p16 forte lx after driving my mom's car she had just purchased. I really enjoyed cruising in it a few times and two weeks later I decided to go and buy one for myself...only she has the AT and I have a manual. I absolutely love driving this car!!! I turned the ECO off and zoom, I'm off and running!! I would highly recommend this car to anyone who wants comfort and style without breaking the bank!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2016 Kia Forte problems:
2016 Kia Forte Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2016 Kia Forte? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
Kept up with oil changes on Kia Forte and engine still went idle on ...
Jan 18, 2022 ... The biggest problem here is that it's a Kia. They've been known for their more recent models having engines that are just flawed. Think there ...
2016 Kia Forte Reliability - Consumer Reports
Owner Reported Trouble Spots · Climate System · Paint And Trim · Steering And Suspension · Engine Major · Transmission Major · Fuel System/Emissions · Brakes.
2016 LX Engine Issue | Kia Forte Forum
Sep 23, 2016 ... The car will shake after a cold / hard start. If it shakes a lot due to spark plug misfire, it will throw a code and you will get a check engine ...
Common 2016 Kia Forte LX Problems: Fan Not Working | JustAnswer
May 28, 2020 ... Was this answer helpful? up Yes. down No. Finish.
Other years of Kia Forte
Are you having problems with your 2016 Kia Forte?
Boyd Lueilwitz 2024-10-09
If you are considering purchasing a 2016 Kia Forte Ex, I would like to share my experience with you. While the engine has good power, I have found that the transmission can be hesitant, especially on the freeway. Additionally, I have had some issues with rattling in the car, but after the fourth repair attempt, the issue was finally resolved. I have also found that the car's traction control system can be overly sensitive, even when turned off. The brakes can overheat and fade in stop-and-go situations, and the driver's seat lacks support. However, I understand that every car has its own unique set of issues, and I encourage you to do your own research before making a decision. Thank you for considering my experience.
Jocelyn Waters 2024-07-01
Kia does not come with spare tires or a jack. Despite replacing three brand new batteries, my car still has issues starting. Even after running a diagnostic on the entire car, the Kia dealer informed me that all systems function perfectly. However, I am still experiencing the same issue. It is frustrating to have been paying for a car that I cannot drive for the past few months. I am confident that a solution can be found and I will continue to work towards resolving this issue.
Jasmin Crona 2024-05-10
What a great looking car! The taillights and headlights are absolutely amazing, and the folding mirrors with lights and frameless windows give it a luxurious feel. The seats are incredibly comfortable, perfect for long road trips. Although the stereo could be better, the fuel economy and power from the 1.6 turbo are fantastic, and the car handles and shifts like a dream. It's a shame that there were some issues with engine lights and misfires during ownership, but overall it was a great car. The dash did rattle a bit over bumps, but that's a minor issue. Ultimately, I decided to trade it in for a Mazda, but I have fond memories of my time with this car.
Fausto Funk 2024-03-09
The car may seem great on paper, but unfortunately, real-world driving has been a letdown.
Moises Schuppe 2024-03-07
They can cause cupping and wear on the back tires, which can be frustrating. I've had to replace a set of tires every 6 months, which is not ideal. Kia blames alignment, but mechanics say that rear shims are needed and that this is a problem with all Fortes from 2010 to 2017. It's important to get this issue resolved to avoid further damage to your car.