2020 Kia Forte engine problems
15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2020 Kia Forte — 21% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“2020 Kia Forte, 2.0L 14F engine, 109,000 miles: On July 3.2026 "check engine" light came on. Drove to local auto parts store to have code downloaded, P0017 cam position sensor. Car was performing fine, except for engine light. Drove car to Kia dealership. While driving, warning light for "front…”
filed Jul 8, 2026
“Why is KIA still legally allowed to sell defective, death traps? Why is it ok for the service department and KIA themselves to tell me….its ok to drive unless the engine light is blinking, smoking in a car know to catch fire…..ok? Why is it ok to let them continue to sell cars under active engine…”
filed Jun 1, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar…
TSB_ENG222_R8 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 3, 2025TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar…
TSB_ENG222_R7 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 28, 2025
Engine problems in other Forte years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Forte | 7 | 29% |
| 2023 Forte | 9 | 16% |
| 2022 Forte | 4 | 16% |
| 2021 Forte | 22 | 33% |
| 2019 Forte | 35 | 24% |
| 2018 Forte | 57 | 43% |
| 2017 Forte | 144 | 48% |
| 2016 Forte | 64 | 48% |
| 2015 Forte | 156 | 60% |
| 2014 Forte | 213 | 49% |
| 2013 Forte | 107 | 55% |
| 2012 Forte | 160 | 55% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2020 Kia Forte
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.