Au7o mascotAu7o
Known IssuesTest Hub demo
  1. Au7o
  2. /
  3. Known Issues
  4. /
  5. Kia
  6. /
  7. Forte
Kia · Known Issues

2024 Kia Forte Problems: 6 Known Issues

2024 model year · 523+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

Share:@au7o.io

2024 · All trims · All engines

Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.

Known IssuesMotorcycle IssuesDTC LookupDrivePricingAboutTermsPrivacyCookiesConsentData rightsCopyrightFeedback
Share:@au7o.io

Vehicle data and repair guidance on this site are compiled with AI assistance and may contain errors. Always verify with your service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data protection representation

DataRep representative in the United KingdomDataRep representative in the European Union
Au7o · 2026
Built for DIY mechanics. Privacy-first.
Explore free Hub demo
No email neededHow interest is saved

Interest applies to the selected vehicle and configuration; it is not a reservation. Voting stores a first-party identifier for up to 180 days to prevent repeat votes. No account or email is needed. Clearing cookies or using another device may count separately. Privacy

Visual coming soon

Your interest helps us choose what to build next.

Visual Known Issues · Coming soon

$4.99/month plus taxes at launch · No payment today

Preview the XT6 example
Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 523+ owner reports, the 2024 Kia Forte has 6 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is 7-Speed D7UF1 Dry Dual-Clutch (DCT) Judder and Slipping on 1.6T GT Models ($1,800-$4,200 repair). The most commonly reported issue is CVT Shudder and Hesitation Under Acceleration with 523 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $180 to $4,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Forte Transmission2
  • Forte Body/Panels1
  • Forte Engine1
  • Forte Suspension1
  • Forte Cooling1
  • Recalls5
  • FAQ
Get Started
Back to top

In This Article

  • Transmission2
  • Body/Panels1
  • Engine1
  • Suspension1
  • Cooling1
  • Recalls5
  • FAQ

All 6 Known Issues

Filter:
ALL YEARS2025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010

On the 2019-2024 Kia Forte, the Forte GT (and GT-Line with the 1.6L Gamma T-GDI) uses the D7UF1 seven-speed dry dual-clutch transmission rather than the IVT used on 2.0L cars. The dry clutch friction material glazes and the clutch actuator adaptation drifts, producing a body-shaking judder when creeping away from a stop or in slow traffic - the car vibrates but the steering wheel does not, which is the diagnostic that distinguishes clutch judder from a wheel/tire imbalance. As it progresses owners report a loud thud/jerk on the 1-2 engagement and, under wide-open throttle around 30-40 mph, a downshift where revs flare without corresponding acceleration (clutch slip). Kia issued TSB TRA083 covering 2016-2020 7-speed DCT vehicles.

Common Symptoms

  • Vehicle shudders/vibrates when pulling away from a stop
  • Loud thud and jerk on low-speed shifts
  • Revs flare without acceleration under hard throttle
  • Hesitation or lurching in stop-and-go traffic
  • Clutch/transmission overheat warning message

How to Fix

Per the Kia bulletin, confirm judder with the creep test (drive at up to about 3 mph from a stop; body vibrates, steering wheel steady). First step for milder cases is a TCU software upgrade with a clutch touch-point/actuator re-learn. If judder persists, the dual clutch assembly must be replaced and the TCU reflashed afterward. Replacement is normally covered by the 10yr/100k powertrain warranty for the original owner, or 5yr/60k for subsequent owners. Do not simply add or change fluid to chase judder - the D7UF1 clutch pack is dry and the failure is friction-surface, not fluid, related.

Typical repair cost:$1,800 - $4,200

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
Community reported
523 owners

On the 2019-2024 Kia Forte, the IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission, Kia's name for their CVT) in the 2019-2024 Forte develops a shuddering sensation during light-to-moderate acceleration, particularly from stops and at speeds between 20-45 mph. The issue is caused by the CVT chain and pulley interface wearing irregularly. Kia has released multiple software updates to improve shift mapping and reduce the shudder sensation.

Common Symptoms

  • Shuddering during acceleration from stops
  • Hesitation or rubber-band feel during acceleration
  • Vibration felt through accelerator pedal at 20-45 mph
  • Whining noise from transmission during acceleration
  • RPMs fluctuate unexpectedly during steady cruise

How to Fix

Have dealer perform TCU software update (latest calibration). If shudder persists after software update, CVT fluid change with genuine Kia CVTF may help. In severe cases, CVT valve body or complete CVT replacement under powertrain warranty (10 years/100,000 miles). Kia part #45280-2F100 for CVT fluid.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipStart with the free TCU software update at the dealer - this resolves or significantly improves the shudder in about 60% of cases
Typical repair cost:$0 - $4,500

Research This Issue

Based on 523 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerified523 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2025Reviewed Feb 2026

On the 2010-2024 Kia Forte, sunroof-equipped Fortes route water from the sunroof tray through four small rubber drain hoses down the A- and C-pillars. Pollen, pine needles, and road grit pack the upper end of the hose; once blocked, the tray overflows past the seal and water runs down inside the A-pillar into the front passenger carpet, or out of the rear drains into the trunk/spare-tire well. Owners report soaked front and rear passenger carpet, a musty smell, fogged windows, and in some cases corroded connectors or a wet body control module under the carpet. On earlier TD cars the sunroof surround rubber also cracks and the rear gutter tubes can pull loose from the tray entirely.

Common Symptoms

  • Wet or soaked front passenger floor carpet
  • Water in the trunk or spare tire well
  • Musty/mildew smell in cabin
  • Windows fogging up persistently
  • Dripping from the headliner or A-pillar during rain or a car wash

How to Fix

Open the sunroof, locate the two front drain holes in the corners of the tray, and clear them by feeding a length of weed-trimmer line (not wire or coat hanger, which punctures the hose) gently down the tube, then flush with a small amount of water to confirm flow at the outlet behind the front wheel well. Never blast compressed air up the drain - it drives the debris further up and can blow a hose off its nipple, which then requires removing the headliner and A/B/C-pillar trim to reattach. Also check that the rear gutter tubes are still seated on the tray. Dry the carpet and jute padding completely (pull the sill trim and lift the carpet) to prevent mold and corrosion, and clean the drains annually if parking under trees.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $600

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2014-2025 Kia Forte, nu-family Forte engines use a hydraulic timing chain tensioner that depends on oil pressure to keep the chain taut. After the car sits overnight the tensioner bleeds down, and on start-up the slack chain slaps the guides for one to five seconds until oil pressure builds - a loud metallic rattle or clatter from the timing cover end of the engine. A brief rattle is borderline normal; the problem is that on high-mileage Fortes, and especially those run on extended oil intervals or low oil (the 2.0 GDI's oil consumption makes this common), the tensioner ratchet and the plastic chain guides wear, the rattle lengthens, and eventually the chain stretches far enough to skew cam timing and set correlation codes. This is a wear-plus-oil-condition failure, distinct from the piston-ring and rod-bearing campaigns on the same engine family.

Common Symptoms

  • Loud metallic rattle for 1-5 seconds on cold start
  • Rattle that gets longer over months
  • Chain noise on hot restart after the car sits briefly
  • Check engine light with timing correlation codes
  • Rough running or reduced power if timing has skewed

How to Fix

First verify oil level and condition - a low or sludged sump is the single most common cause, and topping up plus a fresh oil service with the correct viscosity often shortens the rattle immediately. If the noise persists past a few seconds or grows, replace the hydraulic chain tensioner; on higher-mileage engines do the tensioner, both chain guides and the chain as a set, because a stretched chain re-opens the slack against a new tensioner. Correlation codes (P0016/P0017) or a P0011 alongside the rattle mean the chain has already lost tension and the full kit is required. Not recall-covered.

Typical repair cost:$350 - $1,400

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Low ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2019-2024 Kia Forte, kia bulletin CHA121 applies to certain 2019-2024 Forte vehicles and documents an intermittent front-suspension noise while turning the steering wheel, whether the vehicle is moving or stationary. Kia’s procedure replaces the front strut bearing and upper spring pad on both front strut assemblies. The bulletin describes a noise repair, not a safety recall or proof of complete strut failure.

Common Symptoms

  • Intermittent front suspension noise while turning
  • Noise while steering when moving or stationary

How to Fix

Ask a Kia dealer or qualified suspension shop to confirm bulletin CHA121 applies and to inspect both front strut assemblies. The bulletin replaces both front strut bearings and upper spring pads and requires new locking nuts during reassembly. This proposal does not recommend a retail part because the repair is production- and fitment-specific and requires strut disassembly, correct torque and verification after repair.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Genuine Kia 54612-C1000 front strut bearing
    OEMKia 54612-C1000

    Seller lists 2019-2023 Forte, so confirm the VIN/current EPC for a 2024 vehicle before purchase.

    KiaPartsNow
  • Genuine Kia 54623-F1000FFF front upper spring pad
    OEMKia 54623-F1000FFF

    Confirm VIN and current EPC supersession before purchase.

    KiaPartsNow
  • Genuine Kia 54559-D1000 front strut self-locking nut
    OEMKia 54559-D1000

    Seller lists 2019-2023 Forte, so confirm the VIN/current EPC for a 2024 vehicle before purchase.

    AutoPartsPrime

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Manually Verified
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2010-2025 Kia Forte, forte cooling systems across all three generations lose coolant from two recurring points. The plastic thermostat housing (water outlet) on the Nu engines warps or develops hairline cracks with thermal cycling, leaving a small puddle under the front of the engine that owners describe as appearing in cold weather and drying up in summer as the plastic expands and re-seals. Second, the water pump weep hole starts dripping as the shaft seal wears. Both are slow leaks, so the first symptom is usually a low-coolant light or a sweet smell rather than an overheat - but on a GDI Nu engine, running the coolant low is how a slow leak becomes a warped head. Forum threads on both forteforums.com and kia-forums.com track the housing leak specifically, with owners reporting warped housing flanges rather than a failed gasket.

Common Symptoms

  • Small coolant puddle under the front of the engine
  • Low coolant warning with no visible large leak
  • Sweet coolant smell after driving
  • Crusty orange or green residue around the thermostat housing
  • Drip from the water pump weep hole
  • Temperature gauge creeping up in traffic

How to Fix

Pressure-test the cooling system cold to find the source before replacing parts - the housing leak often only shows under pressure. Replace the thermostat housing/water outlet as an assembly with a new gasket (the plastic flange cannot be trued); do not simply re-torque it, which cracks it further. A weeping water pump requires pump replacement with a new gasket; on the Nu engines the pump is belt-driven and accessible, keeping labor moderate. Refill with genuine Kia coolant and bleed properly. Not recall-covered.

Typical repair cost:$180 - $650

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Low ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
NHTSA Recalls5 recalls

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Forte vehicles. The right front lower control arm may have been improperly welded, which can cause it to fail.

Campaign #24V24400001/04/2024

STEERING:LINKAGES:KNUCKLE:SPINDLE:ARM

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Forte vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the front left steering knuckle may crack, which can result in a loss of steering control.

Campaign #22V90600008/12/2022

STEERING:COLUMN

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rio and Forte vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.

Campaign #22V30400005/05/2022

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

🔧
A mechanic who knows YOUR exact car
Answers tuned to your year, make, model & trim — not generic advice. Save your garage so it always has the right context.
Get ahead of Kia Forte problems — free
Leave your email and we'll alert you the moment there's a new recall or known issue for your Kia Forte. Free, no account needed.

Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or get a full repair guide.

Other Kia Models

Kia Telluride28Kia Carnival26Kia Sportage25Kia K523Kia EV621Kia Sorento21

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Kia Forte problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 523+ owner reports, the 2024 Kia Forte has 6 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 7-Speed D7UF1 Dry Dual-Clutch (DCT) Judder and Slipping on 1.6T GT Models, CVT Shudder and Hesitation Under Acceleration, Clogged Sunroof Drain Tubes Flooding Front Passenger Footwell and Trunk. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Kia Forte reliable?

The 2024 Kia Forte has 6 known issues documented across 523+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: 7-Speed D7UF1 Dry Dual-Clutch (DCT) Judder and Slipping on 1.6T GT Models. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Kia Forte problems?

Repair costs for known Kia Forte issues range from $0 to $4,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 7-Speed D7UF1 Dry Dual-Clutch (DCT) Judder and Slipping on 1.6T GT Models, typically costs $1,800-$4,200 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2019-2024 Kia Forte 7-Speed D7UF1 Dry Dual-Clutch (DCT) Judder and Slipping on 1.6T GT Models?

The Forte GT (and GT-Line with the 1.6L Gamma T-GDI) uses the D7UF1 seven-speed dry dual-clutch transmission rather than the IVT used on 2.0L cars. The dry clutch friction material glazes and the clutch actuator adaptation drifts, producing a body-shaking judder when creeping awa… Repairs typically run $1,800-$4,200. Severity: high.

What is the 2019-2024 Kia Forte CVT Shudder and Hesitation Under Acceleration?

The IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission, Kia's name for their CVT) in the 2019-2024 Forte develops a shuddering sensation during light-to-moderate acceleration, particularly from stops and at speeds between 20-45 mph. The issue is caused by the CVT chain and pulley interface w… Repairs typically run $0-$4,500. Severity: medium.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data sourced from 523+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021 Telluride, K5, and Forte vehicles. The Occupant Classification and Detection System (OCS/ODS) unit may not detect the presence of a child restraint system in the front passenger seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Campaign #21V16400011/03/2021

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Forte vehicles. The right front lower control arm may have been improperly welded, which can cause it to fail.

Campaign #23V64900022/09/2023

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

What is the 2010-2024 Kia Forte Clogged Sunroof Drain Tubes Flooding Front Passenger Footwell and Trunk?

Sunroof-equipped Fortes route water from the sunroof tray through four small rubber drain hoses down the A- and C-pillars. Pollen, pine needles, and road grit pack the upper end of the hose; once blocked, the tray overflows past the seal and water runs down inside the A-pillar in… Repairs typically run $0-$600. Severity: medium.

What is the 2014-2025 Kia Forte Timing Chain Tensioner Bleed-Down Causing a Metallic Rattle for Several Seconds on Cold Start?

Nu-family Forte engines use a hydraulic timing chain tensioner that depends on oil pressure to keep the chain taut. After the car sits overnight the tensioner bleeds down, and on start-up the slack chain slaps the guides for one to five seconds until oil pressure builds - a loud… Repairs typically run $350-$1,400. Severity: medium.

What is the 2019-2024 Kia Forte Front Strut Bearing and Upper Spring Pad Noise/Failure?

Kia bulletin CHA121 applies to certain 2019-2024 Forte vehicles and documents an intermittent front-suspension noise while turning the steering wheel, whether the vehicle is moving or stationary. Kia’s procedure replaces the front strut bearing and upper spring pad on both front… Severity: medium.

What is the 2010-2025 Kia Forte Plastic Thermostat Housing Cracking and Water Pump Seal Weep Causing Slow Coolant Loss?

Forte cooling systems across all three generations lose coolant from two recurring points. The plastic thermostat housing (water outlet) on the Nu engines warps or develops hairline cracks with thermal cycling, leaving a small puddle under the front of the engine that owners desc… Repairs typically run $180-$650. Severity: medium.