MY CAR BROKE DOWN IN DECEMBER 2015, WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE KIA SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND THEY FIX IT. I PAID OVER 1000 USD. 2 MONTHS LATER THERE WAS A SAFETY RECALL FOR THE SAME REASON MY CAR BROKE DOWN COUPLE MONTS BEFORE THAT RECALL. UNTIL THIS DAY I HAVE TRIED TO GET MY MONEY BACK AND THEY DONT WANT TO GIVE ME A REFUND EVEN THOUGH IT WAS A FACTORY DEFECT. I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN THE CAR S…
2011 kia Forte powertrain problems
severe 19 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500
Complaints
19
Recalls
0
Crashes
1
Avg fix
$2,500
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
TRAN. WENTOUT STILL NOT WORKING. *TR
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and reversing, the gear shifter became stuck in reverse(R). There was no warning light illuminated. An independent mechanic assisted the contact in shifting the gear shifter linkages into park(P) manually. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the gear shifter linkages might be damaged; however, the …
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2011 kia Forte?
It's a meaningful issue. 19 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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