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292 Posts
I've had this car since August 2013. It has 25K on it now and I thought I'd report on how it's been for me so far. I like the car, but am a little disappointed with some of the problems I've had, but the car has been reliable as transportation.
Early on the UVO unit would randomly shut down or reboot. It took Kia nearly 6 months to replace the unit. Much of that time was spent waiting for the part. I've noticed that part wait times are much longer with this car than with Toyota, Hyundai, etc. Frustrating.
When the radio was replaced the tech damaged some of the trim panels. Very slight on the edges where he pried them up to remove them, but not acceptable to me. The dealer ordered new parts and replaced them without issue. Once again, long wait times for ordered parts.
There are several rattles and squeaks that come and go. Dash rattle in the far passenger corner right under the windshield...seems temperature sensitive. I can no longer extend the arm rest/console cover between the 2 front seats as it makes a clicking sound if you do this and place your arm on it. It will do this even when the sliding rest/top piece is slid back unless I place my arm a certain way on the rest so I pretty much don't use it anymore.
At 21K the check engine light came on while accelerating. The car lurched slightly right before the light came on, but ran normally after that. The code was for large air leak and once the dealer cleared the code it did not reappear.
The key fob (proximity fob with push button start) battery has reported low voltage twice now. Once around 20K miles and now again at 25K. I replaced the battery with a brand name, new battery so this could be an issue with the battery, but I doubt it.
At 23K the backup camera went black. It started with some flickering and now it's dead. Dealer ordered a new one over a week ago. Called me to say it was on "short back order" More parts delays. Not good, Kia.
Recently I noticed that the driver's door outside handle pocket light was flickering. It's now out completely. Another trip to the dealer. They say this is one they haven't seen. More parts, after a trip in to get a diagnosis. So 2 trips at a minimum for this one.
I've had the oil changed and tires rotated at least every 5K miles. The dealer charges $30 for this so I let them do it rather than doing it myself. The tires are now about done. 25K miles and they're at the point where they won't pass inspection this August. I don't drive hard, accelerate hard, etc. so this is disappointing. I get that the manufacturers put cheap rubber on new cars, but still it's a pain.
So far no leaks, no switchgear issues, etc. Seats remain comfy, heated steering wheel is still my favorite feature and fuel economy is average of 31 MPG with highs of 39.7 on a trip this past fall from NY to NC (4 people, trunk stuffed full and 75 avg MPH)
I'm generally pleased with the car, but so far I've had more things go wrong with this new car than my last 3 used cars which were all bought with 100K on them (all Toyotas) We had planned to buy my wife a Soul, but I think now we'll look for another option. Kia seems to have it mostly figured out, but there is room for some basic improvement. In today's world there is no excuse for waiting more than 7 days for a part.
I still think the 14 Forte is one of the best looking cheap sedans out there.
Early on the UVO unit would randomly shut down or reboot. It took Kia nearly 6 months to replace the unit. Much of that time was spent waiting for the part. I've noticed that part wait times are much longer with this car than with Toyota, Hyundai, etc. Frustrating.
When the radio was replaced the tech damaged some of the trim panels. Very slight on the edges where he pried them up to remove them, but not acceptable to me. The dealer ordered new parts and replaced them without issue. Once again, long wait times for ordered parts.
There are several rattles and squeaks that come and go. Dash rattle in the far passenger corner right under the windshield...seems temperature sensitive. I can no longer extend the arm rest/console cover between the 2 front seats as it makes a clicking sound if you do this and place your arm on it. It will do this even when the sliding rest/top piece is slid back unless I place my arm a certain way on the rest so I pretty much don't use it anymore.
At 21K the check engine light came on while accelerating. The car lurched slightly right before the light came on, but ran normally after that. The code was for large air leak and once the dealer cleared the code it did not reappear.
The key fob (proximity fob with push button start) battery has reported low voltage twice now. Once around 20K miles and now again at 25K. I replaced the battery with a brand name, new battery so this could be an issue with the battery, but I doubt it.
At 23K the backup camera went black. It started with some flickering and now it's dead. Dealer ordered a new one over a week ago. Called me to say it was on "short back order" More parts delays. Not good, Kia.
Recently I noticed that the driver's door outside handle pocket light was flickering. It's now out completely. Another trip to the dealer. They say this is one they haven't seen. More parts, after a trip in to get a diagnosis. So 2 trips at a minimum for this one.
I've had the oil changed and tires rotated at least every 5K miles. The dealer charges $30 for this so I let them do it rather than doing it myself. The tires are now about done. 25K miles and they're at the point where they won't pass inspection this August. I don't drive hard, accelerate hard, etc. so this is disappointing. I get that the manufacturers put cheap rubber on new cars, but still it's a pain.
So far no leaks, no switchgear issues, etc. Seats remain comfy, heated steering wheel is still my favorite feature and fuel economy is average of 31 MPG with highs of 39.7 on a trip this past fall from NY to NC (4 people, trunk stuffed full and 75 avg MPH)
I'm generally pleased with the car, but so far I've had more things go wrong with this new car than my last 3 used cars which were all bought with 100K on them (all Toyotas) We had planned to buy my wife a Soul, but I think now we'll look for another option. Kia seems to have it mostly figured out, but there is room for some basic improvement. In today's world there is no excuse for waiting more than 7 days for a part.
I still think the 14 Forte is one of the best looking cheap sedans out there.
