Only while idling. Once driving, it lowers back down to normal operating temp. If I'm in park and it starts to overheat, revving the engine will cause it to drop back down to normal temp again. A/C on or off, it happens while in idle. When A/C is on, it is blowing very cold air. There was low coolant, which I got topped off. It's only been two days of driving and it doesn't seem like I've lost a lot of coolant. I can't see any visible leaks, but I can smell the sweet smell of coolant. I don't hear any whining sounds or anything. I do want to note, once in a blue moon, when I try to start my car, it hesitates like if it's trying to gather compression. But 9.9/10 this doesn't happen and it starts normally. Not sure if that has anything to do with this issue. No check engine light or any other lights on the dash either. My car only has 50k miles. 2021 Kia Forte EX 2.0l 4 Cyl.
What makes this problem better or worse?
Better: When driving. Worse: When idling.
How long has your 2021 Kia Forte had this problem?
RepairPal Certified shops can diagnose and repair your 2021 Kia Forte. They provide transparent pricing with a minimum 12-month or 12,000-mile warranty on repairs and services.
Hey, my name is Dusty and I'm one of the auto experts with RepairPal's Car Genius team here to help!
It sounds like you're experiencing some frustrating overheating issues with your Kia Forte.
Given your detailed description, it's possible that there could be a few things contributing to the problem, a coolant leak is a definite possibility when considering the sweet smell.
The cooling fan may also be at fault here for not keeping things cool at idle.
Since you've already topped off the coolant and are still noticing the issue, it might be a good idea to have a professional take a closer look.
They can perform diagnostics to confirm if both issues are related, pinpoint the exact cause, and help you get back on the road worry-free.
With only 50k miles on your car, it's definitely worth investigating to ensure everything is running smoothly.
If you have any other questions or would like help with finding a RepairPal Certified shop in your area, give us a call!
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