Forte (2nd)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Engine Reliability Ratings
DOHC MPI THETA II
2.4LView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Kia Forte Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
2.0-I4-Gas
2.0L 4-cyl / 147 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
1.8-I4-Gas
1.8L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
DOHC GDI Nu
2.0LView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
T-GDI Gamma
1.6L 4-cyl Turbo / 201 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Kia Forte regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (6)
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles. The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) cover may contact a memory chip on the printed circuit board and damage the electrical circuit. Circuit damage may result in deactivated air bags that will not deploy in a crash.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Forte vehicles equipped with a 2.0L Nu MPI engine. Foreign particles may stick inside the oil pump, which may cause an oil pump failure and engine damage.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Forte 4-door, Forte Koup 2-door, and 2018-2019 Rio 4-door vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Forte and Forte Koup vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. This will allow the brake lights to remain illuminated continuously. It can also allow the shift lever to be moved without depressing the brake pedal, or activate the engine management brake pedal override feature.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2014 Kia Forte vehicles manufactured December 5, 2012, to April 17, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the cooling fan resistor may overheat and melt.
All Generations
Alternatives in Compact Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2014-2018 Kia Forte problems?
The 2014-2018 Kia Forte has accumulated 1,242 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Electrical System, Safety Systems. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Kia Forte engine is most reliable?
The 2014-2018 Kia Forte was offered with 6 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.4L ?-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2014-2018 Kia Forte a good used car?
The 2014-2018 Kia Forte can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 1,242 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2014-2018 Kia Forte have?
The 2014-2018 Kia Forte has 1,242 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2014-2018 Kia Forte?
There are 6 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2014-2018 Kia Forte vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Kia Forte?
Before buying a used Kia Forte, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Engine, Electrical System, Safety Systems, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Forte?
The 2018 Kia Forte received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (10.3% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Optional. Lane Departure Warning: Optional. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 1,242 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.