Forte (3rd)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
MPI Nu
2.0L 4-cyl / 147 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
T-GDI GAMMA
1.6L 4-cyl / 201 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Kia Forte Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Kia Forte, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2019-2025 Kia Forte
On a used 2019-2025 Kia Forte, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the engine (107), the airbags and driver-assist systems (84) and the transmission and drivetrain (84). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 107 owner complaints on the 2019-2025 Kia Forte about the engine, all engines combined.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 84 owner complaints on the 2019-2025 Kia Forte about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 84 owner complaints on the 2019-2025 Kia Forte about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 60 owner complaints on the 2019-2025 Kia Forte about the electrical system.
- Turn the wheel from lock to lock while parked, then drive straight on a level road with a light grip.Safety. NHTSA has 39 owner complaints on the 2019-2025 Kia Forte about the steering.
Recalls (7)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
Show 2 older recalls
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Forte vehicles. The left front axle driveshaft may not have been heat-treated, which can cause it to break.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Kia Forte vehicles equipped with LED headlights. The headlights may not have been manufactured with the correct low beam aiming. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
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Alternatives in Compact Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2019-2025 Kia Forte complaints?
Owners have filed 410 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019-2025 Kia Forte. The systems they name most often are the engine, the safety systems and the transmission.
Is the 2019-2025 Kia Forte a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 410 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019-2025 Kia Forte. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2019-2025 Kia Forte have?
NHTSA has 410 owner complaints on file for the 2019-2025 Kia Forte as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2019-2025 Kia Forte?
NHTSA lists 7 recalls covering some 2019-2025 Kia Forte vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Kia Forte?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the engine, the safety systems and the transmission, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Forte?
The 2024 Kia Forte received an overall 4-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (10.7% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard & Optional. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 410 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.