Forte (3rd)
Engine Reliability Ratings
T-GDI GAMMA
1.6L 4-cyl / 201 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
MPI Nu
2.0L 4-cyl / 147 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Kia Forte regardless of engine variant.
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."
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."
All Generations
Alternatives in Compact Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2019-2025 Kia Forte problems?
The 2019-2025 Kia Forte has accumulated 359 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Transmission, Safety Systems. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Kia Forte engine is most reliable?
The 2019-2025 Kia Forte was offered with 2 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2019-2025 Kia Forte a good used car?
The 2019-2025 Kia Forte can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 359 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 2019-2025 Kia Forte have?
The 2019-2025 Kia Forte has 359 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 2019-2025 Kia Forte?
There are 7 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2019-2025 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, Transmission, 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.
Does the Forte have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2019-2025 Kia Forte. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 359 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.