Head-to-head reliability
KIA Sportage vs KIA Forte
How the KIA Sportage and KIA Forte compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
KIA Sportage vs KIA Forte: The Sportage averages 122.1 complaints per year with 25 recalls and 0 deaths, while the Forte averages 110.8 complaints per year with 16 recalls and 6 deaths. The Forte has more crash-related complaints (103 vs. 82). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the KIA Sportage or KIA Forte more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
KIA Sportage
The KIA Sportage is a compact SUV that has averaged about 122 NHTSA complaints per year over the past decade, with 25 recalls. The most common owner-reported trouble spots are the engine, electrical system, and brakes, often involving stalling, warning lights, or brake problems at low mileage. While it has zero reported deaths in the data, the high number of engine and electrical complaints suggests that some owners face repeated dealer visits for persistent issues.
KIA Forte
The KIA Forte is a compact sedan with an average of about 111 complaints per year and 16 recalls over the same period. Owners most frequently report engine and electrical problems, including stalling, failure to start, and sudden shutdowns while driving. The Forte also has a higher number of crash-related complaints and six reported deaths, which may be linked to air bag or power train issues.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | KIA Sportage | KIA Forte |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,221 | 1,108 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 25 | 16 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 82 Better | 103 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 122.1 | 110.8 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 70 | 68 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 6 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
KIA Sportage
- 01ENGINE513
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER247
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM212
- 04SERVICE BRAKES111
- 05POWER TRAIN102
Owners report the car being stuck in gear or not starting properly, with some describing it as a lemon-law nonconformity. These issues can leave you stranded and may require repeated dealer visits.
Complaints include the instrument cluster going into a system check mode while driving, causing the speed and tachometer to disappear for several seconds. This can be distracting and potentially dangerous if it happens at highway speeds.
Some owners had brake rotors resurfaced at under 7,000 miles, and one reported a complete brake failure due to a defective brake booster. Brake problems at low mileage are a serious safety concern.
Reports describe sudden highway malfunctions and ongoing issues after multiple dealer visits, often without a clear cause. These vague but serious complaints suggest some problems are hard to diagnose and fix.
“We were getting in our car to drive home from a restaurant. We attempted to start our car like any other day, and the car started. However, our car was stuck in gear, it was in parking but also not in parking. The car was not moving, the gear was in “park”, t…”
“This is an issue of nonconformity according the Florida Lemon Law: "Florida's Lemon Law protects consumers who buy or lease new or demonstrator vehicles with persistent, significant defects, known as nonconformities, within the first 24 months of ownership."…”
KIA Forte
- 01ENGINE458
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER202
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM151
- 04POWER TRAIN120
- 05AIR BAGS89
Owners report the car not starting or accelerating, and in one case metal particles were found in the oil of a 2022 Forte GT. Engine failure can be costly and may indicate premature wear.
Complaints include the car stalling and completely shutting down while driving, sometimes on the freeway, with the fuel pump blamed in one case. This can leave you without power steering or hazard lights in traffic.
Owners describe stalling upon acceleration and wipers getting stuck upright during heavy rain. These issues can impair your ability to drive safely in bad weather.
With 89 complaints, air bag problems are a notable concern, though specific failure details are not provided in the sample. Any air bag issue is serious because it can affect protection in a crash.
“While the vehicle was approximately ten months old with approximately 11K miles, it was continuously not functioning properly and would not start/accelerate. My 2024 KIA Forte, which was purchased new from a KIA dealership, has continuously failed to function…”
“In early 2025, I encountered a serious issue with my 2022 Kia Forte GT, a manual car with 76,000 miles and a 1.6L turbo Gamma engine. I took it for a routine oil change at a local non-Kia shop, but they refused, finding metal particles in the oil, suggesting…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
KIA Sportage — 25 recalls
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Sportage Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) and 2024-2025 Sportage vehicles equipped with a 4.2" screen and a Genuine Kia tow hitch harness accessory. Due to a software error, the instrument panel screen may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to co…
The risk: An instrument panel screen that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the tow hitch harness control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC359. Vehicle…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Sportage and 2022-2024 Carnival vehicles. The roof molding may loosen and detach.
The risk: A detached roof molding can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the roof molding and replace or secure it as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 15, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2024 Kia Sportage vehicles. The circuit board in the motor-driven power steering assembly may short circuit, resulting in a loss of power steering assist.
The risk: A loss of power steering assist can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the motor-driven power steering electric power pack, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 19, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC31…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Sportage Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) and 2024-2025 Sportage vehicles equipped with a 4.2" screen and a Genuine Kia tow hitch harness accessory. Due to a software error, the instrument panel screen may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to co…
The risk: An instrument panel screen that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the tow hitch harness control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC359. Vehicle…
KIA Forte — 16 recalls
The defect: 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.
The risk: Front lower control arm failure can cause a sudden loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will replace the right front lower control arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 17, 2024. Owners may contact Kia custo…
The defect: 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.
The risk: A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the front left steering knuckle, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 12, 2023. Owner may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall…
The defect: 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.
The risk: Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the lower steering column u-joint retention bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall SC235.
The defect: 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.
The risk: Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the lower steering column u-joint retention bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall SC235.
Buyer analysis
KIA Sportage or KIA Forte: which should you buy?
The KIA Forte has slightly fewer complaints per year (110.8 vs. 122.1) and fewer recalls (16 vs. 25), but it has more crash-related complaints (103 vs. 82) and six reported deaths compared to zero for the Sportage. In practice, the Sportage may have more frequent but less severe issues, while the Forte's problems appear more likely to be linked to crashes.
Key differences
- The Sportage has 25 recalls versus 16 for the Forte, meaning more potential safety fixes to check.
- The Forte has 103 crash-related complaints and 6 deaths, while the Sportage has 82 crash-related complaints and 0 deaths.
- Engine problems dominate both, but Forte owners report stalling and shutdowns while driving, whereas Sportage owners more often report starting and gear issues.
- The Forte has air bag complaints (89) as a top component, which is not a top category for the Sportage.
- Check for any history of brake rotor resurfacing or brake booster replacement, especially at low mileage.
- Test the instrument cluster for flickering or system check messages during a test drive.
- Listen for engine noises and check oil for metal particles, as some owners found debris indicating internal damage.
- Test the car for stalling or hesitation during acceleration and ensure the fuel pump has been replaced if recalled.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed.
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine and transmission for signs of stalling or failure.
- Test drive at highway speeds to check for sudden electrical or brake issues.
- For the Forte, specifically check air bag function and any open recalls.
- For the Sportage, verify the brake system and electrical components work correctly.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | KIA Sportage | KIA Forte |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 68 | 25 |
| 2023 | 187 | 63 |
| 2022 | 46 | 27 |
| 2021 | 50 | 68 |
| 2020 | 159 | 76 |
| 2019 | 69 | 147 |
| 2018 | 162 | 136 |
| 2017 | 399 | 303 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific KIA Sportage or KIA Forte in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- KIA Sportage vs KIA Forte
- KIA Sportage total complaints
- 1,221
- KIA Forte total complaints
- 1,108
- KIA Sportage total recalls
- 25
- KIA Forte total recalls
- 16
- KIA Sportage avg complaints/year
- 122.1
- KIA Forte avg complaints/year
- 110.8
- More reliable overall
- KIA Forte
- KIA Sportage top complaint area
- ENGINE
- KIA Forte top complaint area
- ENGINE