KIA Forte Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used KIA Forte options? We analyzed 10 model years (2015–2024) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the KIA Forte has 1,108 owner complaints and 16 safety recalls across model years 2015–2024. The most reported issue area is ENGINE. 2017 drew the most complaints; 2024 drew the fewest.
- Make
- KIA
- Model
- Forte
- Model years analyzed
- 2015–2024 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 1,108
- Safety recall campaigns
- 16
- Crash-related complaints
- 103
- Fire-related complaints
- 43
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2017 (303 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2024 (25 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ENGINE
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
KIA Forte: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe KIA FORTE has 1,108 NHTSA complaints and 16 recalls on record. 103 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 1,108 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 16 federal recall campaigns
- 103 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Oct 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
16 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
STEERING:LINKAGES:KNUCKLE:SPINDLE:ARM
STEERING:COLUMN
STEERING:COLUMN
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
ENGINE
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
AIR BAGS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PUMP
AIR BAGS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PUMP
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2015–2024. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 1,108 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
1,108 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
Im getting denied dued to engine failure but whoever had the vehicle before didn't follow up with the ksds update, I just purchased the vehicle on June 30th,2026, I need this fixed ASAP because I still owe on this car.
When I have the windows down, I can see the headrest flapping in the wind. I took the cover off and discovered that the styrofoam had broken in half. I used foam adhesive to bind it together. Once again, windows down and the headrest is still flapping in the wind. Look underneath the cover and this time the Styrofoam is broken into multiple pieces.
My 2016 Kia Forte had a recall that was never performed and I was never told anything about the car fax or any recalls from where I got the car from, it needs a engine repair.
The contact owns a 2024 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while a friend was driving 65 MPH, the vehicle was pulling to the right. Suddenly, the vehicle bounced up and down, pulled over and crashed into a railing, and the driver was forced to stop the vehicle using the parking brake. The driver was unable to maintain steering control due to the severe pulling to the right. After exiting the vehicle, the driver became aware that the frame and engine were sitting on the ground on the right side. Due to the crash, the driver sustained a black eye, a bruise behind the jaw, a bruised thigh, and a bruised left foot; however, no medical attention was sought. The vehicle was towed to a Jeep Chrysler Dodge dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the structural and steering failure. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V244000 (Suspension); as a possible cause for the failure; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 65,000.
This malfunction started in August of 2025 within 12 months of buying this new vehicle. A airbag sensor was replaced, then a national bbb case found the same malfunction only this time it includes the whole safty system failure. I gave the manufacturer a year and they have not corrected the malfunction. I am forced to drive a unsafe car *if I get hit my airbags will NOT DEPLOY*
Coolant is burning and going into the oil in the engine. Occupancy indicator is malfunctioning causing a drastic amount of liability for death
Read 14 more owner reports
The contact owns a 2024 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light was illuminated and the "all cylinders misfiring" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that there was bad fuel in the tank that needed to be drained. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there was diesel in the tank. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted; the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed the vehicle loss automotive power while the accelerator pedal was depressed. A dealer was contacted however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.
My car would not go when i gave it gas on a major highway with mu 3 children in the back seat. We almost got into a wreck.
Suspension noise over bumps
Exposed electric wires, airbag system failure codes, breaks non resistance in functional limitation of human safety. Voltage malfunction involves hazardous crash impact results
My car suddenly accelerated while I was pulling into my canopy carport causing me to crash into an old basketball goal and then the wall of my cottage. When this happened I was slowly pulling in to park when the car suddenly accelerated on its own and kept moving forward despite me pressing the brake. The RPM gauge continued to rev after the impact and the only way that I was able to make it stop was by putting the car into park and pushing the button to turn the car off. No warning lights illuminated on my dash. I have video of the incident from my security camera in my backyard.
Dealership refused to fix my safety system unint failure alont with proof of voltage malfunction
AIRBAG SYSTEM UNIT, AIRBAG SENSOR, VOLTAGE CRONIC MALFUNCTIONING POWER SUPPLY
Please see attachment:
I purchased this brand new in 2024 and about 5 months ago it started to just loose power. It almost caused me to be hit several times and the car just won’t go it looses all power and you can press the gas and it won’t go but eventually will start going again. It’s very dangerous luckily I haven’t had a wreck with me and my Infant in the car and I’ve been able to move out of the way of others.
The car shuts down on my wife multiple times now more than 10 to 15 times and most of the time it’s on the freeway few times she’s had my teenage son with her and I have three videos that I have sent to Kia but they’re refusing to move with buying the car back, saying because the dealership cannot duplicate the problem And the dealership drives the car 10 to 20 miles. I’ve stated to the dealership and to Kia factory that this car has to be driven every day like my wife who drives it so they can discover the problem they’re not going to be able to discover the problem or just drive and get 10 to 20 miles once or twice Last time I was found on my wife to take the car to the dealership on the freeway and it shut down on her on [XXX] right before the junction of [XXX] and I also have a video of that if I’m able to download it. I’ll download it for you guys. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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 properly. It had a water pump replaced after failing to be operated for more than a week and has since continued to fail - this time for not starting at all, not accelerating properly, and losing all power while driving (switching off completely) on at least two separate occasions. The dealership stated that I should drive the vehicle and document it when it occurs again (video) to assist them with identifying the issue since they are unable to correct the malfunction. It has been at the dealership for more than a month with no definitive resolution concerning the safety of the vehicle. I refuse to drive the vehicle and am afraid that I may injured/killed in an accident due to the safety concerns aforementioned. As of today's date, 09/22/2025, my 2024 KIA Forte remains at the KIA dealership with no foreseeable actions that may lead to a safe resolution. Further: 1) Component or system failed/malfunctioned - Engine, fuel pump, water pump. 2) Is it available for inspection - Yes. 3) How was your safety or that of others put at risk - Vehicle switched off multiple times while operating in traffic and barely escaping accidents. Suffered a scrape on the passenger's door as vehicle would not accelerate and stalled in a separate incident. 4) Vehicle or component been inspected by manufacturer - Yes, at the KIA dealership again. 5) Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure - No, there were no prior warning lamps, messages, or symptoms. KIA dealership stated that the 2024 KIA Forte has been "reprogrammed", but the dealership has been unable to identify the safety issues it has. I do not feel safe to operate this vehicle nor have any family members operate it.
Car has been in several times for repair clutch assembly clutch plate, flywheel transmission, and the problem continues with shifting it does not want to go into gear it grinds even with the clutch fully to the floor. It will not go into first gear, not going to reverse intermittently and sometimes it will go from 1st to 5th third gear is missing sometimes first gear is missing this can happen at any given time shifting putting it into reverse sometimes it will not go into gear. It will just grind gears or taking off from a dead stop. It will not go into first gear. It will automatically go into third gear even though you’re putting it over and trying to put it into first gear, it will not engage in first gear. It will go to third gear and if you try to put it in a different gear, it will grind. Kia is aware of the issue with my vehicle and another vehicle that is experiencing the same problems and is unable to fix them this is an ongoing intermittent issue
The contact owns a 2024 Kia Forte GT. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH on an off-ramp and making a right turn, the lane assist feature had malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to steer and crash into the guard rail. During the incident, the passenger side of the vehicle was damaged along with the guard rail. No injuries were reported. A police report was taken at the scene, and the vehicle was driven away. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. Previously, while driving, the vehicle had experienced transmission failures, causing the vehicle to jerk and shudder while attempting to accelerate. The RMPS failed to increase over 1.5 and failed to accelerate during normal mode however, in sports mode, the vehicle performed normally. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 14,000.
Police report filed after the vehicle was attempted to be stolen. 3 suspects were found in the car preparing to drive off with the car using the USB method as the cord was on the floor and it is not mine amd suspects were found in the car with it running and begining to move the vehicle.
Showing 20 of 1,108 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact KIA Forte
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used KIA Forte, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The KIA Forte has 1,108 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The KIA Forte has 16 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 103 of the KIA Forte's 1,108 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all KIA Forte vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two KIA Forte vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The KIA Forte has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used KIA Forte.
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KIA Forte reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the KIA Forte reliable?
Poor. The KIA Forte has 1,108 NHTSA owner complaints and 16 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ENGINE. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which KIA Forte years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2017 (303 complaints), 2015 (260 complaints), 2019 (147 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common KIA Forte problems?
Top reported issues: ENGINE (458 complaints); UNKNOWN OR OTHER (202 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (151 complaints).
Does the KIA Forte have recalls?
Yes — 16 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the KIA Forte. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.