Kia Forte problems by model year

Updated Oct 11, 2026 from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 1,717 owner complaints and 18 recalls on file for the Kia Forte (2010–2024). The 2014 Forte has the most serious complaints, most often about engine.

Complaints: 1,717
Recalls: 18
Model years: 15
Worst year: 2014

Complaints by model year

NHTSA complaints per Kia Forte model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Kia Forte years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

2014 Kia Forte — 280 complaints, 15 crashes, 24 fires; top problem: Engine
2017 Kia Forte — 237 complaints, 14 crashes, 9 fires; top problem: Engine
2015 Kia Forte — 198 complaints, 5 crashes, 15 fires; top problem: Engine
2012 Kia Forte — 172 complaints, 4 crashes, 16 fires; top problem: Engine
2013 Kia Forte — 111 complaints, 5 crashes, 12 fires; top problem: Engine

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2022 (28 complaints).

Every Kia Forte model year

Year	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Recalls	Top problem
2024 Forte	26	6	0	2	0	Engine
2023 Forte	64	11	4	5	3	Steering
2022 Forte	28	3	1	2	1	Engine
2021 Forte	69	11	0	7	2	Engine
2020 Forte	77	9	2	6	0	Engine
2019 Forte	118	8	4	4	2	Engine
2018 Forte	114	10	2	7	3	Engine
2017 Forte	237	14	9	11	3	Engine
2016 Forte	84	9	3	10	1	Engine
2015 Forte	198	5	15	7	1	Engine
2014 Forte	280	15	24	11	3	Engine
2013 Forte	111	5	12	6	5	Engine
2012 Forte	172	4	16	3	4	Engine
2011 Forte	60	2	9	3	3	Engine
2010 Forte	79	4	1	4	3	Engine

Most common Kia Forte problem areas (all years)

Engine
927 complaints
Electrical System
223 complaints
Brakes
145 complaints
Airbags
139 complaints
Transmission & Drivetrain
131 complaints
Steering
111 complaints
Lighting
109 complaints
Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
81 complaints
Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
80 complaints
Body & Structure
51 complaints

Complaint trend

Complaints about the Kia Forte received by NHTSA each month.

Kia Forte recalls

Recall 24V244000Apr 1, 2024215 vehiclesDo not driveModel years 2023
Risk: Front lower control arm failure can cause a sudden loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 23V652000Sep 25, 20231,730,192 vehiclesModel years 2010–2013
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Recall 23V649000Sep 22, 20233,866 vehiclesDo not driveModel years 2023
Risk: Front lower control arm failure can cause a sudden loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 22V906000Dec 8, 2022939 vehiclesModel years 2023
Risk: A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
Recall 22V304000May 5, 202230 vehiclesModel years 2021–2022
Risk: Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
Recall 22V031000Jan 25, 2022410,619 vehiclesModel years 2017–2018
Risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Recall 21V622000Aug 9, 2021253,074 vehiclesModel years 2016–2018
Risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Recall 21V260000Apr 13, 20214,069 vehiclesModel years 2017–2018
Risk: A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 21V164000Mar 11, 2021142 vehiclesModel years 2021
Risk: In the event of a crash, deployment of the front passenger air bag, with a child in that seat, can increase the risk of injury to the child.
Recall 20V750000Dec 2, 2020294,756 vehiclesModel years 2012–2015
Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Recall 20V459000Aug 5, 2020834 vehiclesModel years 2019
Risk: A broken driveshaft can result in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 18V771000Oct 31, 20181,754 vehiclesModel years 2019
Risk: If the headlights are not properly aimed, the driver may have reduced visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 18V363000Jun 1, 2018507,587 vehiclesModel years 2010–2013
Risk: If the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Recall 17V773000Dec 1, 2017134,366 vehiclesModel years 2012–2014
Risk: If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Recall 16V312000May 17, 20165,245 vehiclesModel years 2013
Risk: If a retaining plate breaks during a crash, pieces of the plate could strike the occupants, increasing risk of injury.
Recall 16V070000Feb 5, 201610,240 vehiclesModel years 2011
Risk: If enough transmission fluid leaks out, the transmission may not function properly and the vehicle may stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 15V015000Jan 16, 201586,880 vehiclesModel years 2014
Risk: If the cooling fan resistor overheats and melts, there is an increased risk of a vehicle fire.
Recall 13V114000Apr 1, 2013980,377 vehiclesModel years 2010
Risk: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.

Other Kia models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology