2019 Kia Forte problems, complaints & recalls

2019 Kia Forte recalls (2)

• Recall 20V459000Aug 5, 2020834 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

  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.

  Risk: A broken driveshaft can result in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left front axle driveshaft for a heat treatment verification code, and replace it if the code is missing, free of charge. The recall began September 2, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC195.

• Recall 18V771000Oct 31, 20181,754 vehicles
  EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

  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."

  Risk: If the headlights are not properly aimed, the driver may have reduced visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the headlight aiming and replace the headlights, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 30, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC171.

Recent 2019 Kia Forte complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

1. Filed Jun 16, 2026124,000 miTXTowedEngine

   The contact owns a 2019 Kia Forte. The contact stated that after driving to the local store and turning off the vehicle, after returning to the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with a timing chain failure caused by low engine oil. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the vehicle had experienced excessive oil consumption and engine oil was constantly added to the vehicle. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11744427 · source
2. Filed Jun 1, 2026GADriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   While driving, the Forward Collision Warning system activated unexpectedly without any apparent hazard or obstruction in front of my vehicle. Immediately after the warning appeared, the vehicle suddenly lost speed and became very slow to accelerate. I was unable to safely increase my speed while traveling on a busy roadway, creating a dangerous situation and nearly resulting in a collision with surrounding traffic. Due to the sudden loss of power and inability to accelerate…

   NHTSA complaint #11741432 · source
3. Filed May 8, 202686,000 miVATowedEngine

   The contact owns a 2019 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 70 MPH, the contact had exited when the oil and battery warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle rolled over to the side of the road. The contact exited the vehicle and, upon inspection, noticed that an excessive amount of oil had leaked onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the drain plug had failed and the engine was…

   NHTSA complaint #11736553 · source
4. Filed May 4, 2026FLTransmission & Drivetrain

   The transmission had a recall 2 years ago and they gave me a new one (KIA). I am having issues with my transmission again

   NHTSA complaint #11735430 · source
5. Filed Apr 27, 2026VAEngine

   My car has cut off on me going down the road and it cut back on I have had where the car is slow at acceleration and trying to stall out on me and causing a car to almost hit me in the bumper cause of it the car only has 112,580 miles and have not been able to drive the car since march 13,2026 due to this issue and not feeling safe to drive it

   NHTSA complaint #11734155 · source
6. Filed Apr 7, 2026PACrashTowedEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

   As I was driving on the turnpike the car engine literally just shut down on me! It could have caused a serious accident. This is the 3rd time when driving the car just stopped on its own on me! Gas tank full, oil good and battery good, but the engine is not! It gave me NO WARNING either. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL. I could have been hit all 3 times! Family came to help and tried to jump it and it wouldn't start so I had to get it towed. Dates happened March 28, 31st and April…

   NHTSA complaint #11729604 · source
7. Filed Apr 6, 2026ILFireEngine

   Car caught on fire while driving down the highway. Had engine replaced with a remanufactured engine in January of 2026 and car engine seized again 30 days later.

   NHTSA complaint #11729517 · source
8. Filed Mar 13, 2026CADriver Assistance & Safety TechEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control

   February 1st 2026, I done my oil change. My car was running fine. No check engine light was on or anything, my forward collision warning started disabling itself when I always kept it on. When I try to accelerate my vehicle it would take a while to accelerate. March 7th 2026, while I was driving, my car quit while it was still running. It also quit the same day again just in park. March 8th 2026, I went to take my vehicle to get a diagnostics and when leaving my home. My car…

   NHTSA complaint #11724175 · source

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology