Kia Forte reliability and problems by year
Owners have filed 2,554 complaints about the Kia Forte with NHTSA since 2010, most often about engine and electrical system. Kia has filed 3 warranty extensions and 25 service campaigns for it, and there are 18 safety recalls on file.
From NHTSA's public data files, downloaded 2026-10-10.
How reliable is the Kia Forte? What NHTSA's records show
We don't give the Forte a reliability score. NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. Here is what's on file for model years 2010 on.
- Owner complaints
- 2,554
- Filed with NHTSA, all model years
- Warranty extensions
- 3
- Filed by Kia
- Service campaigns
- 25
- Filed by Kia
- Safety recalls
- 18
- Each covers part of the model
Every model year compared
Complaints rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so a newer or rarer year will show fewer. Compare years of the Forte with each other.
| Year | Complaints | Most named | Recalls | Warranty / campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 26 | Other or unspecified (35%) | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 64 | Steering (23%) | 3 | 0 |
| 2022 | 28 | Other or unspecified (32%) | 1 | 0 |
| 2021 | 69 | Engine (32%) | 2 | 1 |
| 2020 | 78 | Other or unspecified (33%) | 0 | 1 |
| 2019 | 147 | Transmission and drivetrain (32%) | 2 | 1 |
| 2018 | 136 | Engine (42%) | 3 | 4 |
| 2017 | 305 | Engine (48%) | 3 | 6 |
| 2016 | 136 | Engine (49%) | 1 | 6 |
| 2015 | 260 | Engine (61%) | 1 | 7 |
| 2014 | 444 | Engine (49%) | 3 | 7 |
| 2013 | 195 | Engine (55%) | 5 | 7 |
| 2012 | 292 | Engine (55%) | 4 | 7 |
| 2011 | 153 | Engine (29%) | 3 | 9 |
| 2010 | 221 | Engine (33%) | 3 | 13 |
Look up one model year, or a VIN
See the complaints, recalls and warranty extensions for a single Forte model year, with the typical mileage when owners reported each problem.
Acknowledged by Kia
Warranty extensions and service campaigns Kia filed with NHTSA for the Forte, in its own words. A warranty extension means Kia pays for the repair beyond the normal warranty.
- Warranty extensionMar 2021· Airbags· model years 2014–2015
CLOCKSPRING REPLACEMENT FOR AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON - DTC B1346/B1481 - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.
- Warranty extensionDec 2020· Airbags· model years 2014–2015
CLOCKSPRING REPLACEMENT FOR AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON â DTC B1346/B1481 - This bulletin provides information related to the replacement of the driverâÂÂs airbag clock spring assembly on some 2012-2013MY Rio (UB) and 2014-2015MY Forte/Koup (YD) associated with the Warranty…
- Warranty extensionOct 2020· Equipment and accessories· model years 2014–2015
WARRANTY EXTENSION - NOTICE TO RIO OWNERS - This document is notice to the owners of the 2012-2013 MY Kia Rio vehicles of the warranty extension on the driver's front airbag clock spring assembly to fifteen (15) years with unlimited mileage, starting from the date the vehicles…
- Service campaignNov 2024· Engine· model years 2017–2018
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: SUBSEQUENT REPAIR ACTION: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI2106Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.
- Service campaignNov 2024· Engine· model years 2010–2011
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: SUBSEQUENT REPAIR ACTION: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI2102Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.
- Service campaignNov 2024· Engine· model years 2012–2015
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI2002Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.
- Service campaignNov 2024· Engine· model years 2016
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: SUBSEQUENT REPAIR ACTION: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI2105Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.
- Service campaignAug 2024· Brakes· model years 2014–2017
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: BRAKE TUBE/LINE REINSPECTION/REPLACEMENT & ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL REAPPLICATION (SC238A) - This bulletin provides information to inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake tube(s)/line(s) for leakage and apply additional anti-corrosion material to…
- Service campaignMay 2023· Body and structure· model years 2016–2018
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign, as a preventive measure, to apply anti-corrosion material to the underbody components of certain 2017-2018 MY Forte vehicles…
- Service campaignAug 2022· Body and structure· model years 2014–2017
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: BRAKE TUBE/ LINE INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT & ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL APPLICATION (SC238) - This bulletin provides information to inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake tube(s)/line(s) for leakage and also apply additional anti-corrosion material to…
- Service campaignOct 2021· Electrical system· model years 2017–2018
VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: ECM UPDATE FOR OBD LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC203) - This bulletin provides the procedure to improve the logic of the Engine Control Module (ECM) on some 2017-2018MY Forte (YDm) vehicles equipped with the NU 2.0L MPI engine, produced from May 27,…
- Service campaignOct 2021· Engine and cooling· model years 2017–2018
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update on 2017-2018 MY Kia Forte vehicles equipped with 2.0-liter Nu GDI engines to protect the engine…
- Service campaignAug 2021· Engine and cooling· model years 2016
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign (PI2105) to perform a software update on 2016 MY Kia Forte and Forte Koup vehicles equipped with 2.0-liter GDI engines to…
- Service campaignApr 2021· Engine and cooling· model years 2010–2011
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update on 2010-2011 MY Kia Forte and Forte Koup vehicles equipped with 2.4-liter MPI engines to protect…
- Service campaignDec 2020· Equipment and accessories· model years 2019–2021
SC199 - Questions and Answers: Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to improve the Transmission Control Module (TCM) logic and, if necessary, replace the Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) on some 2019-2020 Forte; 2020-2021 Soul, and…
- Service campaignSep 2019· Engine and cooling· model years 2014–2016
SC180 - This document is the Dealer Service Manager notification of the Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign on certain 2014-2016 MY Kia Forte vehicles equipped with the 2.0-liter GDI SULEV engine to update the catalyst heating logic in the Engine Control Module ("ECM") with an…
- Service campaignFeb 2017· Body and structure· model years 2010–2013
TSB: SC141 - SERVICE CAMPAIGN - APPLICATION OF ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL - To improve customer satisfaction, Kia is launching this service campaign to apply additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody components of certain 2011-2014MY Sorento, 2011-2014MY Optima…
- Service campaignJan 2017· Body and structure· model years 2010–2013
SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER LETTER - Advises Owners of certain 2011-2013 MY Forte and Forte Koup vehicles currently registered in the states where heavy amounts of road salt are used of a service campaign to add additional anti-corrosion material to underbody components of vehicle.
- Service campaignDec 2016· Body and structure· model years 2010–2013
TSB: SC141 - SERVICE CAMPAIGN - APPLICATION OF ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL - To improve customer satisfaction, Kia is launching this service campaign to apply additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody components of certain 2011-2014MY Sorento, 2011-2014MY Optima…
- Service campaignDec 2016· Body and structure· model years 2010–2013
DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO: SC141 - SERVICE CAMPAIGN - Attention: All Kia Dealer Principals - Kia Motors America, Inc.
- Service campaignDec 2016· Body and structure· model years 2010–2013
SERVICE MANAGER MEMO: SC141 - SERVICE CAMPAIGN - Attention: All Kia Service Managers - Kia Motors America, Inc.
- Service campaignDec 2016· Body and structure· model years 2010–2013
Questions and answers for voluntary service campaign SC141 ? Underbody ? Additional anti-corrosion treatment
- Service campaignMar 2016· Electrical system· model years 2011
Voluntary emissions service campaign: Engine control module software update (sc 126) - this bulletin provides information related to updating the software programming (calibration) of the engine control module (ECM) on some 2011MY Optima (tf) vehicles equipped with a 2.4L engine…
- Service campaignMay 2015· Tires· model years 2010
Tsb: Voluntary service campaign - as a preventative measure, effective immediately, voluntary service campaign SC119 has been expanded to include all states.
- Service campaignApr 2015· Tires· model years 2010
Is conducting a voluntary service campaign to replace the tire valve stem assemblies in certain 2010 MY Forte vehicles that were originally sold in or are currently registered in the states where heavy amounts of road salt are used.
- Service campaignApr 2015· Tires· model years 2010
Dealer principal memo: Attention: All dealer principals - kia motors america, inc.
- Service campaignApr 2015· Equipment and accessories· model years 2010
Dealer parts and service manager memo: Attention: All kia parts & service managers - kia motors america, inc.
- Service campaignApr 2015· Equipment and accessories· model years 2010
Q and a: For voluntary service campaign (SC119) 2010 MY Forte, 2010 MY Soul, and 2011 MY Sorento replacement of the valve stem assembly
What owners report most
The parts of the car owners named in their complaints, across every Forte model year. Unverified, and not a failure rate.
- Engine1,128 (44%)
- Electrical system323 (13%)
- Other or unspecified314 (12%)
- Airbags281 (11%)
- Transmission and drivetrain164 (6%)
- Exterior lights158 (6%)
- Brakes137 (5%)
- Steering116 (5%)
Safety recalls
18 recalls cover at least one Forte model year. Each covers a range of VINs, not every car. Check one car at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
The right front lower control arm may have been improperly welded, which can cause it to fail.
The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
The right front lower control arm may have been improperly welded, which can cause it to fail.
Due to a manufacturing error, the front left steering knuckle may crack, which can result in a loss of steering control.
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 Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) cover may contact a memory chip on the printed circuit board and damage the electrical circuit. Circuit damage may result in deactivated air bags that will not deploy in a crash.
The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside.
Foreign particles may stick inside the oil pump, which may cause an oil pump failure and engine damage.
The Occupant Classification and Detection System (OCS/ODS) unit may not detect the presence of a child restraint system in the front passenger seat.
An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
The left front axle driveshaft may not have been heat-treated, which can cause it to break.
The headlights may not have been manufactured with the correct low beam aiming.
In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.
The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released.
The screws that hold the front seatbelt retractor retaining plates may not have been properly tightened, and as a result, the seatbelt retractor retaining plates may break in a crash.
And 3 more recalls on NHTSA.
NHTSA investigations
Defect investigations NHTSA opened. Many close without a recall.
- AQ23002Audit query· opened Nov 2023, still open· Brakes· model years 2010–2013
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
- DP22003Defect petition· opened Sep 2022, closed Dec 2023· Engine· model years 2010–2013, 2015
Loss of Motive Power
- EA21003Engineering analysis· opened Dec 2021, closed Feb 2024· Engine· model years 2012–2015
Engine Fires
Led to recall 23V877.
- EA19001Engineering analysis· opened Apr 2019, closed Sep 2024· Airbags· model years 2013
Electrical overstress
Led to recall 20V024.
- PE18003Preliminary evaluation· opened Mar 2018, closed Aug 2019· Airbags· model years 2010–2013
Air bags may be disabled during crash
Led to recall 18E043000.
NHTSA's own page for the 2024 Kia Forte has the complaint text and every document.
Was the work actually done on the car you're looking at?
Model-year records can't tell you about one car. A Kia service history check returns that vehicle's own dealer records by VIN.
Check a Kia's service historyCommon questions
Is the Kia Forte reliable?
We don't score reliability: NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. What's on file for model years 2010 on: 2,554 owner complaints, 3 warranty extensions and 25 service campaigns Kia filed, and 18 safety recalls. The model years with the most complaints are 2014 (444), 2017 (305), 2012 (292). Whether a known problem was fixed on one car is what its service records show.
What are the most common problems with the Kia Forte?
Across every model year since 2010, owners' complaints to NHTSA most often name engine (44%), electrical system (13%), other or unspecified (12%). Kia has filed 3 warranty extensions covering the Forte, listed on this page.
Which Forte model years have the most complaints?
2014 (444), 2017 (305), 2012 (292). Complaint counts rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so compare years of the Forte with each other rather than with other models.
Has Kia extended the warranty on the Forte?
Yes: airbags (model years 2014–2015); airbags (model years 2014–2015); equipment and accessories (model years 2014–2015). A dealer does a covered repair for free within the extended time or mileage.
How do I check recalls on a Forte?
Enter the car's 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That answers for one vehicle; the 18 recalls listed here are for the model, and each covers only part of it.