2016 Kia Forte Koup reliability

Is it reliable?

The 2016 Kia Forte Koup has 134 complaints with NHTSA after 11 years, or 11 per year. That is more complaints per year than the 2017 Forte Koup (0), the only other year on this site. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.

2016 Kia Forte Koup
Photo by Mr.choppers, resized from the original. Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0
Complaints

134

Per year

11

Recalls

0

Years on the road

11

What owners report

The complaints owners file most often name Engine (66 of 134), then Electrical system (21) and Powertrain (16). Those filings include 16 that report a crash, 6 that report a fire, and 10 that report an injury.

Next to 2017

The 2017 Forte Koup has 0 complaints, 0 per year. The 2016 has more complaints per year than the 2017.

The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2016 Kia Forte Koup. How we count. Data as of .

Recalls (0)

No recalls on file with NHTSA for this model year.

Complaints by component (134 total)

Engine
66
Electrical system
21
Powertrain
16
Speed control
14
Air bags
13
Service brakes
10
Exterior lighting
9
Fuel and propulsion system
6
Wheels
6
Steering
5
Structure
5
Electronic stability control (ESC)
4
Suspension
3
Forward collision avoidance
2
Visibility and wipers
2
Engine and engine cooling
1
Fuel system, gasoline
1
Seat belts
1
Seats
1
Tires
1
Show 12 more Show less
Crash-flagged

16

Fire-flagged

6

Injury reports

10

Death reports

0

Complaints filed per year

112016720171420182020199202014202113202214202310202413202592026
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
  • "Car runs fine at lower speeds. When traveling over 50 mph for ten minutes or more, then decelerating or stopping in traffic or at a stop light it stalls. It cranks right back up after you put it neutral and turn the…"
    Engine · filed 2026-07-19
  • "Vehicle won't intake gas. Cod P0451, P0456"
    Fuel and propulsion system · filed 2026-07-13
  • "Unknown it makes a ticking noise check engine light came on and oil isn't low. Recently bought it."
    Electrical system, Unknown or other, Engine · filed 2026-07-01
  • "This Forte was not neglected and it was not abused. Nearly 90% of its miles came from highway commuting and interstate travel. It was completely stock, never modified, never driven hard. More importantly, it received…"
    Engine · filed 2026-05-26
  • "This is a paint issue."
    Unknown or other · filed 2026-05-12

NHTSA crash ratings

Version Overall Front Side Rollover
2016 Kia Forte Koup 2 DR FWD Not rated Not rated Not rated Not rated

Stars are how this vehicle did in NHTSA crash tests. They are a safety result, separate from the complaint record. Not rated means that test was not run for this version.

Specs and fitment

Second generation (YD), 2016–2017
Body styles Coupe
Oil 5W-30 or 5W-40 (1.6L turbo, all temps) , 4.8 qt capacity
Tire size 215/45R17

Known issues for this generation

Recall 21V-622 covers certain 2016-2018 Forte Koup 2-door vehicles (along with Forte 4-door and Rio models listed in the campaign): the trunk latch may become corroded and fail to secure the trunk lid. An unlatched trunk lid can open while driving and increase the risk of a crash. Dealers replace the trunk latch.

Compare

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2016 Kia Forte Koup reliable?

The 2016 Kia Forte Koup has 134 complaints with NHTSA after 11 years, or 11 per year. That is more complaints per year than the 2017 Forte Koup (0), the only other year on this site. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.

What are common problems with a 2016 Kia Forte Koup?

The complaints owners file most often name Engine (66 of 134), then Electrical system (21) and Powertrain (16). Those filings include 16 that report a crash, 6 that report a fire, and 10 that report an injury.

Is the 2016 Kia Forte Koup more reliable than the years next to it?

The 2017 Forte Koup has 0 complaints, 0 per year. The 2016 has more complaints per year than the 2017.

Has the 2016 Kia Forte Koup been recalled?

NHTSA has no recalls on file for the 2016 Kia Forte Koup.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2016 Kia Forte Koup?

Owners have filed 134 complaints about the 2016 Kia Forte Koup with NHTSA.

What oil does a Kia Forte Koup take?

5W-30 or 5W-40 for the 1.6L turbo at all temps on the 2016-2017 YD years here.

What does recall 21V-622 cover on the Forte Koup?

Certain 2016-2018 Forte Koup 2-door vehicles (with Forte 4-door and Rio models): the trunk latch may become corroded and fail to secure the trunk lid.

What years does this site cover for Forte Koup?

2016-2017 (YD generation).