Kia Forte years to avoid and best years
Newer Kia Forte years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2019 has the most complaints per year, at 24 (147 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2016 at 0 (from 3 complaints), 2022 at 5 (from 27 complaints), and 2020 at 6 (from 76 complaints). On the 2019 Kia Forte, 37 of 147 complaints name Powertrain.
Data as of .
Kia Forte reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Kia Forte. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 → | 8 | 25 | 0 | Engine | 30.5 |
| 2023 → | 16 | 62 | 3 | Powertrain | 30.5 |
| 2022 → Fewest | 5 | 27 | 1 | Engine | 31 |
| 2021 → | 12 | 68 | 2 | Engine | 31.4 |
| 2020 → Fewest | 6 | 76 | 0 | Powertrain | 31.4 |
| 2019 → Most | 24 | 147 | 2 | Powertrain | 33.3 |
| 2018 → | 11 | 136 | 3 | Engine | 28 |
| 2017 → | 23 | 302 | 3 | Engine | 27.7 |
| 2016 Fewest | 0 | 3 | 1 | Engine | 26.7 |
| 2015 → | 8 | 259 | 1 | Engine | 26.8 |
| 2014 → | 19 | 442 | 3 | Engine | 26.8 |
| 2013 → | 7 | 195 | 5 | Engine | 27.3 |
| 2012 → | 8 | 292 | 4 | Engine | 27.3 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- 5W-20 or 0W-20 (1.8L and 2.0L) · 4.2 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 195/65R15 to 225/40R18 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA campaign 21V622000. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Forte 4-door, Forte Koup 2-door, and 2018-2019 Rio 4-door vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release." A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury. Dealers will replace the trunk latch assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 10, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC216.
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- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- 0W-20 (2.0L and 1.6L turbo where equipped) · 4 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 195/65R15 to 225/40R18 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA campaign 21V164000. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021 Telluride, K5, and Forte vehicles. The Occupant Classification and Detection System (OCS/ODS) unit may not detect the presence of a child restraint system in the front passenger seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection." 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. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCS/ODS unit, free of charge. The recall began March 18, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC207.
Frequently asked questions
Which Kia Forte years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2016 at 0 (from 3 complaints), 2022 at 5 (from 27 complaints), and 2020 at 6 (from 76 complaints).
Which Kia Forte year has the most owner complaints?
2019 has the most complaints per year, at 24 (147 complaints). On the 2019 Kia Forte, 37 of 147 complaints name Powertrain.
How do Kia Forte owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Kia Forte years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones.
What oil does a Forte take?
Viscosity and capacity depend on engine and model year; use the generation specs here and confirm in the owner’s manual.
What generation is the 2020 Kia Forte?
4th generation / BD (2019-on).
What tire sizes does a Kia Forte use?
US Forte fits commonly run about 195/65R15 to 225/40R18 depending on trim.