2020 Kia Forte reliability
Owners have filed 76 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Kia Forte over 7 years — 6 per year. That is fewer complaints per year than most Forte years here — under the median of the other years, which is 10. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
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The complaints owners file most often name Engine (18 of 76), then Powertrain (16) and Electrical system (11). Those filings include 9 that report a crash, 2 that report a fire, and 4 that report an injury.
The 2019 Forte has 147 complaints, 24 per year, and the 2021 has 68 complaints, 12 per year. The 2020 has fewer complaints per year than the 2019. The 2020 has fewer complaints per year than the 2021.
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 2020 Kia Forte. How we count. Data as of .
Recalls (0)
No recalls on file with NHTSA for this model year.
Complaints by component (76 total)
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Complaints filed per year
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
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"The engine has failed in this vehicle just like it has in other 2.0L kia vehicles 2020-2026. The piston rings have failed and the pistons have all pitted or developed holes in them just like in the recall 25V-099/kia…"
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"The infotainment screen is de-laminating."
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"The contact owns a 2020 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bags warning light illuminated and then went off. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle,…"
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"Engine burning excessive oil over a quart in 1000 miles. Catalytic converter code P0420 because of the excessive oil burning. Oil was always changed within the specified dealer milage range."
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"I experienced a check engine light and had the vehicle diagnosed with codes P0017 and P0014. The vehicle was taken to a Kia dealership, where the technician found that the exhaust camshaft was free-spinning without the…"
NHTSA crash ratings
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | 4 stars | 4 stars | 5 stars | 4 stars |
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.
Fuel economy
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Combined | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forte | 1.6L, 4-cyl | Automatic (7-speed) | Front-wheel drive | 27 | 35 | 30 MPG | $2150 |
| Forte | 2L, 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-wheel drive | 29 | 40 | 33 MPG | $1950 |
| Forte | 1.6L, 4-cyl | Manual 6-speed | Front-wheel drive | 25 | 32 | 28 MPG | $2300 |
| Forte | 2L, 4-cyl | Manual 6-speed | Front-wheel drive | 27 | 37 | 31 MPG | $2100 |
| Forte FE | 2L, 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-wheel drive | 31 | 41 | 35 MPG | $1850 |
Specs and fitment
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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2020 Kia Forte reliable?
Owners have filed 76 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Kia Forte over 7 years — 6 per year. That is fewer complaints per year than most Forte years here — under the median of the other years, which is 10. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
What are common problems with a 2020 Kia Forte?
The complaints owners file most often name Engine (18 of 76), then Powertrain (16) and Electrical system (11). Those filings include 9 that report a crash, 2 that report a fire, and 4 that report an injury.
Is the 2020 Kia Forte more reliable than the years next to it?
The 2019 Forte has 147 complaints, 24 per year, and the 2021 has 68 complaints, 12 per year. The 2020 has fewer complaints per year than the 2019. The 2020 has fewer complaints per year than the 2021.
Has the 2020 Kia Forte been recalled?
NHTSA has no recalls on file for the 2020 Kia Forte.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Kia Forte?
Owners have filed 76 complaints about the 2020 Kia Forte with NHTSA.
What mpg does a 2020 Kia Forte get?
EPA-rated combined fuel economy for the 2020 Kia Forte is 31.4 MPG. See the fuel economy table on this page for city and highway figures by engine and transmission.
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.