Complaints by model year
Distinct federal complaints filed against each model year of the Kia Forte, to date. Hover a bar for the count. Older years have had longer to accumulate filings; the rankings below correct for that.
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Highest totals within an 8-year windowAll other years
Model years compared
Ranked from the same federal record on an equal exposure window. Click any year for its full file.
Highest complaint totals
- 2014 Kia Forte - 333 complaints in its first 8 years (444 to date)
- 2017 Kia Forte - 292 complaints in its first 8 years (305 to date)
- 2015 Kia Forte - 209 complaints in its first 8 years (260 to date)
Ranked on distinct complaints filed within eight years of the model year, so old and new years get the same exposure window. Not adjusted for sales volume; a best-selling year files more complaints at the same failure rate.
Lowest totals among mature years
- 2011 Kia Forte - 93 complaints in its first 8 years (153 to date)
- 2016 Kia Forte - 111 complaints in its first 8 years (136 to date)
- 2010 Kia Forte - 120 complaints in its first 8 years (221 to date)
Same eight-year window, among model years old enough to have completed it and with at least 25 complaints in it. Model years before 1990 are excluded because the federal file begins in 1995. A low total is not proof of reliability.
What owners report, all years combined
Every model year
| Model year | Complaints to date | Within 8 years | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Kia Forte | 26 | 26 | 0 |
| 2023 Kia Forte | 64 | 64 | 3 |
| 2022 Kia Forte | 28 | 28 | 1 |
| 2021 Kia Forte | 69 | 69 | 2 |
| 2020 Kia Forte | 78 | 78 | 0 |
| 2019 Kia Forte | 147 | 147 | 2 |
| 2018 Kia Forte | 136 | 136 | 3 |
| 2017 Kia Forte | 305 | 292 | 3 |
| 2016 Kia Forte | 136 | 111 | 1 |
| 2015 Kia Forte | 260 | 209 | 1 |
| 2014 Kia Forte | 444 | 333 | 3 |
| 2013 Kia Forte | 195 | 126 | 5 |
| 2012 Kia Forte | 292 | 151 | 4 |
| 2011 Kia Forte | 153 | 93 | 3 |
| 2010 Kia Forte | 221 | 120 | 3 |
| 2009 Kia Forte | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Recall campaigns, all years
Every campaign filed against this model, with the model years it covers. Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN.
| Campaign | Years | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24V244000DO NOT DRIVE | 2023 | Suspension | Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Forte vehicles. The right front lower control arm may have been improperly welded, which can cause it to fail. |
| 23V652000 | 2010-2013 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima... |
| 23V649000DO NOT DRIVE | 2023 | Suspension | Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Forte vehicles. The right front lower control arm may have been improperly welded, which can cause it to fail. |
| 22V906000 | 2023 | Steering | Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Forte vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the front left steering knuckle may crack, which can result in a loss of steering... |
| 22V304000 | 2021-2022 | Steering | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rio and Forte vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to... |
| 22V031000 | 2017-2018 | Air Bags | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles. |
| 21V622000 | 2016-2018 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Forte 4-door, Forte Koup 2-door, and 2018-2019 Rio 4-door vehicles. |
| 21V260000 | 2017-2018 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Forte vehicles equipped with a 2.0L Nu MPI engine. |
| 21V164000 | 2021 | Air Bags | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021 Telluride, K5, and Forte vehicles. |
| 20V750000 | 2012-2015 | Engine | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. |
| 20V459000 | 2019 | Power Train | 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. |
| 18V771000 | 2019 | Exterior Lighting | 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. |
| 18V363000 | 2010-2013 | Air Bags | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. |
| 17V773000 | 2012-2014 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Forte and Forte Koup vehicles. |
| 16V312000 | 2013 | Seat Belts | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2013 Forte vehicles manufactured September 10, 2012, to October 31, 2012. |
| 16V070000 | 2011 | Power Train | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2011 Forte vehicles manufactured August 27, 2010, to November 11, 2010. |
| 15V015000 | 2014 | Electrical System | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2014 Kia Forte vehicles manufactured December 5, 2012, to April 17, 2014. |
| 13V114000 | 2010 | Exterior Lighting | Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011... |