Vehicles / Kia / Forte / 2020

2020 Kia Forte

78 federal complaints (107 component records) · 0 recall campaigns on file · 100 service bulletins · 1 Canadian recall
See all 16 model years of the Kia Forte →
Engine
1.6L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
27 city / 35 hwy
Federal complaints
78
Recall campaigns
0
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Other
26
Engine & cooling
23
Power train
16
Electrical system
11
Driver assistance
9
Air bags
5
Speed control
4
Steering
3
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 12 complaints01 years old: 7 complaints2 years old: 5 complaints3 years old: 14 complaints4 years old: 8 complaints5 years old: 13 complaints56 years old: 19 complaints7 years old: 0 complaints8 years old: 0 complaints9 years old: 0 complaints10 years old: 0 complaints1011 years old: 0 complaints12 years old: 0 complaints13 years old: 0 complaints14 years old: 0 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 78 of 78 complaints with a usable failure date.

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Engine & cooling

23 complaint records1 fire report
"The engine light went on and engine is burning oil mechanic said it needs to be rebuilt it’s currently under financing from kia and not sure if they cover this..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Power train

16 complaint records1 crash report
"Transmission was having issues, car would not accelerate properly. Engine light came on and vehicle was towed to the original dealership for inspection where they confirmed transmission had gone out and it did get replaced...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →

Electrical system

11 complaint records
"The crankshaft position sensor keeps going bad and it make the forward collision trigger and it loses power and the dash stops working and causes the car to shut off..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2021225
2021-04-14
Engine19,634Issue: On certain vehicles, the engine's piston oil rings may be defective. This can cause engine wear that can lead to increased oil consumption.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
TSB_ENG263
Aug 2026
Electrical SystemTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: MISFIRE CONCERN DUE TO OVERRUNNING ALTERNATOR DECOUPLER - This bulletin provides information to address unresolved misfire events on some 2020–2024MY Forte (BDm) produced from January 1, 2019 through September 30, 2024, and 2020–2022MY Soul (SK3)...
CS2312_TSB_R2
Jun 2026
StructureTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR AND DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2312) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.
TSB_CS2312_R1
Feb 2026
StructureTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR AND DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2312) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.
SC199_OWNR_BD_3
Feb 2026
Electrical SystemVOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (SC199 FL301) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting Voluntary Service Campaign to update the software programming on the Transmission Control Module (TCM) and, if necessary, replace...
TSB_CS2312
Dec 2025
StructureTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR AND DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2312) - This bulletin provides information to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022MY Kia vehicles outlined on page 19,...
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
CS2312_OWNR
Dec 2025
StructureCUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (CS2312) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting Customer Satisfaction Campaign.
PS797
Dec 2025
Back Over PreventionPITSTOP: TECHNICAL OPERATIONS: EXTERNAL DAMAGE TO ULTRASONIC SENSOR: This Pitstop provides information related to Parking Distance Warning (PDW) alerts and repairs involving ultrasonic sensors.
TSB_TRA046_R5
Apr 2025
Power TrainTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
TSB_ENG222_R8
Apr 2025
EngineTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
TSB_ELE378
Mar 2025
Electrical SystemTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: KIA CONNECT MODEM RESET (SA611) - This bulletin outlines the procedure for resetting the modem in certain 2016-2025MY Kia vehicles listed on page 3 that are equipped with Kia Connect Services.
TSB_ENG222_R7
Feb 2025
EngineTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
TSB_CHA121_R2
Sep 2024
SuspensionTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: FRONT STRUT BEARING & SPRING PAD REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
TSB_CHA121_R1
Jul 2024
SuspensionTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: FRONT STRUT BEARING & SPRING PAD REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
TSB_TRA109
Jul 2024
Power TrainTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: IVT OIL PRESSURE SENSOR REPLACEMENT: This bulletin provides information to replace the Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) Oil Pressure Sensor (OPS) on some 2018-2024MY vehicles listed on page 3 equipped with IVT.
CS2305_TSB_R5
Jun 2024
Electrical SystemTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2305) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
TSB_TRA046_R4
May 2024
Power TrainThis bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced.
TSB_ELE303_R2
Feb 2024
Electrical SystemTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: AVN 5.0 WIDE NON-RESPONSIVE RADIO ICON (AM, FM, SXM) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
TSB_CHA121
Jan 2024
SuspensionTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: FRONT STRUT BEARING & SPRING PAD REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information to replace the front strut bearing and upper spring pad on both front (LH and RH) strut assemblies on certain 2019-2024MY Forte (BDm) vehicles produced from July 09,...
CS2305_TSB_R4
Nov 2023
Electrical SystemTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2305) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
TSB_BOD212_R1
Nov 2023
SeatsTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL SEAT TRACK REPLACEMENT FOR INOPERATIVE FRONT SEAT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
TSB_CLI053_R1
Oct 2023
VisibilityTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HVAC BLOWER MOTOR CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
TSB_ELE303
Aug 2023
Electrical SystemTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: AVN 5.0 WIDE NON-RESPONSIVE RADIO ICON (AM, FM, SXM) - This bulletin provides information to update the software on 5th Generation AVN wide on certain 2020-2023MY Kia vehicles to remedy a 'non-responsive' or 'inoperative' radio (FM,...
TSB_CLI053
Aug 2023
VisibilityTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HVAC BLOWER MOTOR CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information to replace the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) blower motor connector on some 2019-2023MY Forte (BDm) vehicles produced from July 09, 2018 through present,...
TSB_ELE209_R4
Aug 2023
Electrical SystemTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE REMINDER SETTING RESET PROCEDURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
CS2305C_OWNR2
Aug 2023
Electrical SystemCUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER RE-NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner re-notification advising that Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition system should a locked vehicle be the...
CS2310_TSB_R1
Aug 2023
Electrical SystemTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: KIA GENUINE REMOTE START CONTROL MODULE UPGRADE FOR ANTI-THEFT LOGIC COMPATIBILITY (CS2310) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.
CS2305_TSB_R3
Jul 2023
Electrical SystemTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2305) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
CS2310_TSB
Jul 2023
Electrical SystemTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: KIA GENUINE REMOTE START CONTROL MODULE UPGRADE FOR ANTI-THEFT LOGIC COMPATIBILITY (CS2310) - This bulletin provides information to update the software logic in the Kia Genuine Remote Start Control Module on certain 2012-2022MY...
SC199_TSB_R4
Jun 2023
Power TrainVOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: IVT SOFTWARE LOGIC IMPROVEMENT AND/OR IVT REPLACEMENT (SC199) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
TSB_TRA102_R1
Jun 2023
Power TrainTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: IVT SOFTWARE LOGIC IMPROVEMENT AND/OR IVT REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to update the Transmission Control Module (TCM) software logic and, if necessary, replace the Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) assembly on certain...
TSB_ENG243
Jun 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: LOOSE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY PARTIAL REPAIR - This bulletin provides information regarding a loose crankshaft pulley condition on certain 2020-2023MY Forte (BDm) vehicles equipped with a 1.6L T-GDI and 6-speed manual transmission, produced from May 15,...
TSB_BOD314
May 2023
StructureTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: OVERHEAD CONSOLE SUNGLASS DOOR-LATCH REPAIR - This bulletin provides information to repair the overhead console lamp assembly and sunglass door latch on some 2012-2023MY model vehicles listed in the table below, which may encounter the sunglass case...
CS2305_TSB_R2
May 2023
Electrical SystemTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2305) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
CS2305_TSB_R1
Apr 2023
Electrical SystemTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2305) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
CS2305C_OWNRBDM
Apr 2023
Electrical SystemCUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition system should a locked vehicle be the subject...
CS2305_TSB
Apr 2023
Electrical SystemTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2305) - This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM) system on certain 2014-2018MY...
PS677_R2
Apr 2023
Electrical SystemPIT STOP: LOG FILE COLLECTION FOR AVN 5.0/W AND DISPLAY AUDIO 2.0 - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
TSB_FUE052_CLSD
Jan 2023
Fuel SystemTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CLOSED: FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE (ICV) MODIFICATION - FUE052 Superseded by FUE056
TSB_FUE056
Jan 2023
Fuel SystemTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INSTALLATION OF SECONDARY FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE (ICV) - This bulletin supersedes TSB FUE052. Follow the updated information in this bulletin for the noted concern on the applicable vehicle.
TSB_CLI048_R1
Nov 2022
VisibilityTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR: COMPRESSOR FIELD COIL ASSEMBLY INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
TSB_TRA046_R3
Nov 2022
Power TrainTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model.
TSB_ENG219_R1
Sep 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: MAINTENANCE REMINDER FEATURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.This bulletin provides information on setting the "Service Interval...
SC199_TSB_R3
Aug 2022
Power TrainVOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: IVT SOFTWARE LOGIC IMPROVEMENT AND/OR IVT REPLACEMENT (SC199) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
TSB_ELE209_R3
Aug 2022
Electrical SystemTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE REMINDER SETTING RESET PROCEDURE - This bulletin provides the procedure to turn OFF the service reminder lamp, at the first service interval reminder alert that will display on the instrument cluster.
SC199_TSB_R2
Jul 2022
Power TrainVOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: IVT SOFTWARE LOGIC IMPROVEMENT AND/OR IVT REPLACEMENT (SC199) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
TSB_TRA102
Apr 2022
Power TrainTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: IVT SOFTWARE LOGIC IMPROVEMENT AND/OR IVT REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to update the Transmission Control Module (TCM) software logic and, if necessary, replace the Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) assembly on certain...
PS613_R1
Mar 2022
Electrical SystemPITSTOP: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER REPLACEMENT AND MILEAGE SETTING WITH KDS - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
TSB_ENG222_R6
Mar 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
PS576_R2
Jan 2022
EquipmentPITSTOP: BATTERY DEALER (SHIPPING)/CUSTOMER MODE SWITCH - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
TSB_ENG222_R5
Jan 2022
EngineTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
TSB_ENG222_R4
Dec 2021
Engine And Engine CoolingTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
TSB_ELE231_R3
Dec 2021
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: FRONT VIEW CAMERA REPLACEMENT FOR DTC C160449 & C160649 - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
SC199_TSB_R1
Nov 2021
EquipmentVOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: IVT SOFTWARE LOGIC IMPROVEMENT AND/OR IVT REPLACEMENT (SC199) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
TSB_CHA111
Oct 2021
SteeringTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: REPLACEMENT OF MOBIS C-MDPS SMALL BEARING - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the small bearing of the Column Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) unit on the vehicles listed below, which may exhibit an abnormal noise when steering left...
TSB_CHA084_R8
Oct 2021
SteeringTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
TSB_BOD055_R1
Sep 2021
Exterior LightingTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
TSB_ENG222_R3
Sep 2021
Engine And Engine CoolingTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
TSB_ELE231_R2
Aug 2021
Lane DepartureTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: FRONT VIEW CAMERA REPLACEMENT FOR DTC C160449 & C160649 - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
TSB_TRA083_R1
Aug 2021
Power TrainTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: 7-SPEED DCT JUDDER INSPECTION AND DUAL CLUTCH ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.
PS704
Aug 2021
Forward Collision AvoidancePITSTOP: FRONT RADAR SENSOR MOUNTING INSPECTION (PS704) - This pitstop provides information regarding front radar sensor alignment on 2014MY and later vehicles that may exhibit a warning light ON related to radar sensor alignment errors in the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist...

Showing 60 of 100 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  2. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  3. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  4. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Kia Forte →