Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 26 | typical | — | Engine | Average |
| 2023 | 65 | 1.5× | 3 | Steering | Caution |
| 2022 | 28 | −54% | 1 | Engine | Good |
| 2021 | 69 | typical | 2 | Engine | Average |
| 2020 | 78 | −24% | — | Engine | Average |
| 2019 | 149 | 1.4× | 2 | Transmission | Average |
| 2018 | 136 | typical | 3 | Engine | Average |
| 2017 | 305 | 2.3× | 3 | Engine | Avoid |
| 2016 | 136 | −35% | 1 | Engine | Average |
| 2015 | 260 | 1.6× | 1 | Engine | Caution |
| 2014 | 444 | 2.7× | 3 | Engine | Avoid |
| 2013 | 195 | −26% | 5 | Engine | Average |
| 2012 | 292 | 1.4× | 4 | Engine | Average |
| 2011 | 154 | −45% | 3 | Engine | Good |
| 2010 | 221 | −27% | 3 | Engine | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median Forte year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Kia Forte problems
Latest Kia Forte recalls
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower arm
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.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will replace the right front lower control arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 17, 2024.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
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 Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge.
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower arm
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.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will replace the right front lower control arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 27, 2023.
Steering › Linkages › Knuckle › Spindle › Arm
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 control.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front left steering knuckle, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 12, 2023. Owner may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.
Steering › Column
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 detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.
Remedy: Dealers will tighten the lower steering column u-joint retention bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Kia Forte should you avoid?
2014, 2017, 2015 and 2023 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Forte years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 2014.
What is the best year for the Kia Forte?
2022 has the fewest complaints compared with other Forte years at the same age, followed by 2011 and 2016. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Kia Forte problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (1,182), electrical system (325) and air bags (294). Engine complaints peak in the 2014 model year.
How many recalls has the Kia Forte had?
18 recalls across 2010–2024. The model year with the most is 2013. See all Kia Forte recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.