Kia Forte common problems
Owners of 2015–2024 Kia Forte vehicles have filed 1,080 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported system is engine & cooling (83% of categorised reports). Below is every reported problem area, ranked by real complaint volume, with recall and crash context — useful if you're researching this model before buying used.
- 1,080
- Owner complaints
- 16
- Recall campaigns
- 100
- Crash-related reports
- 66
- Injury reports
Most reported problem areas
By share of categorised NHTSA complaints across all 10 model years. Each links to what that system covers and its recall history.
How to read this before buying
Complaint volume is not the same as failure rate. A model that sold in large numbers, or one that has been on sale for many years, accumulates more complaints without necessarily being less reliable. Use these figures to learn which systems to inspect, not to rank one model against another.
The single most useful next step is to check the specific vehicle's recalls by VIN — a recall repair is free at any franchised dealer, but only if it has actually been done.
Recent safety events
Full timeline- Do not drive2023 forte
Front lower control arm failure can cause a sudden loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Investigation closed2015 forte
NHTSA closed investigation EA21003
Engine Fires
- Investigation closed2015 forte
NHTSA closed investigation DP22003
Loss of Motive Power
- Do not drive2023 forte
Front lower control arm failure can cause a sudden loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Recall2023 forte
A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
- Investigation opened2015 forte
NHTSA opened investigation DP22003
Loss of Motive Power
Frequently asked
- What are the most common Kia Forte problems?
- Across 1,080 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for 2015–2024 Kia Forte vehicles, the most reported systems are engine & cooling (83%), airbags (13%), steering (4%).
- Which Kia Forte model year has the most complaints?
- In our index, the 2017 Kia Forte has the most owner complaints, with 300 filed.
- Are Kia Forte problems dangerous?
- Of the 1,080 complaints on record, 100 mention a crash, 43 mention a fire and 66 mention an injury, and 6 involve a death. Complaint counts are not a failure rate — check the specific vehicle's open recalls by VIN.
Problems by model year
The 2017 accounts for the most complaints (300). Open any year for its full complaint and recall report.
Where this comes from
Every figure is aggregated from consumer complaints filed directly with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not forums, reviews or estimates. Component grouping uses our published taxonomy.