2016 Kia Forte

● Typical for this model

2016 Kia Forte
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:48:22.110Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2016: 130 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2009	1
2010	221
2011	152
2012	289
2013	195
2014	437
2015	257
2016	130
2017	300
2018	134
2019	145
2020	71
2021	67
2022	25
2023	56
2024	22

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE 48%

48% of complaints: engine — 63 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

We used to have a 2016 Kia Forte5 LX hatchback we been having problems with this vehicle the car would stall and it was having electrical problems like my turn signals not working even when the bulbs were replaced and same thing to the brake lights...

NHTSA ODI report, 20241011

I was attempting to park in a parking spot that I use regularly at Dollar General. As it was coming to a stop, the brakes failed. I was pushing the brake pedal down. The car started to rev up and speed forward on it's own.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240423

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 15%

15% of complaints: electrical system — 20 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

POWER TRAIN 12%

12% of complaints: power train — 16 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW KIA FORTE 2016 ON 5/27/2016. SINCE DAY ONE, I'VE BEEN FACING A PROBLEM THAT I THINK IS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20160624

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 11%

11% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 14 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

AIR BAGS 10%

10% of complaints: air bags — 13 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

I WAS INVOLVED IN A FAIRLY SERIOUS FRONT END COLLISION AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE IMPACT WAS AT THE RIGHT FRONT FRAME RAIL AND CORNER. THE IMPACT WAS ENOUGH TO PUSH A FULL SIZED CHEVROLET PICK UP SIDEWAYS APPROX. 6 FEET.

NHTSA ODI report, 20171117

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA FORTE. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20160621

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20220210 — 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. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the trunk latch assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 10, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC216.

Campaign 21V622000 — check if this car was fixed