MYRModel Year Report

2016 Kia Forte

● Typical for this model
2016 Kia Forte
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:39:46.726Z

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
136
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 2016

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Engine

49% of complaints

Complaints per year

2009: 1 complaint 2009 2010: 221 complaints 2011: 154 complaints 2011 2012: 291 complaints 2013: 195 complaints 2013 2014: 443 complaints 2015: 262 complaints 2016: 136 complaints 2016 136 2017: 305 complaints 2018: 135 complaints 2019: 150 complaints 2019 2020: 78 complaints 2021: 69 complaints 2021 2022: 27 complaints 2023: 65 complaints 2023 2024: 25 complaints
2009: 1 complaint 2009 2010: 221 complaints 2010 2011: 154 complaints 2011 2012: 291 complaints 2012 2013: 195 complaints 2013 2014: 443 complaints 2014 2015: 262 complaints 2015 2016: 136 complaints 2016 136 2017: 305 complaints 2017 2018: 135 complaints 2018 2019: 150 complaints 2019 2020: 78 complaints 2020 2021: 69 complaints 2021 2022: 27 complaints 2022 2023: 65 complaints 2023 2024: 25 complaints 2024
2009: 1 complaint 2009 2010: 221 complaints 2010 2011: 154 complaints 2011 2012: 291 complaints 2012 2013: 195 complaints 2013 2014: 443 complaints 2014 2015: 262 complaints 2015 2016: 136 complaints 2016 136 2017: 305 complaints 2017 2018: 135 complaints 2018 2019: 150 complaints 2019 2020: 78 complaints 2020 2021: 69 complaints 2021 2022: 27 complaints 2022 2023: 65 complaints 2023 2024: 25 complaints 2024

2016: 136 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
20091
2010221
2011154
2012291
2013195
2014443
2015262
2016136
2017305
2018135
2019150
202078
202169
202227
202365
202425

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

49% · 66 reports
CRASHFIREINJURY
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, 2024-10-11

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, 2024-04-23

Also filed under Service brakes

Im getting denied dued to engine failure but whoever had the vehicle before didn't follow up with the ksds update, I just purchased the vehicle on June 30th,2026, I need this fixed ASAP because I still owe on this car.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-31

Electrical system

16% · 22 reports

Most commonly citing key/sender.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

The Headlights and ALL exterior lights FLICKER or TURN OFF ENTIRELY while driving, especially when touching the Multi-Function Turn Signal Stalk to signal a turn.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-03

Also filed under Exterior lighting

Power train

12% · 16 reports
CRASHFIRE
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, 2016-06-24

Vehicle speed control

10% · 14 reports
CRASH

Air bags

10% · 13 reports
CRASHFIREINJURY
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, 2017-11-17

Also filed under Structure and suspension

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, 2016-06-21

Safety timeline

1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2022-02-10Latches/locks/linkages21V622000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2016 Kia Forte — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine: 66 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 22 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 16 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 21V622000 · Latches/locks/linkages
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2016 Kia Forte reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Kia Forte is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Kia Forte?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 49% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Kia Forte have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.