2019 Kia Forte
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 221 |
| 2011 | 153 |
| 2012 | 290 |
| 2013 | 195 |
| 2014 | 440 |
| 2015 | 259 |
| 2016 | 135 |
| 2017 | 301 |
| 2018 | 135 |
| 2019 | 147 |
| 2020 | 75 |
| 2021 | 67 |
| 2022 | 26 |
| 2023 | 61 |
| 2024 | 24 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
32% of complaints: power train — 47 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing control module (tcm/pcm/tecm).
24% of complaints: engine — 36 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
recommended engine replacement at 111,000 miles
NHTSA ODI report, 20260826
Power loss, engine failure. Will not start
NHTSA ODI report, 20260713
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and EXTERIOR LIGHTING
15% of complaints: electrical system — 22 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing key/sender.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
In a car accident I got into, my carâs airbags did not deploy like they should have and therefore I got greater injuries than I should have. I believe I hit the steering wheel and I did hurt my chest.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250218
Also filed under AIR BAGS
So I've been going back and forth with Kia for a year now my car completely lost all capability of driving and reversing after taking it to the dealer at Perris kia they claimed it was my wiring harness and that I needed to pay $7,200 because I'm...
NHTSA ODI report, 20241014
15% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 22 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing warnings and automatic emergency braking.
12% of complaints: exterior lighting — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing brake lights and tail lights.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Kia Forte vehicles equipped with LED headlights. The headlights may not have been manufactured with the correct low beam aiming.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the headlight aiming and replace the headlights, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 30, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.
Campaign 18V771000 — check if this car was fixed
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Forte vehicles. The left front axle driveshaft may not have been heat-treated, which can cause it to break.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left front axle driveshaft for a heat treatment verification code, and replace it if the code is missing, free of charge. The recall began September 2, 2020.
Campaign 20V459000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2019 Kia Forte — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (47 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (36 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (22 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 18V771000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V459000 (power train) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2019 Kia Forte reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2019 Kia Forte is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Kia Forte?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2019 Kia Forte have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.