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
- 150
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Power train
Campaigns on file for 2019
None on file
32% of complaints
Complaints per year
2019: 150 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 221 |
| 2011 | 154 |
| 2012 | 291 |
| 2013 | 195 |
| 2014 | 443 |
| 2015 | 262 |
| 2016 | 136 |
| 2017 | 305 |
| 2018 | 135 |
| 2019 | 150 |
| 2020 | 78 |
| 2021 | 69 |
| 2022 | 27 |
| 2023 | 65 |
| 2024 | 25 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Power train
32% · 48 reportsMost commonly citing control module (tcm/pcm/tecm).
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at 70-75 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and the check engine warning light illuminated, causing the contact and her daughter to be stranded on the highway.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-13
Engine
25% · 38 reportsShow complaint excerpts
recommended engine replacement at 111,000 miles
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-26
Power loss, engine failure. Will not start
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-13
Also filed under Electrical system and exterior lighting
Electrical system
15% · 23 reportsMost commonly citing key/sender.
Show 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, 2025-02-18
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, 2024-10-14
I took my 2019 Kia Forte LXS to a certified Kia dealership to have the mandatory anti-theft security upgrade performed (Campaign CS2312), which involves installing an ignition cylinder protector plate inside the steering column.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-14
Also filed under Steering
Forward collision avoidance
15% · 22 reportsMost commonly citing warnings and automatic emergency braking.
Exterior lighting
11% · 17 reportsMost commonly citing brake lights and tail lights.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2018-11-30Exterior lighting18V771000 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.
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R
2020-09-02Power train20V459000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2019 Kia Forte — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 48 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 38 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 23 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 18V771000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 20V459000 · Power train
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.