2020 Kia Forte
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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.
23% of complaints: engine — 17 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
I experienced a check engine light and had the vehicle diagnosed with codes P0017 and P0014.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260820
Also filed under POWER TRAIN and UNKNOWN OR OTHER
21% of complaints: power train — 16 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY15% of complaints: electrical system — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing key/sender.
7% of complaints: air bags — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I WAS TURNING LEFT THROUGH A GREEN LIGHT ONTO A CITY ROAD WHEN A CAR COMING FROM THE LEFT SIDE RAN A RED LIGHT GOING 50 MILES AN HOUR IN A 35 MILES AN HOUR ROAD, CRASHING INTO THE SIDE OF MY CAR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200318
7% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing warnings and adaptive cruise control.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2020 Kia Forte — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (11 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2020 Kia Forte reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2020 Kia Forte is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Kia Forte?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2020 Kia Forte have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.