MYRModel Year Report

2020 Kia Forte

▲ Better than typical
2020 Kia Forte
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:47:53.175Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Kia Forte Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2020 highlighted. 2009: 1 complaints 2009 2010: 221 complaints 2011: 152 complaints 2011 2012: 289 complaints 2013: 195 complaints 2013 2014: 437 complaints 2015: 257 complaints 2015 2016: 130 complaints 2017: 300 complaints 2017 2018: 134 complaints 2019: 145 complaints 2019 2020: 71 complaints 2020 2021: 67 complaints 2021 2022: 25 complaints 2023: 56 complaints 2023 2024: 22 complaints 2024
2020: 71 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
20091
2010221
2011152
2012289
2013195
2014437
2015257
2016130
2017300
2018134
2019145
202071
202167
202225
202356
202422

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

POWER TRAIN 21%

21% of complaints: power train — 15 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
ENGINE 21%

21% of complaints: engine — 15 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 14%

14% of complaints: electrical system — 10 distinct reports on file.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 6%

6% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 4 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

MY 18 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS THE DRIVER. THE CAR WAS PARKED ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET, FACING THE DIRECTION SHE WANTED TO GO. THE STREET WENT DOWNHILL IN FRONT OF HER. SHE STARTED THE CAR.

NHTSA ODI report, 20200905

AIR BAGS 6%

6% of complaints: air bags — 4 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show 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

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2020 Kia Forte — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for power train issues (15 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine issues (15 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (10 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2023 ▲ 2021 ● 2016

WORST YEARS

■ 2014 ■ 2017 ◆ 2012

See all years ranked →

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 power train, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2020 Kia Forte have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.