NHTSA Data Explorer
Kia Forte
Data refreshed October 25, 2026
Select a model year to filter results to that year of the Kia Forte.
Complaints
2,575
Active records
Recalls
18
Active records
TSBs
457
Active records
Filing history
Monthly totals over the last 20 years. Click a legend item to show or hide that series.
Reported severity
Based on consumer complaints filed since 2000. Recalls and TSBs do not include severity data.
Deaths
12
Injuries
193
Crashes
237
Fires
141
Top reported issues — Kia Forte
Click a category to expand its values.
Operating state
Condition issue
Noise
Engine behavior
Reporting mechanism
Performance issue
Safety restraint issue
Fluid issue
Thermal issue
Lighting behavior
Safety restraint behavior
Transmission/drivetrain behavior
Vibration/harshness
Driver assistance issue
Braking behavior
Steering behavior
Starting behavior
Electrical issue
Smell
Access/entry issue
Powering on/off behavior
Ride/handling behavior
Recent change
Infotainment behavior
HVAC behavior
Wiper/washer behavior
Communication/network issue
Electrified system issue
Recent filings
The 10 most recent filings for each type.
2023 KIA FORTE
Filed Oct 22, 2026
While driving on the freeway at approximately 65 mph, my vehicle suddenly lost normal braking function. The brake pedal felt loose, and I had to press it nearly to the floor for the vehicle to slow down. Even then, stopping took significantly longer than normal. Pumping the brake pedal approximately five times temporarily restored normal braking, but the pedal became loose again afterward. Fortunately, there were no vehicles directly in front of me, allowing me to gradually slow down and exit…
2019 KIA FORTE
Filed Oct 14, 2026
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. Immediately after picking up the vehicle, multiple severe safety and electrical defects appeared. The engine is running very rough, sputters, and loses power especially going up hills, making it dangerous to drive. Additionally, the brake light main is now…
2019 KIA FORTE
Filed Oct 13, 2026
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. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the spark plugs and ignition coils; however, the failure persisted. After allowing the vehicle to cool down, the contact restarted the vehicle and drove to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to…
2011 KIA FORTE
Filed Oct 13, 2026
The contact owned a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at approximately 60 MPH, the RPMs rose and the vehicle hesitated upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The driver pulled over into the emergency lane when an abnormal popping sound emitted from the vehicle without warning. Black smoke then entered through the interior vents, and the vehicle caught fire. The driver and two passengers exited before the vehicle became fully engulfed in flames. Emergency…
2023 KIA FORTE
Filed Oct 13, 2026
Front left tire blew out, plastic liner became shredded due to it. Beneath that plastic liner sits the main electrical wiring harness which rubs against the wheel creating sparks leading to total engine fire and failure
2020 KIA FORTE
Filed Oct 8, 2026
During a day trip on 9/19/26 my 2020 Kia Forte (purchased new and well maintained) lost power and several of the dash board lights came on including check engine, traction/stability control, and collision alerts. The car entered what I was told is limp mode. I had the car towed home and after one shop misdiagnosed the problem I had it towed to the Kia dealership where purchased. I was told the engine had code p0017. I was sent a document that the phaser sheared off p0017 exhaust cam and cvvd…
2023 KIA FORTE
Filed Oct 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the steering wheel was loose and was difficult to turn. Due to the failure, the vehicle unexpectedly swayed from left to right. The contact stated that the vehicle felt as if it was floating on water. The vehicle was taken to several dealers but was not diagnosed. The dealer stated that the failure might be associated with a tire failure. The…
2020 KIA FORTE
Filed Oct 6, 2026
My engine is failing due to excessive oil consumption despite having proof of regular oil changes and maintenance. My car has been inspected, and the dealer has stated this is due to a known manufacture defect. My safety and others are at risk because my car stalls when I decrease speed and I cannot accelerate fast enough to get up to the speed limit creating a risk anytime the speed limit changes or when I am using an on ramp to get onto an interstate or highway. Kia dealer has confirmed the…
2022 KIA FORTE
Filed Oct 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the steering wheel became inoperable, with an abnormal sound coming from the steering wheel. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound while attempting to make a turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the failure was confirmed in the dealer database. The vehicle was scheduled to be repaired; however, the dealer confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately…
2014 KIA FORTE
Filed Oct 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that oil was leaking underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that at start-up the check engine and low oil pressure warning light remained illuminated with an abnormal burned oil odor. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine was failing and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number:…