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

804

Condition issue

756

Noise

656

Engine behavior

559

Reporting mechanism

533

Performance issue

391

Safety restraint issue

323

Fluid issue

280

Thermal issue

266

Lighting behavior

202

Safety restraint behavior

200

Transmission/drivetrain behavior

147

Vibration/harshness

146

Driver assistance issue

131

Braking behavior

126

Steering behavior

113

Starting behavior

97

Electrical issue

89

Smell

85

Access/entry issue

72

Powering on/off behavior

57

Ride/handling behavior

48

Recent change

45

Infotainment behavior

29

HVAC behavior

25

Wiper/washer behavior

10

Communication/network issue

5

Electrified system issue

2

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


Fire

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


Fire

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:…

Data sourced from NHTSA's public datasets. Issue classifications are generated by Repair Surge. About this data.

Updated October 25, 2026. Refreshed nightly.