NHTSA Data Explorer

Kia Forte5

Data refreshed October 25, 2026

Select a model year to filter results to that year of the Kia Forte5.

Complaints

1,281

Active records

Recalls

6

Active records

TSBs

283

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

5

Injuries

83

Crashes

100

Fires

75

Top reported issues — Kia Forte5

Click a category to expand its values.

Operating state

415

Condition issue

369

Engine behavior

341

Noise

315

Reporting mechanism

289

Performance issue

221

Fluid issue

193

Safety restraint issue

149

Thermal issue

127

Lighting behavior

107

Safety restraint behavior

87

Vibration/harshness

79

Starting behavior

49

Electrical issue

48

Steering behavior

48

Smell

47

Braking behavior

46

Access/entry issue

39

Transmission/drivetrain behavior

39

Driver assistance issue

35

Powering on/off behavior

34

Recent change

17

Infotainment behavior

14

HVAC behavior

13

Ride/handling behavior

13

Wiper/washer behavior

6

Communication/network issue

3

Electrified system issue

2

Recent filings

The 10 most recent filings for each type.

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:…

2017 KIA FORTE

Filed Oct 5, 2026


Fire

I was driving this car and received a check engine light and lulled over to find an electrical fire had occurred under the hood. I was able to use a fire extinguisher to put out this fire. The car was towed to a Kia dealership near my home for confirmation and an estimate of the damages. It apparently was caused by a problem that Kia has had with the ABS/hydraulic electronic control units that can trigger electrical shorts.

2014 KIA FORTE

Filed Oct 3, 2026


Odometer was tampered with dealership set the mileage at 82,000 the actual mileage is 153,000

2017 KIA FORTE

Filed Oct 3, 2026


I own a 2017 Kia Forte that has a recurring problem with water intrusion in the rear tail light assemblies. This issue was previously repaired around 2018 under Kia’s service action related to moisture and water entering the rear combination lamps, but the problem has returned. Moisture and water are again getting inside the tail light housing, which can lead to corrosion, bulb or LED failure, and electrical problems. I am concerned that this could cause the brake light or turn signal to fail…

2016 KIA FORTE

Filed Oct 3, 2026


The Headlights and ALL exterior lights FLICKER or TURN OFF ENTIRELY while driving, especially when touching the Multi-Function Turn Signal Stalk to signal a turn. This can and HAS happened when the Headlights are switched on any mode: MARKER LIGHTS, HEADLIGHTS, or AUTO. I can be driving, Headlights are on AUTO - suddenly - ALL HEADLIGHTS/EXTERIOR LIGHTS FLICKER OR TURN OFF. I have to quickly touch the Multi-Function Stalk or switch it from AUTO to HEADLIGHTS to keep the lights on. I then have…

2017 KIA FORTE

Filed Sep 30, 2026


2017 Kia Forte (Recall SC216 Trunk latch - this 2017 VIN needs to be included

2015 KIA FORTE

Filed Sep 30, 2026


Vehicle has developed a severe knocking during acceleration, that stops during deceleration, and returns when in idle. I'm sure it is poison slap. I know there is an extension warranty, but the dealer says my car doesn't qualify. Then NHTSA has the SC200 safety recall. I need help with this car. My engine is failing. Can you help me?

2014 KIA FORTE

Filed Sep 24, 2026


The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to operate. The contact stated that the steering wheel would knock from left to right and would unexpectedly seize. Due to the failure, the steering became difficult to control. The vehicle was taken to a service center, where the failure was confirmed to be related to the steering system. The contact was advised not to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer,…

2014 KIA FORTE

Filed Sep 22, 2026


Airbag warning light has came on had a mechanic run codes and it says all air bags unresponsive. Now my car is refusing to start. If continue to try it eventually starts. Major oil leak and consumption along with knocking. Along with my break lights not working occasionally along with my head lights and brights not working at all

2017 KIA FORTE

Filed Sep 21, 2026


There was a rod failure in the engine. The vehicle is currently at the repair facility. This rod failure caused the vehicle to die while traveling down the road, so it was a safety risk. The rod failure was diagnosed by a certified mechanic. There were no warning lamps, messages, etc. This failure is the same issue that many Kia Forte's of the same year have been diagnosed with, and a recall was issued. This vehicle is not covered under the recall, but should be. The engine recall should…

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

Updated October 25, 2026. Refreshed nightly.