NHTSA Data Explorer

Kia Forte5

Data refreshed September 6, 2026

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

Complaints

2,529

Active records

Recalls

18

Active records

TSBs

456

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

190

Crashes

233

Fires

136

Top reported issues — Kia Forte5

Click a category to expand its values.

Operating state

806

Noise

652

Condition issue

625

Reporting mechanism

525

Engine behavior

508

Performance issue

342

Safety restraint issue

324

Fluid issue

270

Thermal issue

263

Safety restraint behavior

195

Lighting behavior

187

Vibration/harshness

142

Transmission/drivetrain behavior

138

Driver assistance issue

128

Braking behavior

114

Starting behavior

100

Steering behavior

99

Electrical issue

94

Smell

84

Access/entry issue

68

Powering on/off behavior

49

Recent change

44

Ride/handling behavior

33

Infotainment behavior

25

HVAC behavior

24

Wiper/washer behavior

10

Communication/network issue

4

Electrified system issue

2

Recent filings

The 10 most recent filings for each type.

2018 KIA FORTE

Filed Sep 2, 2026


There is an issue with the fuel pump where it would stall or shut off while driving or at a stoplight

2016 KIA FORTE

Filed Aug 31, 2026


Im getting denied dued to engine failure but whoever had the vehicle before didn't follow up with the ksds update, I just purchased the vehicle on June 30th,2026, I need this fixed ASAP because I still owe on this car.

2018 KIA FORTE

Filed Aug 31, 2026


The contact's son owns a 2018 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 55 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended, with the oil pressure warning light and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact slowed down and pulled over to the side of the road, and the vehicle was turned off. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but there was white smoke coming from the engine. The contact raised…

2014 KIA FORTE

Filed Aug 31, 2026


There is a bad flexible steering coupler. Caused steering wheel to click and lose responsiveness, shakes going over bumps. The problem was diagnosed and confirmed by the dealer Vehicle was inspected by dealer There were no warning signs other than the wheel click and losing responsiveness.

2012 KIA FORTE

Filed Aug 28, 2026


Airbag light came on August 21, 2026. I tried several steps to troubleshoot with no resolution. I took it to the local Kia dealership for further inspection. I was terrified to drive the vehicle because of the airbag failure. I explained to the technician that I had read that there was an warranty extension for the exact clock spring failure. I met the qualification (2011-2016 /unlimited mileage) but I was required to pay $493.05 for this repair.

2019 KIA FORTE

Filed Aug 26, 2026


recommended engine replacement at 111,000 miles

2012 KIA FORTE

Filed Aug 26, 2026


Fire

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed an abnormal sound for approximately five minutes, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact then became aware of a fire underneath the vehicle. The contact opened the hood and extinguished the fire using water and dirt. The vehicle was unoccupied. The contact stated that the vehicle had just been parked, and the engine was off prior to the failure. The dealer was made…

2020 KIA FORTE

Filed Aug 25, 2026


The contact owns a 2020 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bags warning light illuminated and then went off. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the air bag warning light was again illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of…

2023 KIA FORTE

Filed Aug 24, 2026


Electrical system failed while operating vehicle on major highway. All lights flashed, system shut off, power steering locked up.

2020 KIA FORTE

Filed Aug 23, 2026


Engine burning excessive oil over a quart in 1000 miles. Catalytic converter code P0420 because of the excessive oil burning. Oil was always changed within the specified dealer milage range.

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

Updated September 6, 2026. Refreshed nightly.