MotorDeets

Kia Forte problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Forte from 2009 to 2024: 2,555 owner complaints and 34 recalls across 16 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2014 (444), 2017 (305), 2012 (292). Best fuel economy: 34 mpg combined (2019).

Kia Forte
Photo: Damian B Oh · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Engine1129
Other / unknown324
Electrical323
Airbags294
Transmission & drivetrain217
Exterior lights178
Steering165
Brakes156

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
200901–
2010322130
2011315329
2012429229
2013519529
2014344429
2015126030
2016113630
2017330532
2018313632
2019214734
202007833
202126933
202212833
202336432
202402632

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Kia Forte.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Kia Forte?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2014 (444), 2017 (305), 2012 (292).

How many recalls has the Kia Forte had?

Across 2009–2024, NHTSA lists 34 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).