MotorDeets

2016 Kia Forte: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2016 Kia Forte: 1 recall, 136 owner complaints and up to 30 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
136owner complaints
16mention a crash
30best combined mpg
2016 Kia Forte
Photo: Damian B Oh · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Latches & locks Vehicle recall #21V622000 · 2021 · 253,074 vehicles

What's wrong: The trunk latch May become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "internal trunk release."

Why it matters: A person inside the trunk compartment May become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.

The fix: Dealers will replace the trunk latch assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 10, 2022.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 6 mention a fire, 13 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Engine66
Electrical22
Transmission & drivetrain16
Other / unknown15
Speed control / throttle14
Airbags13
Exterior lights10
Brakes10

What owners describe

The 2016 Kia Forte has 136 owner complaints, ranking #9 of 16 Forte model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 160). Complaints peaked in 2019 (20 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 44,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2015 (260 complaints, 1 recalls), 2017 (305 complaints, 3 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
1.8 L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive263730Regular
1.8 L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive253629Regular
2.0 L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive243528Regular

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 2016 Kia Forte.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

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

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2016 Kia Forte manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

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

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2016 Kia Forte manual
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
Check 2016 Kia Forte manual
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
Check 2016 Kia Forte manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

FAQ

Does the 2016 Kia Forte have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2016 Kia Forte. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2016 Kia Forte problems?

Owners have filed 136 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (66), electrical (22), transmission & drivetrain (16).

What gas mileage does the 2016 Kia Forte get?

EPA ratings run up to 30 mpg combined (1.8 L, Automatic (S6)), across 3 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2016 Kia Forte repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Forte years

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