2019 Kia Forte: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2019 Kia Forte: 2 recalls, 147 owner complaints and up to 34 mpg combined.
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Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #18V771000 · 2018 · 1,754 vehicles
What's wrong: The headlights May not have been manufactured with the correct low beam aiming. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (fmvss) number 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Why it matters: If the headlights are not properly aimed, the driver May have reduced visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the headlight aiming and replace the headlights, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 30, 2018.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #20V459000 · 2020 · 834 vehicles
What's wrong: The left front axle driveshaft May not have been heat-treated, which can cause it to break.
Why it matters: A broken driveshaft can result in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left front axle driveshaft for a heat treatment verification code, and replace it if the code is missing, free of charge. The recall began September 2, 2020.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 4 mention a fire, 5 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (47): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (14), warning light on (12), hard / delayed shifting (9).
- Engine (36): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (15), warning light on (12), noise or vibration (6).
- Other / unknown (22): the most common themes are warning light on (4), stalls / loses power (4), electrical failure (3).
- Electrical (22): the most common themes are electrical failure (9), stalls / loses power (5).
The 2019 Kia Forte has 147 owner complaints, ranking #8 of 16 Forte model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 160). Complaints peaked in 2019 (27 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 10,201 miles. Neighboring years: 2018 (136 complaints, 3 recalls), 2020 (78 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 | 40 | 34 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 37 | 31 | Regular |
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 2019 Kia Forte.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2019 Kia Forte have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2019 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 2019 Kia Forte problems?
Owners have filed 147 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (47), engine (36), other / unknown (22).
What gas mileage does the 2019 Kia Forte get?
EPA ratings run up to 34 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2019 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.