2016
New 2021
Used 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010

Kia Forte Change Vehicle

Unlock Ratings
There's a lot to like in the Kia Forte for those in the market for a small car. Unassuming in nature yet considerably more refined than previous Kia compact sedans, the Forte feels mature and solid, thanks to having a quiet cabin and one of the most comfortable rides in its class. The spacious, nicely finished interior also wins praise. Braking performance is excellent.
2016
New 2021
Used 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010

Kia Forte

Reliability
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Owner Satisfaction
See All
Crash and Rollover Tests
IIHS Front Moderate Overlap Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver Marginal
IIHS Side Crash Good
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Driver
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Passenger
See All

Road Test Results

Performance
Acceleration Acceleration Acceleration tests are conducted on a smooth, flat pavement straightaway at the track. Time, speed, and distance measurements are taken with a precise GPS-based device that’s hooked to a data-logging computer.
0 to 60 mph 0 to 60 mph (sec.) The time in seconds that a vehicle takes to reach 60 mph from a standstill with the engine idling.
Transmission Transmission Transmission performance is determined by shifting smoothness, response, shifter action, and clutch actuation for manual transmissions.
Fuel Economy Fuel Economy We perform our own fuel-economy tests, independent of the government's often-quoted EPA figures and the manufacturers' claims. Using a precise fuel-flow measuring device spliced into the fuel line, we run two separate circuits to represent city and highway consumption.
CR's Overall Mileage CR's Overall Mileage CR's overall mileage is a composite of measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course and highway cruising; and CR's 150-mile test trip of mixed driving, if tested. In recent road tests, we've discontinued the 150-mile trip test.
CR's City Mileage CR's City Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course.
CR's Highway Mileage CR's Highway Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed highway cruising.
Annual Fuel Cost Annual Fuel Cost The cost and amount of fuel used in 12,000 miles and is calculated from CR's overall mileage.
Braking Braking The braking rating is a composite of wet and dry stopping distances and pedal feel. Braking distance is from 60 mph, with no wheels locked.
Emergency Handling Emergency Handling Several factors go into the rating, including the avoidance maneuver speed and confidence, as well as how the vehicle behaves when pushed to its limit.
Comfort / Convenience
Ride Ride Our expert judgment of how well the suspension isolates and absorbs road imperfections and how steady it keeps the body on various road surfaces.
Noise Noise Our expert judgment of the vehicle's interior noise level in everyday driving.
Front Seat Comfort Front Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the front seat is for drivers of various heights.
Rear Seat Comfort Rear Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the rear seat is for two passengers to sit across.
Interior Fit and Finish Interior Fit and Finish An expert evaluation of the interior quality and craftsmanship.
Trunk/Cargo Area Trunk/Cargo Area Our rating is based on the amount of luggage or cargo space that a vehicle has in the trunk or cargo area.
Emissions
Greenhouse Gas Greenhouse Gas The Greenhouse Gas Rating represents the amount of carbon dioxide the vehicle emits compared to other vehicles of the same model year. This score from the EPA ranges from 1 (worst) to 10 (best).
Smog Rating Smog Rating The Smog Rating represents the amount of health-damaging and smog-forming airborne pollutants the vehicle emits compared to other vehicles of the same model year. This score from the EPA ranges from 1 (worst) to 10 (best).

Owner Reports

Worse Better
Reliability History Reliability History The reliability charts are based on responses on hundreds of thousands of vehicles from our latest Annual Auto Survey. Consumer Reports subscribers reported on any serious problems they had with their vehicles during the past 12 months that they considered serious because of cost, failure, safety, or downtime, in any of the trouble spots included in the table below. The results are presented relative to the average model that year. Extra weight is given to the more serious areas such as major engine or transmission problems. Based on this data and further analysis, we predict reliability for the latest year. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
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NA
2011
NA
2012
NA
2013
NA
2014
2015
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2018
2019
2020
NA
Reliability Trouble Spots
Engine Major Engine Major Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.
NA
Engine Minor Engine Minor Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.
NA
Engine Cooling Engine Cooling Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.
NA
Transmission Major Transmission Major Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.
NA
Transmission Minor Transmission Minor Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.
NA
Drive System Drive System Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.
NA
View all Reliability
Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction To learn about satisfaction, CR has collected survey data from our annual survey on more than half a million vehicles. Our subscribers provide great insights into their satisfaction by answering one simple question: If they had it to do all over again, would they definitely buy or lease the same model? In addition, respondents also rate their cars in six categories: driving experience, comfort, value, styling, audio, and climate systems. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2000
2001
2002
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NA
2013
2014
2015
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2020
Driving Experience Driving Experience Includes acceleration and handling
Comfort Comfort Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride
Value Value Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?
Styling Styling How it looks inside and out
View all Owner Satisfaction
Safety Equipment
ABS and ESC standard.Side and head air bags standard.
Road Test

There's a lot to like in the Kia Forte for those in the market for a small car. Unassuming in nature yet considerably more refined than previous Kia compact sedans, the Forte feels mature and solid, thanks to having a quiet cabin and one of the most comfortable rides in its class. The spacious, nicely finished interior also wins praise. Braking performance is excellent. Overall, the Forte is now one of the top-rated cars in the category. It slightly outscores the Hyundai Elantra that shares the same platform and engine.

Controls are quite simple -- impressive for a car that is brimming with the latest connectivity features. The 1.8-liter engine provides adequate power. Despite a cornucopia of standard features, our Forte LX is quite reasonably priced at $19,570. Stepping up to the EX trim level adds a bigger 2.0-liter engine plus available luxury-class options, like a heated steering wheel and ventilated seats, that are uncommon in this class.

Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
Front
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Body Styles
4-door hatchback
sedan
Transmissions Available
  • 6-speed Automatic
  • 6-speed Manual
Engines Available
  • 1.6-liter 4 turbo (201 hp)
  • 1.8-liter 4 (145 hp)
  • 2-liter 4 (173 hp)

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2016 Kia Forte owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Squeaks or rattles

"There is a rattle that occurs when moving at a slow speed on pavements that are not a smooth surface like asphalt or newer concrete. It makes us nuts when we can't find where it is coming from. Took it to dealer but they claim they could not reproduce it. Probably because of the speed and surface where they drove it. Annoying, but we have learned to live with it.l"

Anonymous, FL (2016 Kia Forte EX 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"There is a wind noise or sqeaky noise coming from the windshield"

Randy B., CA (2016 Kia Forte SX 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"the rear windshield wiper chatters to the point its unbearable. The dealer says there's nothing wrong with it. Claims they've changed to blade twice--and says it must be the design. I cannot comfortably use the rear wiper."

Angela M., NY (2016 Kia Forte)

"There is a persistent rattle behind the dashboard, and appears to be directly related to the speed of the car. Most noticeable and annoying at slower speeds on rougher surfaced roads and generally absent on nice smooth asphalt. Dealer has not been able to isolate the rattle."

Walt M., FL (2016 Kia Forte EX 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Wind noise

"While to a degree wind noise is noticeable at higher speeds, so is the surface I am driving on. The wind issue is likely caused by lack of good sealing around windows and doors. The road noise is likely due to sound insulation and/or body/frame cushioning to prevent transmission of road surface noise."

Anonymous, FL (2016 Kia Forte EX 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"Wind noise around drivers side mirror. Fixed for free by dealer"

Anonymous, TN (2016 Kia Forte LX)
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In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

What Owners Say

Backup or other camera/sensors

"Stopped working completely. Research with user groups showed that it wasn't an uncommon problem. The dealer replaced it under warranty"

Bloom S., MD (2016 Kia Forte EX 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
In-dash navigation system (GPS)

"GPS not current.about 4 years out of date. Dealership says there is nothing they can do about it.No current upgrade available"

R G., BC (2016 Kia Forte SX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)
Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

"Phone loses the contact/pairing while the car is parked"

Anonymous, IN (2016 Kia Forte LX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)
Radio

"AM radio stopped working - needed warranty service from the dealer to fix the problem. They replaced the car antenna."

Tom B., QC (2016 Kia Forte SX 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Steering wheel controls

"Cruise control works intermittently. Took it to dealership several times, last time with a video of the problem in action, before they agreed to replace. And I am still having the same intermittent problem. Sometimes, it will not turn on at all"

Tammy Z., FL (2016 Kia Forte SX 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Voice control commands

"Software for the voice command for phone is not as good as the software in the Kia Soul. The navigation system is better on the Forte than the Kia Soul, but the software comprehension not as good."

Anonymous, CA (2016 Kia Forte LX 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)
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Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

What Owners Say

Normal routine brake wear

"new brakes were installed"

Anonymous, (2016 Kia Forte EX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

"The brake problems were noted during a 27 point auto safety checkup."

Anonymous, MD (2016 Kia Forte 1.8-L 4 Cyl)
Premature brake wear

"front brakes were replaced with rotors at 35000 kms"

Anonymous, ON (2016 Kia Forte LX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)
Pulsation or vibration

"some pulsation from the front brake rotors."

Anonymous, ON (2016 Kia Forte LX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)
Rotors

"Same as previous."

Anonymous, MD (2016 Kia Forte 1.8-L 4 Cyl)
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Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

What Owners Say

Gear selector or linkage

"It started about 6 months into ownership. The shifting on all gears is notchy. Like you have to wait for the syncromesh function to mesh."

Anonymous, ON (2016 Kia Forte LX 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
Rough shifting

"manual shifter is very notchy especially the 2nd to 3rd shift"

Anonymous, ON (2016 Kia Forte LX 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"Manual shift is clunky and notchy. It has popped out of 4th and 6th gears while under moderate load. Trans is either badly designed or poorly assembled. I have had it checked by a dealer and they say it is ok."

Ken D., ON (2016 Kia Forte LX 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"Shifting feels loose and worn"

Anonymous, ON (2016 Kia Forte LX 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
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Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

What Owners Say

Coil

"Coil failed and was replace under extended warranty"

Anonymous, FL (2016 Kia Forte LX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)
Spark plugs or wires failure

"It was normal usage replacement"

Anonymous, FL (2016 Kia Forte LX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

What Owners Say

Glass defects

"Windshield wiper rubber came off the wiper and severely scratched the windshield"

Anonymous, IL (2016 Kia Forte LX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)
Tailgate, hatch or trunk

"The rear latch doesn't line up well. Dealer says its fine. It doesn't always make a positive latch"

Randy B., CA (2016 Kia Forte SX 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

What Owners Say

Exterior lights (other than headlights)

"Daytime driving lights operate opposite they are supposed too. They are on when head lights are on and off when headlights are off."

James M., NC (2016 Kia Forte SX 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Passenger front side parking light does not always work."

Joel Z., PA (2016 Kia Forte 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Steering wheel vibration

"Dealer replaced complete steering column due to faulty Sensor."

Anonymous, NC (2016 Kia Forte EX 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

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