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

Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how used vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system.

Overall Reliability
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
See all 2016 Potential Trouble Spots
Research Years * Redesign year
Worse Better
00
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10*
11
12
13
14*
15
16
17
18
19*
20
Overall Reliability Verdict
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Engine Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Cooling
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Drive System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Fuel System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Electric System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Climate System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Suspension
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Brakes
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Exhaust
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Paint/Trim
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Body Integrity
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Body Hardware
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Power Equipment
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
In-car Electronics
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Show More Trouble Spots
Show Fewer Trouble Spots
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 329,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2020 vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system. NA 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.

Learn more about car Reliability.

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)
Load more

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)
Load more

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)
Load more

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)
Load more

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.

Compare 2016 Models

Similar Cars
Chevrolet Cruze
Ford C-MAX
Ford Focus
Honda Civic
Hyundai Elantra
Kia Forte
Kia Soul
Mazda 3
Mini Cooper
Subaru Impreza
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Prius
Toyota Prius V
Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Jetta
This score shows whether the model had more or fewer problems overall than the average model of that year, calculated from the total number of problems reported by subscribers in all 17 trouble spots.
Change Vehicle