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    Welcome to Consumer Reports.

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

    Kia Forte Change Vehicle

    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 2019
    Used 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
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    10*
    11
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    13
    14*
    15
    16
    17
    18
    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
    Potential Trouble Spots
    Engine Major
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    Fuel System
    NA
    Electric System
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    Suspension
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    Body Integrity
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    Power Equipment
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    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 500,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2018 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.

    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)
    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)

    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)

    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 wind noise or sqeaky noise coming from the windshield”

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

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

    Anonymous, TN (2016 Kia Forte LX Unsure)

    Transmission Minor

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

    What Owners Say

    Rough shifting

    “Shifting feels loose and worn”

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

    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

    Drive System

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

    Engine Minor

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

    Climate System

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

    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.

    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.

    Engine Major

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

    Engine Cooling

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

    Exhaust

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

    Paint/Trim

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

    Brakes

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

    Compare 2016 Models

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    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