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

Kia Forte Change Vehicle

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The redesigned for 2019 Kia Forte brings simple controls, impressive fuel economy and a respectable list of standard advanced safety features. But while at one time is was one of the better affordable cars, the new Forte has regressed to basic transportation. It suffers from a stiff ride and its cabin is extremely loud even by the category’s modest standards.
Alerts
There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
GREEN CHOICE
2019
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 2019 Potential Trouble Spots
The 2019 Kia Forte has been recalled 2 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Research Years * Redesign year
Worse Better
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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 2019 Kia Forte owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Transmission rebuild or replacement

"Transmission packed up at about 5000km. Was replaced under warranty"

Anonymous, BC (2019 Kia Forte EX 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"After 4,300 miles the transmission went out(new type of transmission for Kia cars and first model to have it).After 44 days of down time the transmission was replaced"

Anonymous, IL (2019 Kia Forte EX 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

"Started April 2020. Started having surge and hesitation while driving. The tach wavered when this happened. I thought the car was going to stop on way home. Just picked up car from dealer 4/30 because they had to replace entire transmission. Scared this will happen again since the car has very few miles and I just leased it 12/2019. Should not happen. I would be reluctant to purchase again due to this failure. Otherwise, like the car."

Anonymous, AZ (2019 Kia Forte EX 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

Transmission Minor

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

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.

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.

Climate System

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

Engine Minor

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

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.

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.

Exhaust

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

Body Integrity

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

Brakes

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

Engine Cooling

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

Drive System

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

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.

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.

Compare 2019 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.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
Aug 05 2020
A broken driveshaft can result in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Forte vehicles. The left front axle driveshaft may not have been heat-treated, which can cause it to break.
What should you do:
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. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC195.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20V459000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 834
Hide Recall Details
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Oct 31 2018
If the headlights are not properly aimed, the driver may have reduced visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Kia Forte vehicles equipped with LED headlights. 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."
What should you do:
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. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC171.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V771000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1754
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