Ford Focus vs Kia Forte: reliability compared
From 2009 to 2018, owners filed an average of 1,307 complaints per model year about the Ford Focus and 215 about the Kia Forte.
Side by side
| Ford Focus | Kia Forte | |
|---|---|---|
| Model years compared | 2009-2018 | 2009-2018 |
| Owner complaints | 13,065 | 2,148 |
| Complaints per model year | 1,307 | 215 |
| Recalls | 23 | 11 |
| Years to avoid | 201220132014 | 20142017 |
| Best years | 2009 | None stand out |
| Most common problem | Transmission | Engine |
| Crash rating | No data | No data |
| Fuel economy | 22-34 mpg combined (2018) | 25-32 mpg combined (2018) |
A car that sells more collects more complaints, so the fairest test is the number of years to avoid, which compares each year with a typical year of the same car.
Complaints per model year
Problems compared
| Focus | Forte | |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 6,237 | 133 |
| Engine | 2,502 | 1,077 |
| Fuel system | 1,788 | 110 |
| Steering | 1,643 | 125 |
| Electrical | 1,218 | 264 |
| Acceleration | 676 | 95 |
| Airbags | 210 | 262 |
| Brakes | 198 | 203 |
| Lights | 82 | 156 |
Questions about the Ford Focus vs Kia Forte
Which is more reliable, the Ford Focus or the Kia Forte?
Between 2009 and 2018, the Ford Focus has 3 years to avoid and the Kia Forte 2. The Kia Forte has been more consistent from year to year. By raw volume, the Kia Forte drew fewer complaints per model year (215 vs 1,307), though sales volume affects that number.
Which has more recalls, the Ford Focus or the Kia Forte?
From 2009 to 2018, the Ford Focus was covered by 23 recalls and the Kia Forte by 11.
What years of the Ford Focus and Kia Forte should you avoid?
Ford Focus: 2012, 2013 and 2014. Kia Forte: 2014 and 2017.
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