Kia Forte years to avoid
More than twice the Forte's typical complaint count for a model year.
Best Kia Forte years
Fewest owner complaints among the last 20 model years, counting only those with at least four years on the road.
Kia Forte complaints by model year
Owner complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so expect them to grow.
Most common Kia Forte problems
All model years combined.
- Engine1,187
- Electrical326
- Airbags294
- Brakes220
- Transmission218
- Lights179
- Steering166
- Fuel system125
- Acceleration110
- Driver assistance106
- Body81
- Seat belts57
Most reported problems on the Kia Forte
Knocking 403Check engine light 334Engine failure 325Stalling 253No deployment 113Airbag light 85
Kia Forte problems year by year
Tap a year to see its problems, recalls and what owners say.
| Year | Score | Complaints | Top problem | Typical mileage | Recalls | Crashes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | - | 26 | Engine | 0 | 6 | ||
| 2023 | - | 66 | Driver assistance | 30,000 | 3 | 11 | |
| 2022 | 93 | 28 | Engine | 21,840 | 1 | 3 | Fewest complaints |
| 2021 | 86 | 69 | Engine | 35,642 | 2 | 11 | Fewest complaints |
| 2020 | 86 | 78 | Engine | 7,000 | 0 | 9 | Fewest complaints |
| 2019 | 75 | 150 | Transmission | 10,403 | 2 | 11 | |
| 2018 | 76 | 136 | Engine | 33,937 | 3 | 13 | |
| 2017 | 48 | 305 | Engine | 40,000 | 3 | 23 | Avoid |
| 2016 | 76 | 137 | Engine | 44,500 | 1 | 16 | |
| 2015 | 55 | 262 | Engine | 75,000 | 1 | 16 | |
| 2014 | 35 | 444 | Engine | 80,000 | 3 | 32 | Avoid |
| 2013 | 62 | 195 | Engine | 79,979 | 5 | 16 | |
| 2012 | 49 | 293 | Engine | 82,000 | 4 | 20 | |
| 2011 | 67 | 154 | Engine | 77,706 | 3 | 28 | |
| 2010 | 60 | 221 | Engine | 73,000 | 3 | 21 | |
| 2009 | 95 | 1 | Engine | 0 | 0 |
Recalls 18
Compare the Forte
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Questions about the Kia Forte
What years of the Kia Forte should you avoid?
2014 and 2017. Each has more than twice the Kia Forte's typical number of owner complaints for a model year; 2014 alone has 444, mostly about engine and steering.
What is the best year for a used Kia Forte?
2022, 2021 and 2020 have the fewest owner complaints among model years that have been on the road for at least four years (28, 69 and 78).
What is the most common problem with the Kia Forte?
Engine, with 1,187 complaints across all years, followed by electrical (326) and airbags (294).
How many recalls does the Kia Forte have?
18 recalls between 2009 and 2024. The 2013 model year has the most, with 5.
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Buying a used Kia Forte?
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