While Driving, the vehicle lost power and stopped. Found out the timing chain went out/broken. This car only had 62,000. 2019 Kia Forte
The worst 2019 Kia Forte problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Transmission48
- Engine42
- Electrical23
- Driver assistance20
- Lights15
- Steering9
- Acceleration7
- Airbags6
- Body4
- Brakes4
- Fuel system4
- Suspension2
- Wheels2
- Seats1
- Tires1
- Visibility1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2019 Kia Forte
Transmission failure 21Check engine light 18Stalling 17Engine failure 14Collision warning 12Loss of power 12Headlights 10Fire or smoke 6Jerking 6No deployment 5Grinding brakes 5
Recalls 2
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- A broken driveshaft can result in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 20V459000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting: headlights
- What is wrong
- 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."
- Risk
- If the headlights are not properly aimed, the driver may have reduced visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 18V771000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2019 Kia Forte 102
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Customer satisfaction: theft deterrent ignition cylinder protector and decal installation (CS2312)
- Voluntary emissions service campaign: owner renotification (SC199 FL301)
- Customer satisfaction: theft deterrent ignition cylinder protector and decal installation (CS2312)
- Owner notification (CS2312)
- Pitstop: technical operations: external damage to ultrasonic sensor
- Transmission fluid application guide
- Excessive oil consumption nu/gamma/theta/kappa engines
- Front strut bearing & spring pad replacement
- Ivt oil pressure sensor replacement
- Customer satisfaction: anti-theft s/w logic upgrade & decal installation (CS2305)
2019 Kia Forte fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | FWD | 27-31 | 37-41 | 31-35 |
What 2019 Kia Forte owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I took my 2019 Kia Forte LXS to a certified Kia dealership to have the mandatory anti-theft security upgrade performed (Campaign CS2312), which involves installing an ignition cylinder protector plate inside the steering column. Immediately after picking up the vehicle, multiple severe safety and electrical defects appeared. The engine is running very rough, sputters, and loses power especially going up hills, making it dangerous to drive. Additionally, the brake light main is now malfunctioning and fail to illuminate. - creating an immediate crash hazard. The radio and dashboard electronics are also cutting out intermittently. mileage is also not being calculated right. These dangerous engine and electrical safety defects were directly caused by the dealership's botched installation of the manufacturer's security campaign."
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at 70-75 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and the check engine warning light illuminated, causing the contact and her daughter to be stranded on the highway. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the spark plugs and ignition coils; however, the failure persisted. After allowing the vehicle to cool down, the contact restarted the vehicle and drove to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to Jiffy Lube, where the transmission fluid was changed; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where DTC P0730 was retrieved, indicating an Incorrect Gear Ratio, and the dealer determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failure with Technical Service Bulletin: MC-11029037 and Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign SC199; however, the vehicle was not covered under either program. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
recommended engine replacement at 111,000 miles
Power loss, engine failure. Will not start
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Forte. The contact stated that after driving to the local store and turning off the vehicle, after returning to the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with a timing chain failure caused by low engine oil. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the vehicle had experienced excessive oil consumption and engine oil was constantly added to the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 124,000.
While driving, the Forward Collision Warning system activated unexpectedly without any apparent hazard or obstruction in front of my vehicle. Immediately after the warning appeared, the vehicle suddenly lost speed and became very slow to accelerate. I was unable to safely increase my speed while traveling on a busy roadway, creating a dangerous situation and nearly resulting in a collision with surrounding traffic. Due to the sudden loss of power and inability to accelerate normally, I activated my hazard lights and was forced to pull onto the shoulder of the road for my safety and the safety of other drivers. There were no visible obstacles, vehicles, or road conditions that appeared to justify the activation of the Forward Collision Warning system. This unexpected activation and resulting loss of vehicle performance created a significant safety risk. I am submitting this complaint because a malfunction of the Forward Collision Warning system or related vehicle systems could potentially lead to a serious accident or injury. I have experienced recurring brake issues despite recently having the brakes replaced. The problem continues to occur, raising concerns that there may be an underlying electrical or electronic malfunction affecting vehicle performance. I was recently pulled over shortly after the brake replacement due to concerns regarding the vehicle's braking system. Because the issue persists after repairs, I am concerned about the safety of the vehicle and the potential risk of a crash or loss of control.
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 70 MPH, the contact had exited when the oil and battery warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle rolled over to the side of the road. The contact exited the vehicle and, upon inspection, noticed that an excessive amount of oil had leaked onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the drain plug had failed and the engine was damaged. The independent mechanic replaced the drain plug. However, the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to the residence and had not been driven since. The contact had not experienced a failure in the past. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
The transmission had a recall 2 years ago and they gave me a new one (KIA). I am having issues with my transmission again
My car has cut off on me going down the road and it cut back on I have had where the car is slow at acceleration and trying to stall out on me and causing a car to almost hit me in the bumper cause of it the car only has 112,580 miles and have not been able to drive the car since march 13,2026 due to this issue and not feeling safe to drive it
Compare the 2019 Kia Forte
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Other model years
2009201020112012201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024
Questions about the 2019 Kia Forte
Is the 2019 Kia Forte reliable?
Owners have filed 150 complaints about the 2019 Kia Forte, close to a typical Forte model year.
What is the 2019 Kia Forte year score?
The 2019 Kia Forte scores 75 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Kia Forte: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2019 Kia Forte?
Transmission and drivetrain, with 48 complaints, typically around 5,280 miles. Next is engine (42).
How many recalls does the 2019 Kia Forte have?
2 recalls, covering power train and exterior lighting.
Was there a recall on the 2019 Kia Forte transmission?
Yes, 1 recall: 20V459000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Kia Forte have bad transmission?
The Kia Forte model years with the most transmission complaints are 2019 (48 complaints), 2010 (23 complaints) and 2011 (18 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2019 Kia Forte get?
Official estimates for the 2019 Kia Forte range from 31 to 35 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 27-31 city and 37-41 highway.
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