Kia Forte recalls and problems by year
NHTSA lists 18 recalls and 2,560 owner complaints for the Kia Forte (model years 2009–2024). The most reported problem area is engine (1,130 complaints), followed by electrical system (325 complaints). The 2013 model year has the most recalls (5).
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 0 | 26 | 6 | 0 | |
| 2023 | 3 | 66 | 11 | 5 | |
| 2022 | 1 | 28 | 3 | 1 | |
| 2021 | 2 | 69 | 11 | 0 | |
| 2020 | 0 | 78 | 9 | 2 | |
| 2019 | 2 | 150 | 11 | 4 | |
| 2018 | 3 | 136 | 13 | 3 | |
| 2017 | 3 | 305 | 23 | 10 | |
| 2016 | 1 | 136 | 16 | 6 | |
| 2015 | 1 | 260 | 16 | 20 | |
| 2014 | 3 | 444 | 32 | 36 | |
| 2013 | 5 | 195 | 16 | 13 | |
| 2012 | 4 | 292 | 20 | 23 | |
| 2011 | 3 | 154 | 28 | 13 | |
| 2010 | 3 | 221 | 21 | 4 | |
| 2009 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
By complaints filed, the peak model years are 2014 (444), 2017 (305) and 2012 (292). Among model years at least two years old, the 2009 has the fewest complaints on file (1).
Most reported problem areas
What owners name in their complaints across all Kia Forte model years. A complaint can name more than one area.
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1,130 | 15 of 16 | |
| Electrical system | 325 | 15 of 16 | |
| Air bags | 294 | 15 of 16 | |
| Power train | 218 | 15 of 16 | |
| Exterior lighting | 176 | 13 of 16 |
Latest 8 of 18 recalls
| Recall | Date | Problem area | Model years | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24V244000 | Apr 1, 2024 | Suspension: front, control arm, lower arm | 2023 | 215 |
| 23V652000 | Sep 25, 2023 | Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/module | 2010–2013 | 1,730,192 |
| 23V649000 | Sep 22, 2023 | Suspension: front, control arm, lower arm | 2023 | 3,866 |
| 22V906000 | Dec 8, 2022 | Steering: linkages, knuckle, spindle, arm | 2023 | 939 |
| 22V304000 | May 5, 2022 | Steering: column | 2021–2022 | 30 |
| 22V031000 | Jan 25, 2022 | Air bags | 2017–2018 | 410,619 |
| 21V622000 | Aug 9, 2021 | Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid, latch | 2016–2018 | 253,074 |
| 21V260000 | Apr 13, 2021 | Engine and engine cooling: engine, oil/lubrication, pump | 2017–2018 | 4,069 |
Vehicles: the manufacturer's estimate of all vehicles potentially affected by the recall, across every model it covers. Each model-year page lists what its recalls fix.
Owners reported a crash in 236 complaints and a fire in 140 complaints; 192 people injured and 12 deaths are recorded in these reports. These are the owners' accounts, not findings of cause.
Complaint counts grow with how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road; compare years with that in mind. Complaints are unverified owner reports.