CarRecallDB

2016 Kia Forte recalls and problems

1 recall and 136 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2016 Kia Forte.

1
recalls
136
owner complaints
16
complaints mentioning a crash
6
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2016 Kia Forte recalls

Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid, latch

NHTSA campaign 21V622000 · reported August 9, 2021 · Kia Motors America · 253,074 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Forte 4-door, Forte Koup 2-door, and 2018-2019 Rio 4-door vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
The risk
A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix
Dealers will replace the trunk latch assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 10, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC216.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 3, 2026 · Exterior lighting

The Headlights and ALL exterior lights FLICKER or TURN OFF ENTIRELY while driving, especially when touching the Multi-Function Turn Signal Stalk to signal a turn. This can and HAS happened when the Headlights are switched on any mode: MARKER LIGHTS, HEADLIGHTS, or AUTO. I can be driving, Headlights are on AUTO…

Aug 31, 2026 · Engine

Im getting denied dued to engine failure but whoever had the vehicle before didn't follow up with the ksds update, I just purchased the vehicle on June 30th,2026, I need this fixed ASAP because I still owe on this car.

Aug 21, 2026 · Insert, padding

When I have the windows down, I can see the headrest flapping in the wind. I took the cover off and discovered that the styrofoam had broken in half. I used foam adhesive to bind it together. Once again, windows down and the headrest is still flapping in the wind. Look underneath the cover and this time the Styrofoam…

Aug 10, 2026 · Engine

My 2016 Kia Forte had a recall that was never performed and I was never told anything about the car fax or any recalls from where I got the car from, it needs a engine repair.

Jul 19, 2026 · Engine

Car runs fine at lower speeds. When traveling over 50 mph for ten minutes or more, then decelerating or stopping in traffic or at a stop light it stalls. It cranks right back up after you put it neutral and turn the key. We’ve almost been rear ended twice since this started. The car has only been driven about 3000…

Forte model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2013 51951613
2014 34443236
2015 12601620
2016 1136166
2017 33052310
2018 3136133
2019 2150114

Across all years, the 2014 Forte has the most complaints (444). All Kia Forte years →

Questions

Does the 2016 Kia Forte have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2016 Kia Forte, the most recent reported on August 9, 2021 (Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid, latch). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Kia Forte?
Owners have filed 136 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (66 complaints), followed by electrical system (22).
How many 2016 Kia Forte complaints mention a crash or fire?
16 of 136 complaints report a crash and 6 a fire; 13 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 3, 2026.