Photo: GabboT / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons
Kia Forte
Sedan · Gas · 66 versions · owner report
Ranked #5 of 15 used compact cars on owner data, price and fuel economy
Every generation
Power
Combined, EPA 2024
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on model year and powertrain.
6 problems reported (4 recurrent, 2 isolated) · medium confidence
Problems owners report
- RecurrentEngine failure (oil consumption, piston ring issues, catastrophic failure)
Particularly noted in pre-2019 GDI engines and some Theta II engines; some reports of replacement under warranty.
- RecurrentCVT/IVT transmission reliability concerns
Noted for premature failure, especially in belt-driven units from 2019 to mid-2021; design updated to chain-driven in 2021+ models.
- RecurrentLong-term build quality and durability
Older models (e.g., 2010-2014) reported with issues like rusted brake lines, exhaust perforation, and interior rattles developing sooner than competitors like Toyota.
+ 3 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentRapid depreciation
Significant loss in resale value, especially with higher mileage; noted as being "worth almost nothing" with 115,000 miles compared to competitors.
- IsolatedInterior water leaks
Isolated reports of bad seals leading to water seepage into the cabin, causing odors.
- IsolatedAirbag warning light
Isolated mention of an illuminated airbag light on an older model.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a single "best" version. Feedback is fragmented by generation and trim. For later models (approx. 2022+), the GT trim with the turbocharged engine and DCT is mentioned as a fun, performance-oriented option. For reliability, owners suggest targeting 2022 and newer models, which benefit from updated engines and a switch to a chain-driven CVT design. The LXS trim is frequently mentioned as offering a good balance of value and features.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Mazda 3 and Volkswagen Jetta.
Is the Forte right for you?
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Overall sentiment
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on model year and powertrain. The Forte is widely regarded as a solid value proposition, offering good features, technology, and interior space for the money, particularly when purchased new or lightly used with the remaining manufacturer warranty. Long-term owner reports praise its practicality, fuel efficiency, and comfort as a daily driver. However, significant concerns exist regarding long-term reliability, especially for older generations and specific engines. Criticisms include premature engine failure (notably the "Theta II" and other GDI engines prone to oil consumption and failure), CVT transmission durability, and a general perception of lower build quality and faster depreciation compared to segment leaders like Toyota and Honda. The consensus indicates satisfaction among owners who prioritize upfront value and warranty coverage, but apprehension remains for those planning to keep the vehicle beyond 100,000 miles without warranty protection.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a value-focused alternative to the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic, offering more standard features and a longer warranty at a similar or lower price point. Frequently compared directly to the Hyundai Elantra, with which it shares platforms and powertrains; the Forte is often noted as the slightly more affordable option. Versus the Mazda 3, the Forte is seen as more practical and feature-rich but less engaging to drive and with inferior interior materials. Compared to the Volkswagen Jetta, the Forte offers better warranty terms but is perceived as less refined in driving dynamics. A recurring theme is the "Toyota tax," where buyers note significantly higher prices for used Corollas, making the Forte appear more attractive from a pure cost perspective, albeit with acknowledged trade-offs in long-term reliability and resale value.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient consistent owner data available. Isolated recommendations include: opting for Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) from a Kia dealership to retain the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty; prioritizing 2022+ model years for improved mechanical reliability; and for models with the IVT (CVT), changing transmission fluid every 30,000 miles and following specific operational tips (e.g., allowing warm-up, careful shifting on inclines) to promote longevity.
General recommendations
Suitable for budget-conscious buyers seeking a feature-rich, practical compact sedan with strong new-car warranty coverage. Ideal for shorter ownership cycles (3-7 years) where the warranty remains active. Recommended for young drivers and small families needing a fuel-efficient commuter. NOT recommended for buyers prioritizing long-term (10+ year) ownership beyond 100,000 miles without expecting significant repairs, particularly for pre-2022 models. Strongly advised to purchase with the remaining manufacturer warranty, ideally CPO. Always verify insurance coverage and cost, as some model years may be subject to higher premiums. A pre-purchase inspection is critical, especially for used models outside of warranty. Be prepared for higher depreciation compared to segment leaders.
Remarks
Owner feedback spans multiple generations, from circa 2010 to the final 2024 model before its replacement by the K4. Reliability perceptions are sharply divided: some owners report trouble-free ownership past 150,000 miles, while others report major powertrain failures. This dichotomy is often attributed to specific problematic engine families (e.g., Theta II) and model years. The manufacturer's warranty is a significant factor in ownership satisfaction, with positive experiences reported when major issues were covered. The lack of an immobilizer in certain older model years is a noted concern for insurance and theft. Analysis based on approximately 40 substantive owner discussions and comparisons.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2014. Years to avoid: 2014, 2013, 2012Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Kia Forte years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 25 | 0 | unknown or other |
| 2023 | 62 | 3 | steering |
| 2022 | 27 | 1 | unknown or other |
| 2021 | 68 | 2 | engine |
| 2020 | 76 | 0 | unknown or other |
| 2019 | 147 | 2 | power train |
| 2018 | 138 | 3 | engine |
| 2017 | 304 | 3 | engine |
| 2016 | 140 | 1 | engine |
| 2015 | 518 | 1 | engine |
| 2014 | 885 | 3 | engine |
| 2013 | 601 | 5 | engine |
| 2012 | 598 | 4 | engine |
| 2011 | 322 | 3 | engine |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices34 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2023 · steering:linkages:knuckle:spindle:armcampaign 22V906000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Forte vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the front left steering knuckle may crack, which can result in a loss of steering control.
2023 · suspension:front:control arm:lower armcampaign 23V649000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Forte vehicles. The right front lower control arm may have been improperly welded, which can cause it to fail.
2023 · suspension:front:control arm:lower armcampaign 24V244000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Forte vehicles. The right front lower control arm may have been improperly welded, which can cause it to fail.
2022 · steering:columncampaign 22V304000
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rio and Forte vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.
2021 · air bags: air bag/restraint control modulecampaign 21V164000
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021 Telluride, K5, and Forte vehicles. The Occupant Classification and Detection System (OCS/ODS) unit may not detect the presence of a child restraint system in the front passenger seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
2021 · steering:columncampaign 22V304000
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rio and Forte vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.
2019 · exterior lighting:headlightscampaign 18V771000
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."
2019 · power train:axle assembly:axle shaftcampaign 20V459000
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.
2018 · air bagscampaign 22V031000
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles. The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) cover may contact a memory chip on the printed circuit board and damage the electrical circuit. Circuit damage may result in deactivated air bags that will not deploy in a crash.
2018 · latches/locks/linkages:trunk lid:latchcampaign 21V622000
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."
2018 · engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:pumpcampaign 21V260000
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Forte vehicles equipped with a 2.0L Nu MPI engine. Foreign particles may stick inside the oil pump, which may cause an oil pump failure and engine damage.
2017 · air bagscampaign 22V031000
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles. The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) cover may contact a memory chip on the printed circuit board and damage the electrical circuit. Circuit damage may result in deactivated air bags that will not deploy in a crash.
2017 · latches/locks/linkages:trunk lid:latchcampaign 21V622000
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."
2017 · engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:pumpcampaign 21V260000
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Forte vehicles equipped with a 2.0L Nu MPI engine. Foreign particles may stick inside the oil pump, which may cause an oil pump failure and engine damage.
2016 · latches/locks/linkages:trunk lid:latchcampaign 21V622000
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."
19 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
2.0 MPI IVT
2.0L 4-cylinder · 147 hp · FWD · automatic
Built 2021–2026
