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2019 Kia Forte: common problems and reliability
An average Forte year.
147 owner complaints, most about power train. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 2019 Forte?The 2019 Kia Forte has 147 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and engine. Owners most often flag cvt/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.
Safety record for the 2019 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2019 Kia Forte vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Forte years only. How we score it
Is 2019 a good year for the Forte?
Across the 16 Forte model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2009) to 885 (2014). With 147 complaints, the 2019 Forte sits about the same as the model's median of 147.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2019 Forte
exterior lighting:headlights
Campaign 18V771000Kia 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."
power train:axle assembly:axle shaft
Campaign 20V459000Kia 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.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on model year and powertrain.
- 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.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Forte. See the full Forte owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Forte listings typically run $15,679–$18,438 across 2014 to 2024 model years.
Other Forte model years
Compare every Forte year side by side to see how 2019 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Forte against its rivals
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