Kia Forte Best and Worst Years (2009–2024)
Kia Forte years to avoid are 2011, 2012, 2014, and 2017, which have the highest complaint index scores (80, 87, 100, and 93) out of 2,541 total complaints across all years. The best years are 2020, 2022, and 2024, each with low complaint index scores of 20, 7, and 13.
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
Avoid 2011Avoid 2012Avoid 2014Avoid 2017Best 2020Best 2022Best 2024
- Model years
- 16
- 2009–2024
- NHTSA complaints
- 2,541
- Recall campaigns
- 18
- Crashes reported
- 236
- Fires reported
- 137
- Top problem area
- Engine
Forte Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Kia Forte problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | No verdict | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Engine | — | — |
| 2010 | Caution | 67 | 221 | 21 | 4 | 3 | Engine | 28 | — |
| 2011 | Avoid | 80 | 153 | 28 | 12 | 3 | Engine | 28 | 4★ |
| 2012 | Avoid | 87 | 292 | 20 | 23 | 4 | Engine | 28 | 4★ |
| 2013 | Caution | 53 | 195 | 16 | 13 | 5 | Engine | 28 | 4★ |
| 2014 | Avoid | 100 | 442 | 32 | 36 | 3 | Engine | 28 | 4★ |
| 2015 | Caution | 73 | 259 | 16 | 20 | 1 | Engine | 28.5 | 5★ |
| 2016 | Good | 40 | 135 | 16 | 6 | 1 | Engine | 28 | 5★ |
| 2017 | Avoid | 93 | 302 | 23 | 9 | 3 | Engine | 28 | 5★ |
| 2018 | Good | 33 | 136 | 13 | 3 | 3 | Engine | 28 | 5★ |
| 2019 | Good | 47 | 147 | 11 | 4 | 2 | Transmission & Powertrain | 34 | 4★ |
| 2020 | Best | 20 | 76 | 9 | 2 | 0 | Engine | 31 | 4★ |
| 2021 | Good | 27 | 68 | 11 | 0 | 2 | Engine | 31 | 4★ |
| 2022 | Best | 7 | 27 | 3 | 1 | 1 | Engine | 31.5 | 4★ |
| 2023 | Caution | 60 | 62 | 11 | 4 | 3 ! | Steering | 31 | 4★ |
| 2024 | Best | 13 | 25 | 6 | 0 | 0 | Airbags | 31 | 4★ |
Forte years to avoid: what went wrong
2014 Kia Forte Index 100 · 442 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2014 Forte has the highest complaint index of any year, at 100, out of 442 total complaints. Engine problems account for 51% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 92,746, and electrical system issues follow at 16%. Three recalls cover this year, including engine compartment fires and a cooling fan resistor that could overheat and melt. Owners reported vehicles catching fire while driving, steering wheels freezing and jerking, and airbags failing to deploy in crashes.
2014 engine problems →2014 electrical system problems →2014 steering problems →
2017 Kia Forte Index 93 · 302 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2017 Forte has a complaint index of 93, the second-highest of any year, with 302 total complaints. Engine issues represent 54% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 75,000, and electrical system problems follow at 25%. Three recalls apply, including an oil pump failure that can cause engine damage and an airbag control unit defect. Owners described vehicles moving on their own while parking, engines bursting into flames shortly after dealer repairs, and airbags not deploying in low-speed crashes.
2017 engine problems →2017 electrical system problems →2017 fuel system problems →
2012 Kia Forte Index 87 · 292 complaints · 4 recalls
The 2012 Forte has a complaint index of 87, the third-highest of any model year. Engine complaints dominate at 58% with a median failure mileage of 100,000, and brakes follow at 18%. Four recall campaigns apply to this year, including one for engine compartment fires and another for airbag control unit issues. Owners described engines catching fire after being parked, brakes and throttle failing to respond together, and airbags not deploying in crashes.
2012 engine problems →2012 brakes problems →2012 electrical system problems →
2011 Kia Forte Index 80 · 153 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2011 Forte carries a complaint index of 80 out of 2,541 total complaints logged for the model. Engine problems make up 37% of its complaints, with a median failure mileage of 90,850, followed by airbag non-deployment issues at 23% and brake problems at 21%. NHTSA lists three recall campaigns for this year, covering brakes, airbags, and a transmission cooler hose that was improperly installed. Owners reported airbags failing to deploy in crashes and sudden stalling or lurching while shifting into park.
2011 engine problems →2011 airbags problems →2011 brakes problems →
Most common Kia Forte problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.
- Engine1,241 (49%)
- Electrical System438 (17%)
- Other334 (13%)
- Airbags294 (12%)
- Brakes239 (9%)
- Transmission & Powertrain216 (9%)
- Steering163 (6%)
- Fuel System125 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires124 (5%)
- Structure & Body106 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- What year Kia Forte should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2011, 2012, 2014, and 2017 Forte have the highest complaint index scores (80, 87, 100, and 93 respectively) and are rated Avoid relative to other Forte years.
- What is the best year for the Kia Forte?
- The 2020, 2022, and 2024 Forte are rated Best, with complaint index scores of 20, 7, and 13, the lowest among all Forte model years.
- What is the most common problem with the Kia Forte?
- Engine problems are the top issue across all Forte years, accounting for 1,241 of 2,541 total complaints, or 49%. Electrical system issues rank second at 17%.
- Does the Kia Forte have engine recalls?
- Yes. Several Forte years, including 2012, 2014, and 2017, are covered by recalls related to engine compartment fires and oil pump failures that can cause engine damage.
- Is the 2014 Kia Forte reliable?
- The 2014 Forte has the highest complaint index of any Forte year, at 100, with 442 total complaints, over half involving the engine, making it the year rated Avoid most strongly.