2019 Kia Forte Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
47/100
#9 most-complained of 16 Forte years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2019 Kia Forte has 147 owner complaints and 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 47 out of 100 — #9 highest of 16 Forte model years (verdict: Good). The most reported problem area is transmission & powertrain (47 complaints, 32% of the total). Complaints report 11 crashes, 4 fires, and 5 injuries.
- Complaints
- 147
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes / fires
- 11 / 4
- Injuries / deaths
- 5 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 34
- 30 city / 40 hwy
Top 2019 Kia Forte problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain47 (32%)
- Engine45 (31%)
- Electrical System31 (21%)
- Other22 (15%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras18 (12%)
- Steering8 (5%)
- Airbags6 (4%)
- Lane Departure5 (3%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires5 (3%)
- Brakes4 (3%)
2019 Kia Forte recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V459000Aug 5, 2020Transmission & Powertrain834 vehicles
Power train:axle assembly:axle shaft
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.
Risk: A broken driveshaft can result in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left front axle driveshaft for a heat treatment verification code, and replace it if the code is missing, free of charge. The recall began September 2, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC195.
- NHTSA 18V771000Oct 31, 2018Electrical System1,754 vehicles
Exterior lighting:headlights
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."
Risk: If the headlights are not properly aimed, the driver may have reduced visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the headlight aiming and replace the headlights, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 30, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC171.
2019 Kia Forte fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 30 MPG
- Highway
- 40 MPG
- Combined
- 34 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $1,900
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2019 compared with other Forte years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2019 Kia Forte a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2019 Kia Forte ranks #9 of 16 among Forte model years (Complaint Index 47/100, verdict: Good). It has 147 complaints and 2 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2019 Kia Forte?
- The most reported problem areas are transmission & powertrain (47 complaints), engine (45 complaints), and electrical system (31 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 10,202 miles.
- Does the 2019 Kia Forte have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2019 Kia Forte, most recently reported 2020, covering transmission & powertrain and electrical system.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2019 Kia Forte?
- EPA rates the 2019 Kia Forte at 34 MPG combined (30 city / 40 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,900. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.