2019 Kia Forte Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2019 Kia Forte has a complaint index of 47, ranking 9th worst out of 16 model years, and earns a "Good" verdict relative to other Forte years. It has 147 complaints, 2 recalls, and no do-not-drive recalls.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 47/100
- #9 of 16 Forte years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 147
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 11
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 4
- Injuries
- 5
- Top issue
- Transmission & Powertrain
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 34
- 30 city / 40 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 5 / 0
Top 2019 Kia Forte problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Frontal airbags failed to deploy in multiple crashes, including a 40 mph frontal impact and a low-speed collision after swerving to avoid an animal at night.
- Owners report engines shutting down unexpectedly while driving, sometimes repeatedly, with no warning lights.
- Engine fires were reported, including one linked to an oil pan detaching and another after a remanufactured engine seized within a month of replacement.
- Brake pulling to one side during hard braking was reported by one owner, causing loss of control near a guard rail.
- Electrical system complaints included a wiring harness failure that left a vehicle unable to drive or reverse.
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 reliable?
- Relative to other Forte model years, the 2019 is rated "Good," with a complaint index of 47 that ranks 9th worst among 16 model years covered.
- What are the most common problems with the 2019 Kia Forte?
- NHTSA complaints show Transmission & Powertrain issues lead at 32% of complaints, followed by Engine problems at 31% and Electrical System issues at 21%.
- Does the 2019 Kia Forte have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists two recalls for the 2019 Forte: one for a left front axle driveshaft that may not have been properly heat-treated, and one for LED headlights with incorrect low-beam aiming. Neither is a do-not-drive recall.
- What year Kia Forte should I avoid?
- Among Forte years, 2011, 2012, 2014, and 2017 carry "Avoid" verdicts with complaint indexes of 80, 87, 100, and 93 respectively, all higher than the 2019's index of 47.
- How is the 2019 Kia Forte's fuel economy?
- The EPA rates the 2019 Forte at 34 mpg combined (30 city / 40 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,900.