Does the 2019 Kia Forte have transmission problems?

Yes. NHTSA lists 47 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2019 Forte, 32% of all complaints filed for that model year, the highest share among Forte years. Median mileage at failure was 5,140 miles.

Is there a transmission or powertrain recall for the 2019 Kia Forte?

Yes, recall 20V459000 covers a left front axle driveshaft that may not have been heat-treated, which can cause it to break. It was reported on 2020-08-05, and it is not a do-not-drive or park-outside recall.

At what mileage do 2019 Kia Forte transmission problems usually happen?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 5,140 miles for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2019 Forte.

Were there any crashes or injuries linked to these transmission complaints?

NHTSA records show 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries among the 47 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2019 Forte.

How does the 2019 Forte compare to other Forte years for transmission complaints?

The 2019 Forte's 32% share of complaints tied to Transmission & Powertrain is higher than every other model year listed, including 2020 at 21% and 2016 at 12%.

2019 Kia Forte Transmission & Powertrain Problems

Owners filed 47 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2019 Kia Forte, 32% of all complaints for that year, the highest share of any Forte model year. Median mileage at failure was 5,140 miles, and a related recall (20V459000) covers a left front axle driveshaft that may not have been heat-treated.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 47; 32% of 147
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 5,140 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

The CVT transmission loses power or fails to accelerate while driving on the highway, sometimes causing the car to stall in traffic.
RPMs surge or jump on their own at a constant speed, then drop back down, before the car later loses power completely.
The vehicle grinds, jolts, or revs abnormally when accelerating from a stop or while merging.
Multiple owners report the transmission had to be replaced entirely, often within the first few months of ownership and under 5,000 miles.
Owners report dealerships initially finding nothing wrong before the transmission failed weeks later.
Some owners describe delays getting replacement transmissions due to backordered parts.

When 2019 Kia Forte transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 15, 2019, latest May 4, 2026.

47 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2019 to May 2026; peak Apr 2019 (6).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2019 Kia Forte

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.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Forte model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201022 (10%)
201118 (12%)
201211 (4%)
201310 (5%)
201418 (4%)
201517 (7%)
201616 (12%)
201712 (4%)
20188 (6%)
201947 (32%)
202016 (21%)
20217 (10%)
20222 (7%)
20238 (13%)
20243 (12%)

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2019 Kia Forte have transmission problems?: Yes. NHTSA lists 47 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2019 Forte, 32% of all complaints filed for that model year, the highest share among Forte years. Median mileage at failure was 5,140 miles.
Is there a transmission or powertrain recall for the 2019 Kia Forte?: Yes, recall 20V459000 covers a left front axle driveshaft that may not have been heat-treated, which can cause it to break. It was reported on 2020-08-05, and it is not a do-not-drive or park-outside recall.
At what mileage do 2019 Kia Forte transmission problems usually happen?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 5,140 miles for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2019 Forte.
Were there any crashes or injuries linked to these transmission complaints?: NHTSA records show 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries among the 47 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2019 Forte.
How does the 2019 Forte compare to other Forte years for transmission complaints?: The 2019 Forte's 32% share of complaints tied to Transmission & Powertrain is higher than every other model year listed, including 2020 at 21% and 2016 at 12%.