2019 KIA FORTE

2 recalls — 202 complaints

20V459000 Aug 5, 2020
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
Defect Description
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.
Consequence
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 recal... Read more
834 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: Kia Motors America
18V771000 Oct 31, 2018
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Defect Description
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 1... Read more
Consequence
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.
1,754 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: Kia Motors America

Complaint Statistics

202 total complaints 19 crashes 3 fires 11 injuries

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
POWER TRAIN45
ENGINE31
UNKNOWN OR OTHER21
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM18
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS13
EXTERIOR LIGHTING11
STEERING8
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING7
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL7
AIR BAGS6
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Mar 13, 2026
Incident date: Mar 7, 2026
February 1st 2026, I done my oil change. My car was running fine. No check engine light was on or anything, my forward collision warning started disabling itself when I always kept it on. When I try to accelerate my vehicle it would take a while to accelerate. March 7th 2026, while I was driving, my... Read more
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS Mar 13, 2026
Incident date: Mar 7, 2026
February 1st 2026, I done my oil change. My car was running fine. No check engine light was on or anything, my forward collision warning started disabling itself when I always kept it on. When I try to accelerate my vehicle it would take a while to accelerate. March 7th 2026, while I was driving, my... Read more
ENGINE Mar 13, 2026
Incident date: Mar 7, 2026
February 1st 2026, I done my oil change. My car was running fine. No check engine light was on or anything, my forward collision warning started disabling itself when I always kept it on. When I try to accelerate my vehicle it would take a while to accelerate. March 7th 2026, while I was driving, my... Read more
ENGINE Mar 12, 2026
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
2019 Kia with approximately 64,000 miles. Engine failed without warning. Prior to failure, vehicle had been experiencing intermittent stalling on multiple prior occasions and had been brought to a mechanic for inspection before the final failure occurred. Vehicle stalled while being driven on a high... Read more
POWER TRAIN Mar 6, 2026
Incident date: Feb 27, 2026
Transmission was getting stuck in gear and slipping intermittently would cause the car to not accelerate over 20mph especially in the cold unless you switched it to the manual mode and manually shifted up two gears ans then back down two gears. If you looked at the tach while it did this is would bo... Read more
ENGINE Feb 5, 2026
Incident date: Jan 29, 2026
Engine stalled while driving causing the car to turn off in traffic. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This caused loss of power and steering at 45 miles per hour and could have caused a collision. A licensed and accredited auto mechanic has confirmed that the engine is a tota... Read more
POWER TRAIN Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
When turning on the car the check engine light comes on. Then when accelerating there is a clicking noise and smoke coming from the engine.
ENGINE Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
When turning on the car the check engine light comes on. Then when accelerating there is a clicking noise and smoke coming from the engine.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS Jan 30, 2026
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Forte. The contact was notified by her son that the third brake light was burned and was melting. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted and suggested that a diagnostic test be performed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The man... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:CRANK/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR Jan 14, 2026
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Forte. The contact stated that during start-up, the vehicle was rattling and vibrating abnormally with a clanking sound while shifting into gear. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the crankcase sensor was faulty, and that there were metal shavi... Read more
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST Jan 6, 2026
Incident date: Jan 6, 2026
the safety of others are put at risk due to system on and off due to shortage and wire triggering. The vehicle listed above collision system wire harness have a shortage and causes the vehicle not to be safe and unable to operate on roadways, highways and streets. there were warning light indicator... Read more
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS Jan 6, 2026
Incident date: Jan 6, 2026
the safety of others are put at risk due to system on and off due to shortage and wire triggering. The vehicle listed above collision system wire harness have a shortage and causes the vehicle not to be safe and unable to operate on roadways, highways and streets. there were warning light indicator... Read more
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING Jan 6, 2026
Incident date: Jan 6, 2026
the safety of others are put at risk due to system on and off due to shortage and wire triggering. The vehicle listed above collision system wire harness have a shortage and causes the vehicle not to be safe and unable to operate on roadways, highways and streets. there were warning light indicator... Read more
ENGINE Nov 16, 2025
Incident date: Oct 2, 2025
October 2, 2025 @ approximately 7:30a. I was heading east on I-10 on my way to work when I seen white smoke coming from under my car. I pulled over, noticed it was on fire. There was a man passing by who seen me & was nice enough to stop & put the fire out. The firefighter then stated my oil pan cam... Read more
Fire
ENGINE Oct 22, 2025
Incident date: Aug 26, 2025
I am writing to report a recurring and potentially dangerous issue with my Kia Forte. My vehicle has randomly failed to start on multiple occasions, requiring a jump start. More concerning, it has also shut off while I was driving, which is extremely alarming and could have resulted in a serious acc... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Oct 22, 2025
Incident date: Aug 26, 2025
I am writing to report a recurring and potentially dangerous issue with my Kia Forte. My vehicle has randomly failed to start on multiple occasions, requiring a jump start. More concerning, it has also shut off while I was driving, which is extremely alarming and could have resulted in a serious acc... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Oct 22, 2025
Incident date: Aug 26, 2025
I am writing to report a recurring and potentially dangerous issue with my Kia Forte. My vehicle has randomly failed to start on multiple occasions, requiring a jump start. More concerning, it has also shut off while I was driving, which is extremely alarming and could have resulted in a serious acc... Read more
ENGINE Oct 17, 2025
Incident date: Sep 19, 2025
Motor started ticking....then just stopped running...motor blew up..checked the oil and it had metal flaking in it..
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Oct 16, 2025
Incident date: Oct 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, there was smoke coming from the front driver’s side headlamp, prompting the contact to have her son disconnect the headlamp wiring harness. After a visual inspection, the contact observed tha... Read more
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Oct 16, 2025
Incident date: Oct 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, there was smoke coming from the front driver’s side headlamp, prompting the contact to have her son disconnect the headlamp wiring harness. After a visual inspection, the contact observed tha... Read more
POWER TRAIN Oct 5, 2025
Incident date: Sep 28, 2025
My daughter was driving on the highway. She was driving at 65 mph and then the car started to jolt a couple of times. She kept driving and then it started to feel sluggish and lost some power. Would not accelerate over 45 mph. She was almost rear ended several times and people continually swerving i... Read more
ENGINE Oct 5, 2025
Incident date: Sep 18, 2025
I was driving in Elk River, MN when my car all of a sudden stopped accelerating I then coasted into a street with a dead end to get away from traffic before the car ended up dying though the electronics remained on. I tried restarting the vehicle with no luck. It was clear to me that the engine was ... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Sep 16, 2025
Incident date: Sep 16, 2025
Severe, early onset clear coat paint damage.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Aug 28, 2025
Incident date: May 4, 2025
Oil plug came out while driving causing an engine failure. We have seen several report already made for this issue.
ENGINE Aug 23, 2025
Incident date: Aug 21, 2025
On [XXX] my son was driving on the highway when the car suddenly shut off.. thank god he was able to safely get to the side of the road. Had it towed to my local mechanic who stated that the engine is seized up. The car is only 6 yrs old and well maintained. There were no prior problems or signs. ... Read more
ENGINE Aug 11, 2025
Incident date: Jul 14, 2025
Oil pump on vehicle failed, result was severe internal damage to motor, entire engine needed replaced at 120,600 miles.
LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: AUTOMATIC STEERING Mar 4, 2025
Incident date: Mar 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Lane Keep Assist system activated briefly, taking control of the vehicle and the vehicle started pulling to the right lane. As a result of the failure, the contact completely lost control of the vehicle ... Read more
AIR BAGS Feb 18, 2025
Incident date: Jan 24, 2025
In a car accident I got into, my car’s airbags did not deploy like they should have and therefore I got greater injuries than I should have. I believe I hit the steering wheel and I did hurt my chest. Both my elbows were sore as well and as well as both my knees had big bruises on them. My right k... Read more
Crash 1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Feb 18, 2025
Incident date: Jan 24, 2025
In a car accident I got into, my car’s airbags did not deploy like they should have and therefore I got greater injuries than I should have. I believe I hit the steering wheel and I did hurt my chest. Both my elbows were sore as well and as well as both my knees had big bruises on them. My right k... Read more
Crash 1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Feb 18, 2025
Incident date: Jan 24, 2025
In a car accident I got into, my car’s airbags did not deploy like they should have and therefore I got greater injuries than I should have. I believe I hit the steering wheel and I did hurt my chest. Both my elbows were sore as well and as well as both my knees had big bruises on them. My right k... Read more
Crash 1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Feb 11, 2025
Incident date: Feb 18, 2021
I’m having the exact same issues as the current recall on 2019 Kia fortes. Which is why I’m not sure why my car isn’t on the recall list. I have gone to the dealership for these exact issues with my car. Headlights not incorrectly going out as soon as they are replaced. going to the dealership... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Feb 11, 2025
Incident date: Feb 18, 2021
I’m having the exact same issues as the current recall on 2019 Kia fortes. Which is why I’m not sure why my car isn’t on the recall list. I have gone to the dealership for these exact issues with my car. Headlights not incorrectly going out as soon as they are replaced. going to the dealership... Read more
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Feb 11, 2025
Incident date: Feb 18, 2021
I’m having the exact same issues as the current recall on 2019 Kia fortes. Which is why I’m not sure why my car isn’t on the recall list. I have gone to the dealership for these exact issues with my car. Headlights not incorrectly going out as soon as they are replaced. going to the dealership... Read more
ENGINE Jan 24, 2025
Incident date: Dec 4, 2024
Engine burns oil while buring gas. It burns oil way faster than it should have, which causes low oil and engine damage. As a result the engine stalled out because it ran with little to no oil. There was no dashboard warning light that the oil is low. A mechanic explained that there is a manfactur... Read more
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Jan 22, 2025
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
My brake lights are continuously going out. I replace them and immediately they are out again. There is nothing wrong with the bulb. There is something going with the car. Every time I change the bulb they go out and this has been a few times already
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION Dec 6, 2024
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
CarPlay digital screen is bubbling on the right side, up the top and now to the left part of the screen. I was told by Kia Service it would take $1200 to repair and to use it til it breaks. I googled this issue and learned a lot of Kia cars from 2019 have the same issue. This bubbling is caused by... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Nov 29, 2024
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the rear brake lights failed to illuminate while depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, the contact stated that the A/C was blowing hot air. Additionally, the front and rear passenger’s side windows were roll... Read more
VISIBILITY Nov 29, 2024
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the rear brake lights failed to illuminate while depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, the contact stated that the A/C was blowing hot air. Additionally, the front and rear passenger’s side windows were roll... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES Nov 29, 2024
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the rear brake lights failed to illuminate while depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, the contact stated that the A/C was blowing hot air. Additionally, the front and rear passenger’s side windows were roll... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Oct 14, 2024
Incident date: Sep 11, 2023
So I've been going back and forth with Kia for a year now my car completely lost all capability of driving and reversing after taking it to the dealer at Perris kia they claimed it was my wiring harness and that I needed to pay $7,200 because I'm the second owner of the vehicle and it's not covered ... Read more
Fire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Sep 22, 2024
Incident date: Jul 27, 2023
approximately July 2023, while my car was still under warranty @ 90k miles through KIA, I took it in due to excessive oil burning/leaking, engine "missing". They performed an Oil Consumption Test, which failed the 1st, but "passed" the 2nd phase. I was told to put in Oil Stabilizer in between oil ch... Read more
ENGINE Sep 22, 2024
Incident date: Jul 27, 2023
approximately July 2023, while my car was still under warranty @ 90k miles through KIA, I took it in due to excessive oil burning/leaking, engine "missing". They performed an Oil Consumption Test, which failed the 1st, but "passed" the 2nd phase. I was told to put in Oil Stabilizer in between oil ch... Read more
STRUCTURE:BODY Sep 16, 2024
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
Rapid Delamination and paint peeling of front bumper. There are so many Kia Forte owners experiencing this same issue for it not to be recognized and resolved by now. Please help us. It’s not right.
ENGINE Aug 6, 2024
Incident date: Mar 7, 2024
Have only 70000 miles on it and Kia refuses to replace the transmission that went out and they have lied to me repeatedly and need to be held accountable!
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Aug 6, 2024
Incident date: Jul 3, 2024
It’s very hard to see at night and I know there is a recall for 2019 Kia forte with low beam aiming the recall is SC171. Also when I start driving I hear a rattling sound and there is another recall for 2019 Kia fortes. Power train axle assembly. The recall is SC195
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION Aug 6, 2024
Incident date: Jul 3, 2024
It’s very hard to see at night and I know there is a recall for 2019 Kia forte with low beam aiming the recall is SC171. Also when I start driving I hear a rattling sound and there is another recall for 2019 Kia fortes. Power train axle assembly. The recall is SC195
POWER TRAIN Aug 6, 2024
Incident date: Mar 7, 2024
Have only 70000 miles on it and Kia refuses to replace the transmission that went out and they have lied to me repeatedly and need to be held accountable!
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Aug 6, 2024
Incident date: Jul 3, 2024
It’s very hard to see at night and I know there is a recall for 2019 Kia forte with low beam aiming the recall is SC171. Also when I start driving I hear a rattling sound and there is another recall for 2019 Kia fortes. Power train axle assembly. The recall is SC195
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Jul 25, 2024
Incident date: Jun 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle shut off and independently restarted. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed of a Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) engine co... Read more
ENGINE Jul 22, 2024
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
Have had the car since it had 30,000 on it. It was one year old when we bought it. We changed the oil every three months faithfully. The car has 77,000 miles on it now and needs a new engine. The Kias with this type of engine have been recalled, but this car was not. I have had three mechanics ... Read more

Showing 50 of 202 complaints.

EPA Fuel Economy — 2019 KIA FORTE

Trim / Engine City MPG Highway MPG Combined MPG Fuel Type Annual Fuel Cost
2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios) (Front-Wheel Drive) 30.0 40.0 34.0 Regular $1,750
2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 27.0 37.0 31.0 Regular $1,950

CO2 Emissions: 267.0 g/mile (Midsize Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

NHTSA Safety Investigations — KIA FORTE

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE18003 Opened: Mar 16, 2018 — Closed: Aug 30, 2019
PE — Closed — Model Year: 2010
Air bags may be disabled during crash
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE18-003 on 3/16/18 to investigate incidents involving crashes, resulting in significant collision related damage, where the frontal airbags failed to deploy. ODI reviewed complaint data, available design, test, and field data on the model year (MY) 2... Read more

KIA FORTE — All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the KIA FORTE across all model years (2010–2023).

56 Total Recalls
3,494 Total Complaints
1 Investigations
371 Reported Crashes
197 Reported Fires
24 Reported Deaths

KIA FORTE — Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year Recalls Complaints
2024 0 37 View
2023 3 90 View
2022 1 37 View
2021 7 92 View
2020 0 88 View
2019 (current) 2 202
2018 9 187 View
2017 9 422 View
2016 2 192 View
2015 1 320 View
2014 3 634 View
2013 6 271 View
2012 5 398 View
2011 4 213 View
2010 4 310 View
2009 0 1 View

Other KIA Models

Model Recalls Complaints
SORENTO 188 13,593 View
SPORTAGE 165 6,601 View
SEDONA 118 3,350 View
OPTIMA 100 10,128 View
TELLURIDE 70 2,186 View
SOUL 66 7,233 View
SORENTO HYBRID 62 159 View
SOUL EV 62 50 View