Used Kia Forte: Inspection checklist
Pick the model year you are going to see. Each sheet lists the checks for the problems owners reported on that year, in the order you would do them at the car. Owners filed 495 complaints across these 7 years; the 2019 drew the most.
Choose a model year
2024
Fewest complaintsMost reported: electrical
20 complaints0 recallsOpen checklist
2023
Most reported: steering
53 complaints3 recallsOpen checklist
2022
Most reported: engine
22 complaints1 recallOpen checklist
2021
Most reported: engine
64 complaints2 recallsOpen checklist
2020
Most reported: transmission
63 complaints0 recallsOpen checklist
2019
Most complaintsMost reported: transmission
140 complaints2 recallsOpen checklist
2018
Most reported: engine
133 complaints3 recallsOpen checklist
Problems that follow the Forte from year to year
Each of these is a top-three complaint area in at least two model years. Darker cells mean more complaints that year. Whatever year you are looking at, give these extra time.
| Area | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 8 | 45 | 13 | 7 | 2 | 7 | 3 | 85 |
| Engine | 42 | 19 | 8 | 13 | 5 | 2 | 89 | |
| Electrical | 14 | 18 | 8 | 4 | 7 | 5 | 56 | |
| Steering | 5 | 8 | 2 | 8 | 3 | 12 | 38 |
Forte generations and updates
First years of a new generation and mid-cycle updates are marked. Each year links to its checklist.
Third generation
2019–2024
2021 update: Updated exterior styling; New infotainment features
Second generation
2014–2018
2017 update: Updated front and rear styling; Improved safety features
Mileages where Forte problems start
From owner reports for each model year, lowest mileage first. Compare these with the odometer of the car you are seeing.
| Typical mileage | Problem | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 500–1,020 miles | Steering pulls to the right | 2023 |
| 2,000–8,800 miles | Early transmission failure | 2019 |
| 20,000–25,000 miles | Sudden loss of power | 2023 |
| 20,000–30,000 miles | False driver-assist braking or steering | 2023 |
| 35,000–40,000 miles | Engine ticking or lifter noise | 2021 |
| 64,000–77,000 miles | Engine seizure or failure | 2019 |
| 67,000–90,000 miles | Engine failure without warning | 2018 |
| 70,000–107,000 miles | Engine failure after oil loss | 2021 |
| 70,000–88,000 miles | Transmission slipping and failure | 2020 |
Every Forte recall to confirm
10 recalls cover the Forteyears on this site. Open a campaign number for NHTSA's full notice. 1 campaign spans more than one model year. 2 told owners not to drive or to park outside until repaired.
