The 2019 Kia Forte is associated with 147 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 2 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database. The most frequently reported component area is Powertrain, accounting for 37 reports (25% of total complaints). EPA testing covers 3 certified vehicle configurations spanning 2l 4-cyl powertrain configurations. Gasoline and hybrid variants deliver 31 to 35 MPG combined.
Key Data Findings
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 147 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 2 campaigns
- • Top Reported Defect Area: Powertrain (37 / 25%)
- • Safety Incident Signals: 11 crash / 4 fire / 5 injury reports
- • NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 4 / 5 Stars
- • EPA Efficiency: 31–35 MPG (3 variants)
Data Note: Compiled directly from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
| Forte FE | 2L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 31 MPG | 41 MPG | 35 MPG | — | $1,750 / yr |
| Forte | 2L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 30 MPG | 40 MPG | 34 MPG | — | $1,800 / yr |
| Forte | 2L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 27 MPG | 37 MPG | 31 MPG | — | $2,000 / yr |
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.
| Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant | Overall Rating | Frontal Crash | Side Crash | Rollover Rating | Rollover Risk |
| 4 DR FWD | | | | | 10.7% |
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as No and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as No in official NHTSA records for tested 2019 Kia Forte models.
View complete 2019 Kia Forte crash test & safety breakdown →
Top Reported Problem Categories
Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2019 Kia Forte problems & component breakdown (51 categories) →
Affected Component: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
Defect Summary: 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.
Free Manufacturer 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.
Affected Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Defect Summary: 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."
Free Manufacturer 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.
View all 2019 Kia Forte recalls & campaign history (2 campaigns) →