Kia Forte 2019 recalls, problems, complaints and safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls issued for the Kia Forte 2019 and 147 complaints filed by owners. It has 54% more complaints than the average Kia Forte from 2016–2024 (95 per year).

These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.

Recalls issued for the Kia Forte 2019

Powertrain and transmission
NHTSA campaign 20V459000 · 2020-08-05

What happens

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 recall is SC195.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 20V459000

Exterior lighting
NHTSA campaign 18V771000 · 2018-10-31

What happens

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."

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.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 18V771000

Complaints from other owners

147 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.

11 with a crash · 4 with a fire · 5 injuries

Most reported problems on the Kia Forte 2019

• Powertrain and transmission: 47 (32% of complaints)
• Engine: 36 (24% of complaints)
• Electrical system: 21 (14% of complaints)
• Forward collision avoidance: 17 (12% of complaints)
• Exterior lighting: 13 (9% of complaints)

Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.

What to check before buying a Kia Forte 2019

• Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
• On the test drive, check for smooth shifts with no jerks, slipping or noises; check the transmission fluid condition.
• Start it cold, listen for noises, look for oil or coolant leaks and exhaust smoke.
• Test lights, windows, locks, the screen and dashboard warning lights; have trouble codes scanned.
• Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.

Safety rating (NCAP)

Kia Forte recalls by year

• 2016 : 1 recalls · 4 complaints
• 2017 : 3 recalls · 305 complaints
• 2018 : 3 recalls · 136 complaints
• 2019 : 2 recalls · 147 complaints
• 2020 : 0 recalls · 78 complaints
• 2021 : 2 recalls · 69 complaints
• 2022 : 1 recalls · 28 complaints
• 2023 : 3 recalls · 64 complaints
• 2024 : 0 recalls · 26 complaints

Frequently asked questions

How many recalls does the Kia Forte 2019 have?

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls issued for the Kia Forte 2019. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.

What is the most common problem with the Kia Forte 2019?

In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: powertrain and transmission (47 of 147 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.