Kia Forte 2020 recalls, problems, complaints and safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls issued for the Kia Forte 2020 and 78 complaints filed by owners. It has 18% fewer 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.
Own or buying a Kia Forte 2020? Enter its VIN to see its exact trim and engine, and confirm on NHTSA whether its recalls were repaired.
Recalls issued for the Kia Forte 2020
NHTSA has no vehicle recalls on file for this model and year.
Complaints from other owners
78 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.
9 with a crash · 2 with a fire · 6 injuries
Most reported problems on the Kia Forte 2020
- Engine: 20 (26% of complaints)
- Powertrain and transmission: 16 (21% of complaints)
- Electrical system: 11 (14% of complaints)
- Forward collision avoidance: 6 (8% of complaints)
- Air bags: 5 (6% 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 2020
- Start it cold, listen for noises, look for oil or coolant leaks and exhaust smoke.
- On the test drive, check for smooth shifts with no jerks, slipping or noises; check the transmission fluid condition.
- 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)
| Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
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 2020 have?
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls issued for the Kia Forte 2020. 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 2020?
In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: engine (20 of 78 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.
Model-level information from official NHTSA sources. Confirm by VIN on NHTSA. Not a substitute for a mechanical inspection.
Last updated: October 14, 2026. Sources: NHTSA vPIC (decoding), NHTSA Recalls, NHTSA Complaints and NHTSA NCAP (5-Star Safety Ratings).