Kia Forte problems by year
2,531 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across 15 Kia Forte model years. Last verified Sep 22, 2026. Complaint totals are lifetime counts — years that have been on the road longer accumulate more reports.
Years with the most complaints
2014 (440)
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most reported problem | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Limited reporting history | 24 | 0 | Unknown / Other | |
| 2023 Limited reporting history | 61 | 3 | Steering | |
| 2022 | 26 | 1 | Unknown / Other | |
| 2021 | 67 | 2 | Engine | |
| 2020 | 75 | 0 | Unknown / Other | |
| 2019 | 147 | 2 | Power Train | |
| 2018 | 136 | 3 | Engine | |
| 2017 | 301 | 3 | Engine | |
| 2016 | 135 | 1 | Engine | |
| 2015 | 259 | 1 | Engine | |
| 2014 Most complained | 440 | 3 | Engine | |
| 2013 | 195 | 5 | Engine | |
| 2012 | 291 | 4 | Engine | |
| 2011 | 153 | 3 | Engine | |
| 2010 | 221 | 3 | Engine |
How to read this. Complaints are unverified reports owners file with NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation, counted once per case number. Raw totals are not adjusted for sales volume, and recent model years have had less time on the road. “Most complained” flags years well above the model’s median; treat it as a signal for deeper research, not a verdict. This page is not affiliated with Kia.