Model year
2019 Kia Forte
NHTSA lists 2 recalls and 149 complaints for the 2019 Kia Forte (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are POWER TRAIN (47), ENGINE (37), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (22). NHTSA rated the 4 DR FWD 4 stars overall. EPA rates it 31–35 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $1,900–$2,150, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2010 221 complaints
- 2011 154 complaints
- 2012 292 complaints
- 2013 195 complaints
- 2014 444 complaints
- 2015 260 complaints
- 2016 136 complaints
- 2017 305 complaints
- 2018 136 complaints
- 2019 149 complaints
- 2020 78 complaints
- 2021 69 complaints
- 2022 28 complaints
- 2023 65 complaints
- 2024 26 complaints
Recalls
20V459000 · Aug 5, 2020
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
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.
18V771000 · Oct 31, 2018
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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…
Complaints
149 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 11, fire flag on 4, injury field 5, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
No investigations are matched to this name.
Safety ratings
| Variant | Overall | Front | Side | Pole | Rollover | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 DR FWD | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · possibility 0.107 | NHTSA photo |
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forte FE · 2L · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 31 | 41 | 35 | — | — | $1,900 |
| Forte · 2L · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 30 | 40 | 34 | — | — | $1,950 |
| Forte · 2L · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 27 | 37 | 31 | — | — | $2,150 |
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Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2019 Kia Forte at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.