Model year
2020 Kia Forte
NHTSA lists 0 recalls and 78 complaints for the 2020 Kia Forte (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are UNKNOWN OR OTHER (26), ENGINE (20), POWER TRAIN (16). NHTSA rated the 4 DR FWD 4 stars overall. EPA rates it 28–35 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $1,900–$2,400, 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
No recalls are listed for this name in the matched NHTSA file.
Complaints
78 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 9, fire flag on 2, injury field 6, 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 · 1.6L · Automatic (AM7) · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 27 | 35 | 30 | — | — | $2,250 |
| Forte · 1.6L · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 25 | 32 | 28 | — | — | $2,400 |
| 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 | 29 | 40 | 33 | — | — | $2,050 |
| 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 2020 Kia Forte at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.