The Lemon Index2019 Kia Forte.
The 2019 Kia Forte is better than average by owner complaints: 83 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 84, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about transmission & drivetrain, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 31 to 35 mpg combined. The best Kia Forte year is 2022.
Better than average. 1.2× fewer complaints than average.
Best year 2022
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 149 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Kia Forte year. 2019 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 2K to 35K miles on the car (69 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 2K–23K miles
Recalls 2
- transmission & drivetrain 2020
The left front axle driveshaft may not have been heat-treated, which can cause it to break.
- lights 2018
The headlights may not have been manufactured with the correct low beam aiming.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Kia told dealers about
Kia sent dealers 102 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- CYLINDER HEAD STEEL BALL INSPECTION AND INSTALLATION - This Pitstop provides information…
- Technical service bulletin: service action: gamma 1.6l-t gdi ulev mil on dtc p0128 and/or dtc…
- PITSTOP - BRAKE CALIPER LEAK INSPECTION - This PITSTOP provides information related to a brake…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1850–2050 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
It usually just randomly happens when I'm driving, the light comes on and to turn it off I either have to restart my car or just wait until it goes away . Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't
2019 Kia Forte owner · NHTSA complaint 11394589
More owner reports
The cvt transmission failed. Car had to be towed. I owned the car for less than 3 months.
NHTSA complaint 11173755
Hesitates to start. Spudders when in drive âDâ. Must drive in âSâ sport to stop the spuddering.
NHTSA complaint 11488518
Quick answers
Is the 2019 Kia Forte reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 84; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Kia Forte year by this measure is 2022.
What are the most common 2019 Kia Forte problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are transmission & drivetrain (45%), automatic emergency braking (16%) and engine (10%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2019 Kia Forte have?
2 safety recalls (latest: transmission & drivetrain). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2019 Kia Forte get?
31 to 35 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2019 Kia Forte safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2019 Kia Forte problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 2,900 and 35,200 miles. The middle report was at 10,400 miles, from 69 complaints.
Does the 2019 Kia Forte have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 45% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2019 Kia Forte cost in fuel a year?
About $1850 to $2050 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2019 Kia Forte have?
2.0L 4-cyl.
What Kia Forte year is better than the 2019?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2022, 2011 and 2013.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works