The Lemon Index2019 Kia Forte. Advanced data.
The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.
Engines and drivetrains 2
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / hwy / combined | Fuel | Fuel cost/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | Auto (variable gear ratios) | FWD | 31 / 41 / 35 | Regular | $1,800 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | FWD | 27 / 37 / 31 | Regular | $2,000 |
EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.
Failure mileage by system
Half of owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 2,900 and 35,200 miles. Median 10,400, from 69 complaints with a mileage.
| System | Median | Middle half | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission & drivetrain | 5,300 | 2,900–23,500 | 29 |
| Engine | 16,500 | 1,100–42,000 | 7 |
| Electrical | 11,500 | 700–75,500 | 9 |
| Lights | 39,000 | 16,000–65,000 | 7 |
| Steering | 10,000 | 3,200–14,200 | 7 |
Mileage owners typed into their NHTSA complaint, all complaints for this model year. People report some problems late, so read it as a range.
Complaints by system
| System | Share of complaints |
|---|---|
| Transmission & drivetrain | 45% |
| Automatic emergency braking | 16% |
| Engine | 10% |
| Steering | 8% |
| Electrical | 8% |
One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.
Severity, all complaints
| Total | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths | Tows |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 149 | 11 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 14 |
As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.
Recall campaigns 2
20V459000 Aug 2020 Power Train / Axle Assembly / Axle Shaft
Defect. 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.
Risk. A broken driveshaft can result in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left front axle driveshaft for a heat treatment verification code, and replace it if the code is missing, free of charge. The recall began September 2, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC195.
18V771000 Oct 2018 Exterior Lighting / Headlights
Defect. 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 Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk. If the headlights are not properly aimed, the driver may have reduced visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the headlight aiming and replace the headlights, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 30, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC171.
Manufacturer communications 102
Kia filed 102 service communications for this car with NHTSA.
- 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…
Crash ratings by version
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Safety equipment
| Electronic stability | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | No | No |
Nearby model years
Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.
Updated
Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com)
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