The Lemon Index2020 Kia Forte.
The 2020 Kia Forte is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 36 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 45, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 0 recalls, and it gets 28 to 35 mpg combined. The best Kia Forte year is 2022.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 78 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Kia Forte year. 2020 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 1K to 91K miles on the car (21 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 0
No safety recalls on record.
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 100 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Technical service bulletin: 7-speed dct judder inspection and dual clutch assembly replacement…
- Technical service bulletin: ivt software logic improvement and/or ivt replacement - this…
- Technical service bulletin: customer satisfaction: anti-theft s/w logic upgrade & decal…
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 $1850–2300 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.6L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
My car was stolen due to intentional & concealed absence of engine immobilizer.
2020 Kia Forte owner · NHTSA complaint 11531443
More owner reports
After 2 hours of cruise control om, Collision avoidance warning lights came on for 2nd time. Brought is to dealership the first time it happened and they could nt find anything wrong,
NHTSA complaint 11560539
Quick answers
Is the 2020 Kia Forte reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 45; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Kia Forte year by this measure is 2022.
What are the most common 2020 Kia Forte problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (22%), transmission & drivetrain (19%) and speed control (11%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2020 Kia Forte have?
None: NHTSA has no safety recalls on record for it.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Kia Forte get?
28 to 35 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2020 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 2020 Kia Forte problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 1,800 and 91,500 miles. The middle report was at 7,000 miles, from 21 complaints.
Does the 2020 Kia Forte have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 19% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2020 Kia Forte cost in fuel a year?
About $1850 to $2300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2020 Kia Forte have?
1.6L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
What Kia Forte year is better than the 2020?
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