The Lemon Index2020 Kia Forte. Advanced data.
The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.
Engines and drivetrains 4
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / hwy / combined | Fuel | Fuel cost/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Auto (AM7) | FWD | 27 / 35 / 30 | Regular | $2,100 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | FWD | 25 / 32 / 28 | Regular | $2,200 |
| 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 1,800 and 91,500 miles. Median 7,000, from 21 complaints with a mileage.
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 |
|---|---|
| Electrical | 22% |
| Transmission & drivetrain | 19% |
| Speed control | 11% |
| Engine | 8% |
| Airbags | 6% |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 78 | 9 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 12 |
As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.
Manufacturer communications 100
Kia filed 100 service communications for this car with NHTSA.
- 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…
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 | Standard | 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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