The Lemon Index
Transmission complaints owners filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) for each model year, per 100,000 cars sold. A complaint counts when it's filed under the transmission, or under the power train and the owner describes the transmission (shifting, slipping, gears, CVT). It's an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and older years have had longer to collect complaints.
What owners describe
Share of this model's transmission complaints that mention each symptom. One complaint can mention several.
Transmission and power train recalls
- 2019 2020
The left front axle driveshaft may not have been heat-treated, which can cause it to break.
- 2011 2016
The affected vehicles have a transmission fluid cooler hose that may have been improperly manufactured, resulting in a transmission fluid leak.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. Check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
In owners' words
The transmission had a recall 2 years ago and they gave me a new one (KIA). I am having issues with my transmission again
2019 Kia Forte owner · NHTSA complaint
Have only 70000 miles on it and Kia refuses to replace the transmission that went out and they have lied to me repeatedly and need to be held accountable!
2019 Kia Forte owner · NHTSA complaint
Quick answers
Which Kia Forte years have transmission problems?
By transmission complaints filed with NHTSA per car sold, the worst Kia Forte years are 2019, 2010, 2020.
What are common Kia Forte transmission problems?
Owners most often describe transmission replaced, lost power while driving, hard or jerky shifting.
Which Kia Forte years have the fewest transmission complaints?
Since 2010, the Kia Forte years with the fewest transmission complaints per car sold are 2022, 2024, 2017.
See every problem, not just the transmission: Kia Forte reliability by year. How we count