2019 Kia Forte recalls and problems

The 2019 Kia Forte has 2 recalls and 150 owner complaints on file with NHTSA; the most reported problem area is power train.

How the 2019 compares

Average

Fewest complaintsMost complaints

Average complaint count among 16 Forte model years — 8th most.

2recalls

150complaints

11crashes

4fires

5injuries

10,403median miles

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not verified and not adjusted for sales. Ranking compares this model's own years only.

Does your car have an open recall?
Recalls apply to specific vehicles. Only a VIN lookup on NHTSA's official site shows whether yours is affected and still unrepaired.

Check your VIN →

2 recalls

Power Train

Aug 5, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V459000 · 834 vehicles

Problem: 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 & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Exterior Lighting

Oct 31, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V771000 · 1,754 vehicles

Problem: 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 & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Recall text as published by NHTSA and the manufacturer.

What owners complain about

Power Train48

Engine42

Electrical System23

Unknown or other22

Forward Collision Avoidance17

Exterior Lighting15

Steering9

Vehicle Speed Control7

Air Bags6

Lane Departure5

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA; one complaint can name several areas. Not verified by NHTSA.

Complaints by year filed

2019 vs. other Kia Forte years

Owner complaints by model year; the darker bar is the 2019. Click a bar to switch year.

Questions

Does the 2019 Kia Forte have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns covering the 2019 Kia Forte, the latest from Aug 5, 2020 (power train). A recall applies to specific vehicles: enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours is affected and still open.

What are the most common problems with the 2019 Kia Forte?

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA most often mention power train (48), engine (42), electrical system (23). Complaints are consumer reports and are not verified by NHTSA.