Kia Forte: best & worst years

No Kia Forte model year rates as one to avoid in CarVitals data. The strongest years are 2022, 2023, and 2024. Below is every year (2010–2024) ranked best to worst, with the owner-reported problems behind each verdict.

Every Kia Forte year, ranked

YearVerdictScoreTop owner-reported problems
2024 Recommended 7 2.0L engine oil consumption, sudden power loss and failure reported by owners, with rod-bearing concerns persisting from the earlier engine campaigns.; IVT (continuously variable) transmission shudder, slipping and failure, clustered on the 2020 model year that introduced the IVT.; Driver-assist faults: forward-collision-avoidance and lane-departure systems activating erratically or warning of camera obstruction, and false/unintended braking events. Full report ↗
2023 Recommended 7 2.0L engine oil consumption, sudden power loss and failure reported by owners, with rod-bearing concerns persisting from the earlier engine campaigns.; IVT (continuously variable) transmission shudder, slipping and failure, clustered on the 2020 model year that introduced the IVT.; Driver-assist faults: forward-collision-avoidance and lane-departure systems activating erratically or warning of camera obstruction, and false/unintended braking events. Full report ↗
2022 Recommended 7 2.0L engine oil consumption, sudden power loss and failure reported by owners, with rod-bearing concerns persisting from the earlier engine campaigns.; IVT (continuously variable) transmission shudder, slipping and failure, clustered on the 2020 model year that introduced the IVT.; Driver-assist faults: forward-collision-avoidance and lane-departure systems activating erratically or warning of camera obstruction, and false/unintended braking events. Full report ↗
2021 Caution 6 2.0L engine oil consumption, sudden power loss and failure reported by owners, with rod-bearing concerns persisting from the earlier engine campaigns.; IVT (continuously variable) transmission shudder, slipping and failure, clustered on the 2020 model year that introduced the IVT.; Driver-assist faults: forward-collision-avoidance and lane-departure systems activating erratically or warning of camera obstruction, and false/unintended braking events. Full report ↗
2019 Caution 6 2.0L engine oil consumption, sudden power loss and failure reported by owners, with rod-bearing concerns persisting from the earlier engine campaigns.; Driver-assist faults: forward-collision-avoidance and lane-departure systems activating erratically or warning of camera obstruction, and false/unintended braking events.; Steering noise, looseness and play reported across the generation. Full report ↗
2016 Caution 6 2.0L Nu GDI engine connecting-rod-bearing knock, excessive oil consumption and seizure causing sudden loss of power; subject to engine recall and warranty extension.; Intermediate steering-coupler / shaft clunk, popping and loose play, most reported on early build years. Full report ↗
2020 Caution 5 2.0L engine oil consumption, sudden power loss and failure reported by owners, with rod-bearing concerns persisting from the earlier engine campaigns.; IVT (continuously variable) transmission shudder, slipping and failure, clustered on the 2020 model year that introduced the IVT.; Driver-assist faults: forward-collision-avoidance and lane-departure systems activating erratically or warning of camera obstruction, and false/unintended braking events. Full report ↗
2018 Caution 5 2.0L Nu GDI engine connecting-rod-bearing knock, excessive oil consumption and seizure causing sudden loss of power; subject to engine recall and warranty extension.; Engine-compartment fire and cooling-fan-resistor overheating recalls (2014-2015 builds), plus a brake-pedal stopper-pad deterioration recall affecting the brake-light switch.; Intermediate steering-coupler / shaft clunk, popping and loose play, most reported on early build years. Full report ↗
2017 Caution 5 2.0L Nu GDI engine connecting-rod-bearing knock, excessive oil consumption and seizure causing sudden loss of power; subject to engine recall and warranty extension.; Intermediate steering-coupler / shaft clunk, popping and loose play, most reported on early build years. Full report ↗
2015 Caution 5 2.0L Nu GDI engine connecting-rod-bearing knock, excessive oil consumption and seizure causing sudden loss of power; subject to engine recall and warranty extension.; Intermediate steering-coupler / shaft clunk, popping and loose play, most reported on early build years. Full report ↗
2011 Caution 5 Theta II-family 2.0L/2.4L engine knock, connecting-rod-bearing failure and seizure, sometimes with engine-compartment fire; subject to recall, often failing with little warning.; HECU (hydraulic electronic control unit) electrical short and brake-fuse melting, which can cause loss of braking assistance and an under-hood fire risk; addressed by recall with reported parts delays.; Exterior-lighting and electrical faults: brake-light bulb sockets overheating and melting, repeated bulb burnout and connector failures. Full report ↗
2010 Caution 5 Theta II-family 2.0L/2.4L engine knock, connecting-rod-bearing failure and seizure, sometimes with engine-compartment fire; subject to recall, often failing with little warning.; HECU (hydraulic electronic control unit) electrical short and brake-fuse melting, which can cause loss of braking assistance and an under-hood fire risk; addressed by recall with reported parts delays.; Exterior-lighting and electrical faults: brake-light bulb sockets overheating and melting, repeated bulb burnout and connector failures. Full report ↗
2014 Caution 4 2.0L Nu GDI engine connecting-rod-bearing knock, excessive oil consumption and seizure causing sudden loss of power; subject to engine recall and warranty extension.; Intermediate steering-coupler / shaft clunk, popping and loose play, most reported on early build years. Full report ↗
2013 Caution 4 Theta II-family 2.0L/2.4L engine knock, connecting-rod-bearing failure and seizure, sometimes with engine-compartment fire; subject to recall, often failing with little warning.; HECU (hydraulic electronic control unit) electrical short and brake-fuse melting, which can cause loss of braking assistance and an under-hood fire risk; addressed by recall with reported parts delays.; Exterior-lighting and electrical faults: brake-light bulb sockets overheating and melting, repeated bulb burnout and connector failures. Full report ↗
2012 Caution 4 Theta II-family 2.0L/2.4L engine knock, connecting-rod-bearing failure and seizure, sometimes with engine-compartment fire; subject to recall, often failing with little warning.; HECU (hydraulic electronic control unit) electrical short and brake-fuse melting, which can cause loss of braking assistance and an under-hood fire risk; addressed by recall with reported parts delays.; Exterior-lighting and electrical faults: brake-light bulb sockets overheating and melting, repeated bulb burnout and connector failures. Full report ↗

Kia Forte problems by year

2024 Kia Forte Recommended

Newest Forte with the lowest complaint volume, strong fuel economy, generous tech and the best-in-class warranty; a sound value buy.

  • 2.0L engine oil consumption, sudden power loss and failure reported by owners, with rod-bearing concerns persisting from the earlier engine campaigns.
  • IVT (continuously variable) transmission shudder, slipping and failure, clustered on the 2020 model year that introduced the IVT.
  • Driver-assist faults: forward-collision-avoidance and lane-departure systems activating erratically or warning of camera obstruction, and false/unintended braking events.

2023 Kia Forte Recommended

Refreshed, low-complaint year with excellent value, big trunk and long warranty; most reports are minor steering and driver-assist items.

  • 2.0L engine oil consumption, sudden power loss and failure reported by owners, with rod-bearing concerns persisting from the earlier engine campaigns.
  • IVT (continuously variable) transmission shudder, slipping and failure, clustered on the 2020 model year that introduced the IVT.
  • Driver-assist faults: forward-collision-avoidance and lane-departure systems activating erratically or warning of camera obstruction, and false/unintended braking events.

2022 Kia Forte Recommended

Low complaint volume, added anti-theft immobilizer, class-leading space and an industry-best warranty make this a strong-value used compact.

  • 2.0L engine oil consumption, sudden power loss and failure reported by owners, with rod-bearing concerns persisting from the earlier engine campaigns.
  • IVT (continuously variable) transmission shudder, slipping and failure, clustered on the 2020 model year that introduced the IVT.
  • Driver-assist faults: forward-collision-avoidance and lane-departure systems activating erratically or warning of camera obstruction, and false/unintended braking events.

2021 Kia Forte Caution

Roomy, efficient and well-equipped with fewer issues than 2020; engine reports and theft vulnerability on pre-immobilizer cars remain the watch items.

  • 2.0L engine oil consumption, sudden power loss and failure reported by owners, with rod-bearing concerns persisting from the earlier engine campaigns.
  • IVT (continuously variable) transmission shudder, slipping and failure, clustered on the 2020 model year that introduced the IVT.
  • Driver-assist faults: forward-collision-avoidance and lane-departure systems activating erratically or warning of camera obstruction, and false/unintended braking events.

2020 Kia Forte Caution

Great value and economy, but the new IVT transmission drew a cluster of failure complaints this year along with engine and theft concerns; inspect the transmission.

  • 2.0L engine oil consumption, sudden power loss and failure reported by owners, with rod-bearing concerns persisting from the earlier engine campaigns.
  • IVT (continuously variable) transmission shudder, slipping and failure, clustered on the 2020 model year that introduced the IVT.
  • Driver-assist faults: forward-collision-avoidance and lane-departure systems activating erratically or warning of camera obstruction, and false/unintended braking events.

2019 Kia Forte Caution

Fully redesigned and well-reviewed for value, space and warranty, but engine reports and theft vulnerability temper it; a strong used pick with records.

  • 2.0L engine oil consumption, sudden power loss and failure reported by owners, with rod-bearing concerns persisting from the earlier engine campaigns.
  • Driver-assist faults: forward-collision-avoidance and lane-departure systems activating erratically or warning of camera obstruction, and false/unintended braking events.
  • Steering noise, looseness and play reported across the generation.

2018 Kia Forte Caution

Final second-gen year remains engine-dominated in complaints (rod-bearing/seizure under recall); solid value if the engine recall is confirmed done.

  • 2.0L Nu GDI engine connecting-rod-bearing knock, excessive oil consumption and seizure causing sudden loss of power; subject to engine recall and warranty extension.
  • Engine-compartment fire and cooling-fan-resistor overheating recalls (2014-2015 builds), plus a brake-pedal stopper-pad deterioration recall affecting the brake-light switch.
  • Intermediate steering-coupler / shaft clunk, popping and loose play, most reported on early build years.

2017 Kia Forte Caution

Practical, feature-rich compact with lingering Nu engine oil-consumption and seizure risk under recall; check service history before buying.

  • 2.0L Nu GDI engine connecting-rod-bearing knock, excessive oil consumption and seizure causing sudden loss of power; subject to engine recall and warranty extension.
  • Intermediate steering-coupler / shaft clunk, popping and loose play, most reported on early build years.

2016 Kia Forte Caution

Fewer reported problems than surrounding years and good value, though the 2.0L engine campaign still applies; verify recall completion and oil use.

  • 2.0L Nu GDI engine connecting-rod-bearing knock, excessive oil consumption and seizure causing sudden loss of power; subject to engine recall and warranty extension.
  • Intermediate steering-coupler / shaft clunk, popping and loose play, most reported on early build years.

2015 Kia Forte Caution

Roomy, well-equipped value with the same Nu engine and engine-fire recall risk; a reasonable buy if the engine recall and oil consumption are checked.

  • 2.0L Nu GDI engine connecting-rod-bearing knock, excessive oil consumption and seizure causing sudden loss of power; subject to engine recall and warranty extension.
  • Intermediate steering-coupler / shaft clunk, popping and loose play, most reported on early build years.

2014 Kia Forte Caution

The most-complained-about Forte year: 2.0L Nu engine seizure plus a steering-coupler clunk and engine-fire recalls; avoid without full recall and service records.

  • 2.0L Nu GDI engine connecting-rod-bearing knock, excessive oil consumption and seizure causing sudden loss of power; subject to engine recall and warranty extension.
  • Intermediate steering-coupler / shaft clunk, popping and loose play, most reported on early build years.

2013 Kia Forte Caution

Highest first-gen complaint volume, dominated by engine failures and brake-circuit issues under recall; proceed only with proof of recall completion.

  • Theta II-family 2.0L/2.4L engine knock, connecting-rod-bearing failure and seizure, sometimes with engine-compartment fire; subject to recall, often failing with little warning.
  • HECU (hydraulic electronic control unit) electrical short and brake-fuse melting, which can cause loss of braking assistance and an under-hood fire risk; addressed by recall with reported parts delays.
  • Exterior-lighting and electrical faults: brake-light bulb sockets overheating and melting, repeated bulb burnout and connector failures.

2012 Kia Forte Caution

Falls under the Theta II engine recall for knock, seizure and fire risk along with a brake-pedal recall; a value buy only with recall work documented.

  • Theta II-family 2.0L/2.4L engine knock, connecting-rod-bearing failure and seizure, sometimes with engine-compartment fire; subject to recall, often failing with little warning.
  • HECU (hydraulic electronic control unit) electrical short and brake-fuse melting, which can cause loss of braking assistance and an under-hood fire risk; addressed by recall with reported parts delays.
  • Exterior-lighting and electrical faults: brake-light bulb sockets overheating and melting, repeated bulb burnout and connector failures.

2011 Kia Forte Caution

Cheap and reasonably economical, but owners report engine failures and transmission trouble plus HECU brake and lighting recalls; verify maintenance history.

  • Theta II-family 2.0L/2.4L engine knock, connecting-rod-bearing failure and seizure, sometimes with engine-compartment fire; subject to recall, often failing with little warning.
  • HECU (hydraulic electronic control unit) electrical short and brake-fuse melting, which can cause loss of braking assistance and an under-hood fire risk; addressed by recall with reported parts delays.
  • Exterior-lighting and electrical faults: brake-light bulb sockets overheating and melting, repeated bulb burnout and connector failures.

2010 Kia Forte Caution

Affordable first-year Forte with a strong original warranty, but engine and electrical concerns shadow this generation; buy only with service records and recall work confirmed.

  • Theta II-family 2.0L/2.4L engine knock, connecting-rod-bearing failure and seizure, sometimes with engine-compartment fire; subject to recall, often failing with little warning.
  • HECU (hydraulic electronic control unit) electrical short and brake-fuse melting, which can cause loss of braking assistance and an under-hood fire risk; addressed by recall with reported parts delays.
  • Exterior-lighting and electrical faults: brake-light bulb sockets overheating and melting, repeated bulb burnout and connector failures.

Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all Kia models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.