Kia Forte years to avoid
The Kia Forte years to avoid are 2014, 2017, 2012, 2015, 2010, 2013, 2011 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2009 is the cleanest year on record.
3,600
Total complaints
18
Recall campaigns
2009–2024
Years covered
7
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
Forte years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | High complaint rate | 644 | |
| 2017 | High complaint rate | 432 | |
| 2012 | High complaints + open investigation | 404 | |
| 2015 | High complaint rate | 325 | |
| 2010 | High complaints + open investigation | 317 | |
| 2013 | Open safety investigation | 272 | |
| 2011 | Open safety investigation | 214 |
Every Forte year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 46 | 0 | |
| 2023 | 99 | 3 | |
| 2022 | 42 | 1 | |
| 2021 | 95 | 2 | |
| 2020 | 102 | 0 | |
| 2019 | 217 | 2 | |
| 2018 | 188 | 3 | |
| 2017avoid | 432 | 3 | |
| 2016 | 202 | 1 | |
| 2015avoid | 325 | 1 | |
| 2014avoid | 644 | 3 | |
| 2013avoid | 272 | 5 | |
| 2012avoid | 404 | 4 | |
| 2011avoid | 214 | 3 | |
| 2010avoid | 317 | 3 | |
| 2009 | 1 | 0 |
Common questions
What are the worst Kia Forte years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the Forte years to avoid are 2014, 2017, 2012, 2015, 2010, 2013, 2011. The cleanest year on record is 2009.
What is the best year for the Kia Forte?
By complaint volume, 2009 has the cleanest NHTSA record among Forte years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the Kia Forte have?
Across all model years, the Forte has 18 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 3,600 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through August 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated August 28, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.