VehicleVerdict

2016 Kia Forte problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2016 Kia Forte sits mid-pack among Forte years: 195 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 203, with a single recall and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 13 injuries in total across these filings.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 63 reports (32% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

195

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

20

Crash-involved

13

Fires reported

13

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other Forte years?

Forte NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted639 complaints2009: 1 complaints2010: 317 complaints2011: 213 complaints2012: 403 complaints2013: 272 complaints2014: 639 complaints2015: 323 complaints2016: 195 complaints2017: 431 complaints2018: 188 complaints2019: 213 complaints2020: 95 complaints2021: 95 complaints2022: 39 complaints2023: 94 complaints2024: 40 complaints
Forte NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Forte years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Kia Forte problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine6332%
Electrical System2412%
Transmission168%
Speed Control147%
Other147%
Airbags137%
Brakes105%
Lighting95%
Tires & Wheels74%
Fuel System63%
Body & Structure53%
Steering53%
Suspension32%
Visibility & Wipers21%
Driver Assistance21%
Seats11%
Seat Belts11%

Does the 2016 Kia Forte have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21V622000Latches & LocksAugust 9, 2021 · 253,074 units

Defect

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Forte 4-door, Forte Koup 2-door, and 2018-2019 Rio 4-door vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."

Consequence

A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the trunk latch assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 10, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC216.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THE KIA FORTE CAUGHT FIRE AS MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE (THE CAR WAS IN MOTION). WE HAD ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR JUST OVER A YEAR. I AM UNSURE WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE HOWEVER, THE INSURANCE REVIEWER ADVISE THAT THE FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE. MY HUSBAND BARLEY MADE IT OUT OF THE CAR BEFORE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 5, 2018 · fire

“THE KIA FORTE CAUGHT FIRE AS MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE (THE CAR WAS IN MOTION). WE HAD ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR JUST OVER A YEAR. I AM UNSURE WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE HOWEVER, THE INSURANCE REVIEWER ADVISE THAT THE FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE. MY HUSBAND BARLEY MADE IT OUT OF THE CAR BEFORE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 5, 2018 · fire

“WHEN DRIVING IN MOTION MY 2016 FORTE THE CAR STALLS OUT. THE POWER STEERING, BREAKS AND DASHBOARD DO NOT WORK. THIS HAS CAUSED ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND THE FRONT END OF MY CAR WENT INTO A POND. THIS CAR STALLING OUT BEFORE THE INCIDENT HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN 5 TIMES; I HAVE TAKEN THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 18, 2018 · crash

“THE VEHICLE OF CONCERN REPORTEDLY HAD BEEN PARKED ALL DAY IN A PARKING LOT AT WORK WITH THE DOORS LOCKED AND IN PARK. AT THE END OF THE DAY THE VEHICLE WAS REMOTE STARTED FROM INSIDE THE BUILDING APPROXIMATELY 20 FEET AWAY. THE VEHICLE STARTED AND THEN A FEW SECONDS LATTER IT APPARENTLY SHIFTED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · December 18, 2018 · crash

“THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY ROUTE 50 WHEN SMOKE ENTERED THE VEHICLE FROM THE AC VENTS. I TRIED TO PRESS THE BRAKES BUT THEY FAILED. THEN THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE FRONT AND BACK, THE BRAKES CONTINUED TO FAIL, I JUMPED FROM THE VEHICLE ON GOING 40MPH, THEN THE CAR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 22, 2021 · crash · fire

2016 Kia Forte — common questions

Is the 2016 Kia Forte reliable?

It is close to typical for the Forte: 195 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2016 Forte problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (63 complaints), electrical system (24 complaints), transmission (16 complaints).

Does the 2016 Kia Forte have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2016 Kia Forte. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Kia Forte years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Forte years to avoid are 2014, 2017, 2012, 2015, 2010, 2013, 2011. The cleanest record among Forte years belongs to 2009.

How safe is the 2016 Kia Forte?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 Kia Forte earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.