VehicleVerdict

2019 Kia Forte problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2019 Kia Forte sits mid-pack among Forte years: 213 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 205, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 11 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (47), engine (38), and driver assistance (29), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

213

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

22

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

11

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2019 compare to other Forte years?

Forte NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 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, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Forte years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Kia Forte problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission4722%
Engine3818%
Driver Assistance2914%
Other2210%
Electrical System2110%
Lighting168%
Steering84%
Speed Control73%
Airbags63%
Brakes42%
Fuel System42%
Body & Structure42%
Tires & Wheels31%
Suspension21%
Visibility & Wipers10%
Seats10%

Does the 2019 Kia Forte have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V459000TransmissionAugust 5, 2020 · 834 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A broken driveshaft can result in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

18V771000LightingOctober 31, 2018 · 1,754 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

If the headlights are not properly aimed, the driver may have reduced visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“2019 FORTE WITH 4000 MILES AND LESS THAN 4 MONTHS OLD. HAD TO BE TOWNES FROM MY JOB AS THE TRANSMISSION IS GONE. I BROUGHT IT TO MY DEALERSHIP ONE MONTH EARLIER AND WAS TOLD NOTHING WAS WRONG, AND CAR DIED LESS THAN A MONTH LATER. WAS ALSO TOLD 'THINGS HAPPEN', HOWEVER MY COWORKER WITH A 2019…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 17, 2019

“October 2, 2025 @ approximately 7:30a. I was heading east on I-10 on my way to work when I seen white smoke coming from under my car. I pulled over, noticed it was on fire. There was a man passing by who seen me & was nice enough to stop & put the fire out. The firefighter then stated my oil pan…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 2, 2025 · fire

“Forward Collision Obstruction light keeps popping on while driving very randomly steering sometimes doesn’t work and brakes sometimes don’t work all very random sometimes car is completely fine sometimes it’s not… it’s very scary I haven’t taken it in to be inspected yet. Headlight fail…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · November 28, 2022

“As I was driving on the turnpike the car engine literally just shut down on me! It could have caused a serious accident. This is the 3rd time when driving the car just stopped on its own on me! Gas tank full, oil good and battery good, but the engine is not! It gave me NO WARNING either. THIS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 6, 2026 · crash

“So I've been going back and forth with Kia for a year now my car completely lost all capability of driving and reversing after taking it to the dealer at Perris kia they claimed it was my wiring harness and that I needed to pay $7,200 because I'm the second owner of the vehicle and it's not covered…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 11, 2023 · fire

2019 Kia Forte — common questions

Is the 2019 Kia Forte reliable?

It is close to typical for the Forte: 213 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2019 Forte problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (47 complaints), engine (38 complaints), driver assistance (29 complaints).

Does the 2019 Kia Forte have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2019 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 2019 Kia Forte?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2019 Kia Forte earned an overall rating of 4 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.