2020 Kia Forte problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2020 Kia Forte sits mid-pack among Forte years: 95 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 202, with no recalls and no defect investigations.
Other leads the complaint categories with 24 reports (25% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.
95
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
12
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
6
Injuries
0
Deaths
4
NCAP overall · of 5 stars
How does 2020 compare to other Forte years?
What are the most common 2020 Kia Forte problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other | 24 | 25% | — flat |
| Engine | 17 | 18% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 15 | 16% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 11 | 12% | ▼ down |
| Driver Assistance | 7 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 4 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 4 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 3 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 3 | 3% | — flat |
| Brakes | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“- UNKNOWN - Just my safety in a lot of different ways from both parties, that I do not feel comfortable or know exactly how to explain as of right now and/or just over an app. - No, it has not. -No, but I would wish to do so in the near future. - Yes, all the way back in 2014 but started getting…”
“While driving I heard a pop then the lights on my dash lit up my car came to a stop i.e cut off tried to start back up the engine caught fire burned the whole front end off total loss ”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 KIA FORTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO GET OUT OF THE GARAGE, THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND REMOVED THEMSELVES TO THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO OPEN THEIR GARAGE DOOR WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO REVERSE HITTING THE CONTACT AND THE GARAGE DOOR. THE…”
“The back windows won't go up or down they jam. You try to roll the passenger windows up or down & they won't do anything. Sometimes you have to turn on & off the car a few times open & closing the driver side door so the windows will work. Also the break lights Sometimes have a late response when…”
“WATER LEAKING INTO TRUNK CAUSING MALFUNCTION TO SECURITY ALARM SYSTEM AUTO TRUNK RELEASE AND TRUNK LID OPEN SYMBOL TRUNK MALFUNCTION WARNIG SYMBOLS AND ALARM STAYED ON COULD NOT HERE ANY SAFTEY ALARMS WATER IN TRUNK DAMAGED SENSOR COULD NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK TRUNK REMOTLY COULD NOT HERE ALARM ON BLIND…”
2020 Kia Forte — common questions
Is the 2020 Kia Forte reliable?
Its record is better than the model's norm: 95 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Forte year, with 0 recalls and no open investigations.
What are the most common 2020 Forte problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (24 complaints), engine (17 complaints), transmission (15 complaints).
Does the 2020 Kia Forte have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2020 Kia Forte.
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 2020 Kia Forte?
In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2020 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.