Kia Forte recalls and complaints, 2015–2016, 2020, 2022, 2024
Every tracked model year in one table: NHTSA recalls, owner complaints and what they are about.
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 524 owner complaints for the Kia Forte model years VinSnap tracks (2015–2016, 2020, 2022, 2024). The most-recalled systems are engine (1), latches/locks/linkages (1) and steering (1). Owners complain most about the engine (254), electrical system (70) and power train (54). The 2015 model year has the most complaints (259, next is 2016 with 137); raw counts are not adjusted for sales or years on the road. Complaints report 50 crashes, 29 fires, 34 injuries and 1 death.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA recalls and complaints databases
Kia Forte recalls and complaints by model year
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 1 | 259 | 16 | 20 | 11 | 1 |
| 2016 | 1 | 137 | 16 | 6 | 13 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 | 76 | 9 | 2 | 6 | 0 |
| 2022 | 1 | 27 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 2024 | 0 | 25 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Recall and complaint counts per model year from NHTSA. Crash, fire, injury and death figures are what owners reported in their complaints, not confirmed findings. Year links open that year's specs, recall list and complaint breakdown.
Most-recalled systems
| System | Recall campaigns | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1 | 2015 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 1 | 2016 |
| Steering | 1 | 2022 |
Most-complained-about components
| Component | Complaints | Share | Year with most |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 254 | 48% | 2015 (157) |
| Unknown or other | 90 | 17% | 2015 (31) |
| Electrical system | 70 | 13% | 2015 (29) |
| Power train | 54 | 10% | 2015 (17) |
| Air bags | 50 | 10% | 2015 (23) |
| Service brakes | 30 | 6% | 2015 (15) |
| Exterior lighting | 26 | 5% | 2015 (13) |
| Vehicle speed control | 24 | 5% | 2016 (14) |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 21 | 4% | 2015 (10) |
| Steering | 16 | 3% | 2016 (5) |
A complaint can name more than one component, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Which NHTSA model names are counted
NHTSA files recalls and complaints under exact model names. This page adds up: FORTE, FORTE KOUP.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Kia Forte have?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns across the Kia Forte model years 2015–2016, 2020, 2022, 2024, most often for the engine (1), latches/locks/linkages (1) and steering (1).
Which Kia Forte year has the most complaints?
Of the years VinSnap tracks, the 2015 Kia Forte has the most NHTSA complaints (259), ahead of the 2016 (137). Counts are not adjusted for how many were sold or how long they have been on the road.
What do Kia Forte owners complain about most?
Across 2015–2016, 2020, 2022, 2024, NHTSA complaints most often name the engine (254 complaints), electrical system (70 complaints) and power train (54 complaints).
Are Kia Forte recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are done free of charge by franchised Kia dealers. Recalls apply to specific build ranges, so check your VIN to see which campaigns cover your vehicle.