2016 Kia Forte Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2016 Kia Forte. Part of Generation 2 — 2014–2018.

20152017
Complaints
193
per 10K Sold
18.7
US Sales
103,292
Crashes
20
Fires
13
Injuries
13
Fatalities
Recalls
1

Worst 2016 Kia Forte Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#161 complaints

Engine Problems

Avg mileage:71,073 mi
Crash-related:2
Fires:3
#219 complaints

Electrical Faults

Avg mileage:28,830 mi
Fires:2
#316 complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Avg mileage:26,351 mi
Crash-related:2
Fires:2
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2016 Kia Forte.

Engine Problems
61
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
3
Avg Miles
71,073
Electrical Faults
19
complaints
Crashes
Fires
2
Avg Miles
28,830
Transmission / Drivetrain
16
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
2
Avg Miles
26,351
Unintended Acceleration
14
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
10,108
Airbags
13
complaints
Crashes
11
Fires
1
Avg Miles
46,805
Brakes
10
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
87,356
Headlight/Taillight Failures
9
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
99,000
Wheel Issues
6
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
41,333
Fuel System
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
11,300
Steering Defects
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
30,306
Electronic Stability Control
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Body Structure
4
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Suspension Failures
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wipers & Visibility
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Ignition:Anti-Theft:Immobilizer/Proximity:Key/Sender
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine & Cooling
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Gasoline Fuel System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat Belt Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat-Related Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structural Problems
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Tire Defects
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Kia Forte. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2016 Kia Forte

1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting ~253,074 vehicles.

21V622000Latches/locks/linkages:trunk Lid:latch
~253,074 affected

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."

Other Kia Forte Years

2016 Kia Forte — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2016 Kia Forte reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2016 Kia Forte has 193 NHTSA complaints, 20 crash-related, and 1 recall campaign. The most common issue is Engine Problems with 61 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2016 Kia Forte?
Top reported problems: Engine Problems (61 complaints, avg 71,073 mi); Electrical Faults (19 complaints, avg 28,830 mi); Transmission / Drivetrain (16 complaints, avg 26,351 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Kia Forte?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 52,376 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2016 Kia Forte?
NHTSA complaints for the 2016 Kia Forte include 20 crash-related reports, 13 fire reports, 13 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2016 Kia Forte have any recalls?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 253,074 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2016 Kia Forte?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Kia Forte reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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