2019 Kia Forte Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2019 Kia Forte. Part of Generation 3 — 2019–present.

20182020
Complaints
206
per 10K Sold
21.6
US Sales
95,609
Crashes
22
Fires
4
Injuries
11
Fatalities
Recalls
2

Worst 2019 Kia Forte Problems

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

#145 complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Avg mileage:10,718 mi
#233 complaints

Engine Problems

Avg mileage:25,926 mi
Crash-related:1
Fires:2
#318 complaints

Electrical Faults

Avg mileage:33,036 mi
Crash-related:2
Fires:2
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2019 Kia Forte.

Transmission / Drivetrain
45
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
10,718
Engine Problems
33
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
2
Avg Miles
25,926
Electrical Faults
18
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
2
Avg Miles
33,036
Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings
13
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
18,937
Headlight/Taillight Failures
11
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
35,312
Steering Defects
8
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
10,050
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
7
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
10,750
Unintended Acceleration
7
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
13,672
Airbags
6
complaints
Crashes
6
Fires
Avg Miles
6,600
Body Structure
4
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Brakes
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Ignition:Anti-Theft:Immobilizer/Proximity:Key/Sender
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Lane Departure: Warning
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Suspension Failures
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wheel Issues
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Back Over Prevention:Display Function
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine & Cooling
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Crank/Camshaft Position Sensor
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Bulbs
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Exterior Lighting:Headlights
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Forward-Collision Avoidance Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Lane Departure: Assist
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Lane Departure: Lane Keep: Automatic Steering
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat-Related Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2019 Kia Forte. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2019 Kia Forte

2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~2,588 vehicles.

20V459000Power Train:axle Assembly:axle Shaft
~834 affected

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.

18V771000Exterior Lighting:headlights
~1,754 affected

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."

Other Kia Forte Years

2019 Kia Forte — FAQ

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

Is the 2019 Kia Forte reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2019 Kia Forte has 206 NHTSA complaints, 22 crash-related, and 2 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Transmission / Drivetrain with 45 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2019 Kia Forte?
Top reported problems: Transmission / Drivetrain (45 complaints, avg 10,718 mi); Engine Problems (33 complaints, avg 25,926 mi); Electrical Faults (18 complaints, avg 33,036 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 2019 Kia Forte?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 19,311 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2019 Kia Forte?
NHTSA complaints for the 2019 Kia Forte include 22 crash-related reports, 4 fire reports, 11 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 2019 Kia Forte have any recalls?
Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 2,588 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 2019 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.

Check Your Specific 2019 Kia Forte

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