Last updated: 2026-04-20
KIA Forte Reliability by Year
The KIA Forte averages 72/100 across 7 model years, rated good.
KIA Forte Reliability Overview
The KIA Forte, covering model years 2018 through 2024, maintains an average reliability score of 81/100, indicating excellent reliability overall, with a notable improvement in complaint rates from 13.1 per 10,000 sold in 2018 to 1.6 in 2024. Common issues reported include engine and electrical system problems, particularly in earlier years, while later models show reduced complaints and no recalls in 2024. With an estimated annual repair cost of $451, below the compact car average, the Forte is best suited for those prioritizing lower maintenance expenses and improving reliability over time.
Current generation: 3rd gen (2019–2024), facelifted 2021.
Best & Worst KIA Forte Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best KIA Forte Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best KIA Forte year is 2024 with a reliability score of 78/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2020 (76/100) and 2022 (75/100).
KIA Forte Years to Avoid
The worst KIA Forte year is 2018 with a score of 66/100, primarily due to engine (38) issues.
KIA Forte Reliability Score Trend
KIA Forte reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 72/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 66/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 67/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 78/100 | Good |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2024 KIA Forte
0 recalls · 20 complaints
The 2024 KIA Forte has good reliability. There are 0 recalls and 20 owner complaints on file for the 2024 KIA Forte. Severity signals include 5 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (7), Electrical System (5), Power Train (3).
2023 KIA Forte
3 recalls · 53 complaints
The 2023 KIA Forte has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 53 owner complaints on file for the 2023 KIA Forte. Severity signals include 8 crash-related complaints and 4 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Steering (12), Electrical System (7), Power Train (7).
2022 KIA Forte
1 recalls · 22 complaints
The 2022 KIA Forte has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 22 owner complaints on file for the 2022 KIA Forte. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Steering (3), Engine (3), Unknown Or Other (3).
2021 KIA Forte
2 recalls · 64 complaints
The 2021 KIA Forte has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 64 owner complaints on file for the 2021 KIA Forte. Severity signals include 9 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (13), Unknown Or Other (13), Steering (8).
2020 KIA Forte
0 recalls · 63 complaints
The 2020 KIA Forte has good reliability. There are 0 recalls and 63 owner complaints on file for the 2020 KIA Forte. Severity signals include 9 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (22), Power Train (13), Electrical System (8).
2019 KIA Forte
2 recalls · 140 complaints
The 2019 KIA Forte has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 140 owner complaints on file for the 2019 KIA Forte. Severity signals include 11 crash-related complaints and 4 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (45), Engine (19), Electrical System (18).
2018 KIA Forte
3 recalls · 133 complaints
The 2018 KIA Forte has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 133 owner complaints on file for the 2018 KIA Forte. Severity signals include 13 crash-related complaints and 3 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (38), Unknown Or Other (22), Electrical System (14).
Found Your KIA Forte? Check Its History
Every KIA Forte has a different past. Before you buy, a VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, and open recalls.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
KIA Forte Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
3/5
Annual Repair Cost
$451
Repair Frequency
0.2/yr
Major Repair Risk
9%
$75 below the compact cars average of $526/yr.
Ranked #6 of 36 among compact cars.
KIA Forte Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable KIA Models
Compare all KIA models by reliability
Compare KIA Forte With Similar Sedans
The KIA Forte competes with other compact sedans such as Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Corolla, and Honda Civic.
Hyundai Elantra reliability
9 years tracked · 1219 complaints
Toyota Corolla reliability
9 years tracked · 1274 complaints
Honda Civic reliability
9 years tracked · 2921 complaints
Mazda 3 reliability
8 years tracked · 217 complaints
Nissan Sentra reliability
9 years tracked · 829 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the KIA Forte reliable?
- The KIA Forte has good reliability with an average score of 72/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
- What is the best year for the KIA Forte?
- The best year for the KIA Forte is 2024 with a reliability score of 78/100, rated good. It has 0 recalls and 20 owner complaints on record. See full 2024 KIA Forteanalysis →
- What are the KIA Forte years to avoid?
- The KIA Forte years to avoid include 2018 (66/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a KIA Forte?
- The KIA Forte has an estimated annual repair cost of $451, which is $75 below the compact cars average of $526. This includes both scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs based on independent repair data.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the KIA Forte.
No spam. Only data updates for this model.
See incorrect data? Report an issue