Last updated: 2026-04-20

2020 KIA Forte Reliability Report
The 2020 KIA Forte scores 76/100 ("Good"). With 0 recalls and 63 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
0
Complaints
63
Complaint Rate
7.4per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$451
Annual Fuel Cost
$1,700–$2,150
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- POWER TRAIN (13)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (8)
- ENGINE (6)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2020 is year 2 of the Third generation (BD).
- Redesigned for the 2019 model year.
- A refresh arrives in 2021.
- 3rd generation Forte (US).
What this means for buyers
Year 2 is typically a safer pick than the first model year — early issues are more likely to be identified, but the platform is still new.
If you're comparing prices, check 2019 (redesign year) vs 2020+ pricing and recalls.
2019: Third generation (BD) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2020: This Model Year
2020 is year 2 of the Third generation (BD).
2021: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2020 KIA Forte?
At 76/100, the 2020 KIA Forte lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2020 is year 2 of the Third generation (BD).
Owners log 63 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to unknown or other (22). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2021 KIA Forte, which scored 4 points lower. See also the 2019 KIA Forte for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +$75 cheaper to maintain than avg compact cars
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (9%)
Cons
- −UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Several recurring issues with the 2020 Kia Forte (22 complaints)
- −POWER TRAIN: Owners of the 2020 Kia Forte frequently report issues with the transmission,... (13 complaints)
Compare 2020 KIA Forte With

2020 Toyota Corolla
Reliability: 74/100

2020 Hyundai Elantra
Reliability: 72/100

2020 Honda Civic
Reliability: 78/100

2020 Nissan Sentra
Reliability: 71/100

2020 Volkswagen Golf
Reliability: 75/100
Common Problem Categories
Other
HIGH RISK- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (22)
- POWER TRAIN (13)
Recall Overview
0
recalls on record
No recalls are on record for the 2020 KIA Forte — uncommon, and a strong signal of manufacturing quality.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
7.4
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 17.3
Safety Incidents
9
Crashes
2
Fires
6
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 4/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
Buying a used 2020 KIA Forte? Check its history first
Every 2020 KIA Forte has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2020 KIA Forte NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 10.7%
Safety Technologies
KIA ForteRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3Maintenance rating: 3 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$451
vs $526 avg for compact cars
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.2
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
9%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
28–35 MPG
Running cost: $2,150–$2,600/yr
Fuel + repair
25–31 city / 32–41 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2020 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forte FE 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 31 | 41 | 35 | $1,700 |
| Forte 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 29 | 40 | 33 | $1,800 |
| Forte 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 27 | 37 | 31 | $1,950 |
| Forte 1.6L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM7) | 27 | 35 | 30 | $2,000 |
| Forte 1.6L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 25 | 32 | 28 | $2,150 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2020 KIA Forte.
Inspect transmission for erratic RPMs and gear slipping
Check for excessive engine oil consumption and oil smell
Verify catalytic converter condition and check engine light status
Test multimedia screen for delamination and functionality
Ensure airbags deploy properly in a crash scenario
Confirm vehicle security features are updated to prevent theft
2020 KIA Forte Common Problems by Component
63 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
22 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several recurring issues with the 2020 Kia Forte. A significant number of complaints highlight theft vulnerability, with multiple owners describing ease of vehicle theft due to inadequate security features, even after software updates. Additionally, issues with the multimedia screen are frequently mentioned, with owners noting delamination and failure beyond the warranty period, typically around 28,000 miles. Safety concerns are evident, with reports of brake system failures and one incident involving a vehicle fire after brake performance deteriorated while driving. Complaints also include malfunctioning trunk latches and electronic issues, such as dashboard screen bubbling and separation. These issues pose potential safety risks and could result in costly repairs for used car buyers.
POWER TRAIN
13 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Kia Forte frequently report issues with the transmission, particularly around 70,000 to 88,000 miles. Symptoms commonly described include erratic RPM fluctuations, gear slipping, and the vehicle unexpectedly shifting into neutral or losing power. Some complaints mention the check engine light illuminating, while others report no warning lights at all. Notably, one incident involves a crash with an injury when the vehicle reversed unexpectedly. These reports suggest potential safety risks, such as sudden loss of control and difficulty accelerating, which could be critical for prospective buyers to consider.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
8 complaintsOwners report several electrical system issues with the 2020 KIA Forte. A recurring problem involves the vehicle shutting off unexpectedly, often accompanied by dashboard malfunctions and loss of power, which some associate with a faulty crankshaft position sensor. Another frequent issue is the failure of the engine immobilizer, leading to theft. Additionally, multiple owners describe erratic behavior of warning lights, including collision avoidance systems activating without cause and the car not starting intermittently. These problems are sometimes linked to environmental conditions, as one owner noted issues occurring predominantly in specific geographic areas. Safety implications are significant, with reports of unintended acceleration and the vehicle shutting off while in motion, posing potential risks to drivers.
ENGINE (6 complaints)
ENGINE
6 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several issues with the 2020 Kia Forte's engine, with a notable pattern of oil consumption and related problems. Multiple complaints describe engines burning oil without warning lights, leading to engine damage or the need for replacement at mileages ranging from around 75,000 to over 136,000 miles. Symptoms include check engine lights, engine vibrations, and loss of power, with one instance of the engine catching fire following a popping sound. Some owners mention catalytic converter failures, which affect drivability and may result in costly repairs. Safety implications are significant, as sudden power loss or engine failure could pose risks in high-speed traffic situations.
AIR BAGS (4 complaints)
AIR BAGS
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Kia Forte frequently report issues with air bag non-deployment during collisions. Complaints consistently mention that air bags did not deploy in crashes involving significant impacts, such as a vehicle being rear-ended and pushed into another, or side impacts where the vehicle's sensors should have triggered the air bags. These incidents often occur at highway speeds or during city driving, with reported mileages around 55,000 miles. Safety implications are notable, with all reported incidents involving crashes and resulting in injuries, including unconsciousness and physical harm from impact forces. This pattern of air bag non-deployment is critical for potential buyers to consider, especially regarding safety in collision scenarios.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (2 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Kia Forte report issues related to engine stalling and loss of power while driving. Complaints frequently mention the illumination of the check engine warning light, with one owner noting a failure of the catalytic converter and another identifying issues with camshaft position sensors obstructed by metal shavings. Symptoms such as abnormal knocking sounds and low engine oil levels are also described. These problems occur at mileage around 80,000 to 117,892, suggesting potential concerns for higher mileage vehicles. Safety implications include the vehicle stalling while driving, which may pose a risk of loss of control.
STEERING (2 complaints)
STEERING
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 KIA Forte report issues related to steering and control. One owner describes a recurring problem with the steering, key, and wheel locking when backing up, occurring three times since March 2020. Another report involves a crash where the driver experienced very stiff steering and a lack of braking power, leading to a loss of control on a downhill street. This incident resulted in significant vehicle damage but no injuries. These complaints highlight potential safety implications, including the risk of crashes and loss of vehicle control.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaintThe forward collision warning system stopped working and the warning lights lit up saying the camera was obstructed, even though it was a clear day, and the car was clean (it had literally just been cleaned). This has happened previously at random times.
TIRES (1 complaints)
TIRES
1 complaintTwo sets of Kumho Solus TA 31's (195/65 R15 91T) experienced rapid tread wear issues. The problem and safety issue has been confirmed by Fred Beans Kia of Mechanicsburg, PA, but with hassles to do so. I believe this matter actually effects consumers nationwide, which leads to additional high replacement costs as a result of product quality. Consumers are effected by not just the manufacturer, but by those who knowingly sell & promote the products, such as dealerships like Fred Beans, while aware of the defects or who should know about the defects yet fail to take adequate measures to properly rectify the situation or warn consumers. Kumho Tire has been involved in many lawsuits, primarily related to tire defects which caused serious injuries & multi-million jury award and even trademark infringement where tires are allegedly being falsely marketed & sold as new. I believe Kumho is engaging in breach of warranty where the product they sell fails to meet promised quality or performance standards, while engaging in false advertising that misleads the consumer. They engage in lies in their marketing. In addition, there is negligence with Kumho where the manufacturer fails to exercise reasonable care during production. In addition, there is strict liability where the manufacturer should be held accountable for producing an inherently dangerous product. This has also been outlined in lawsuits & ongoing legal challenges faced by Kumho Tire over product quality. Dealership service managers even deny there is a problem, claim it's normal, and say they can't do anything, unless pressed or are caught in a lie. It appears dealerships, sellers of tires & Kumho are all involved in a scheme that creates additional high costs for consumers to properly resolve the problems. Especially since it's a hassle for people to file complaints or time consuming & monetarily challenging for most to fight the battle with dealerships like Fred Beans, or tire manufacturers, like Kumho.
SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2020 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the Forward Collision Avoidance camera activated, causing the brakes to stop the vehicle unintendedly. The Forward Collision Avoidance system activated without a vehicle or person nearby. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and waited before restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was started with the check engine warning light illuminated with abnormal gurgling sounds coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the cam shaft position sensor and the ABS system had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and informed of the failure. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The Forward Collision Avoidance camera failure was not diagnosed or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,069.
When Do 2020 KIA Forte Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
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).
2024
2020
(Current Model)
2022
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. Current year highlighted.
| 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 |
KIA Forte Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2020 KIA Forte reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2020 KIA Forte?
How many recalls does the 2020 KIA Forte have?
Is the 2020 KIA Forte expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2020 KIA Forte without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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.
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