Last updated: 2026-04-20
2024 KIA Forte Reliability Report
The 2024 KIA Forte scores 78/100 ("Good"). With 0 recalls and 20 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
0
Complaints
20
Complaint Rate
1.6per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$451
Annual Fuel Cost
$1,750–$2,300
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
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5)
- POWER TRAIN (3)
- SUSPENSION (1)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2024 is the last model year of the Third generation (BD).
- Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
- 3 years after the last refresh (2021).
- 3rd generation Forte (US).
What this means for buyers
Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.
2019: Third generation (BD) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2021: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2024: This Model Year
2024 is the last model year of the Third generation (BD).
Should You Buy the 2024 KIA Forte?
At 78/100, the 2024 KIA Forte lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2024 is the last model year of the Third generation (BD).
Owners log 20 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 (7). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
See also the 2023 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 issues reported (7 complaints)
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Voltage malfunctions and airbag system failures (5 complaints)
Compare 2024 KIA Forte With
2024 Hyundai Elantra
Reliability: 85/100
2024 Toyota Corolla
Reliability: 81/100
2024 Honda Civic
Reliability: 81/100
2024 Mazda 3
Reliability: 78/100
2024 Nissan Sentra
Reliability: 79/100
Common Problem Categories
Other
HIGH RISK- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5)
Recall Overview
0
recalls on record
No recalls are on record for the 2024 KIA Forte — uncommon, and a strong signal of manufacturing quality.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
1.6
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 5.4
Safety Incidents
5
Crashes
0
Fires
1
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 2024 KIA Forte? Check its history first
Every 2024 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
2024 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
26–34 MPG
Running cost: $2,200–$2,750/yr
Fuel + repair
22–30 city / 31–41 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 2024 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) | 30 | 41 | 34 | $1,750 |
| Forte 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 28 | 39 | 32 | $1,850 |
| Forte 1.6L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S7) | 27 | 35 | 30 | $2,000 |
| Forte 1.6L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 22 | 31 | 26 | $2,300 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2024 KIA Forte.
Inspect for electrical system malfunctions, especially exposed wires
Test airbag system for proper functionality
Check for transmission issues, including grinding noises and gear engagement problems
Verify headlights function properly over bumps or dips
Ensure engine and emissions systems are free of persistent check engine lights
2024 KIA Forte Common Problems by Component
20 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
7 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2024 KIA Forte report several issues under the unknown or other category, with a notable concern being sudden unintended acceleration leading to crashes. One owner describes their vehicle accelerating unexpectedly while parking, resulting in a collision with a structure. Another common issue involves power loss, where drivers experience the car losing power and failing to respond to throttle inputs, posing a potential safety risk. Additionally, multiple reports mention persistent check engine lights linked to emissions system failures, including O2 sensor and catalytic converter issues, typically emerging within months of purchase. Gear shifting problems, such as grinding noises and improper shifting, are also noted. These complaints highlight potential safety implications, particularly the risk of crashes and loss of vehicle control.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
5 complaintsOwners report issues with the 2024 KIA Forte's electrical system, particularly involving voltage malfunctions and airbag system failures. Complaints frequently mention exposed wires and chronic power supply issues leading to the airbag system generating failure codes. Multiple owners describe sudden vehicle shutdowns, often occurring on freeways, which poses a risk of loss of control. Additionally, there are reports of headlights turning off unexpectedly while driving at night, coinciding with bumps or dips in the road. These problems appear to occur regardless of mileage, suggesting they may not be linked to vehicle age or use.
POWER TRAIN
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report multiple power train issues with the 2024 KIA Forte, particularly involving the transmission and engine components. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle failing to start, not accelerating properly, and losing power entirely while driving, with some incidents occurring around 11,000 to 14,000 miles. Transmission issues are highlighted by difficulties in shifting gears, including grinding noises and the inability to engage specific gears such as first or reverse, even when the clutch is fully depressed. Safety implications are noted, including a crash where a malfunction with the lane assist feature led to a collision with a guard rail, although no injuries were reported. Buyers should be aware of these issues, especially the intermittent nature of the transmission problems and the potential for loss of vehicle control.
SUSPENSION (1 complaints)
SUSPENSION
1 complaintSuspension noise over bumps
ENGINE (1 complaints)
ENGINE
1 complaintPlease see attachment:
AIR BAGS (1 complaints)
AIR BAGS
1 complaintSafety-relatedDate of Incident: [XXX] Location: [XXX] To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this letter to report a potential airbag malfunction involving my 2024 Kia Forte GT. On [XXX], I was the driver and sole occupant of my vehicle when I was T-boned on the driver’s side while traveling [XXX] on [XXX] at the intersection of [XXX] . The collision was severe enough to spin my vehicle and resulted in significant damage to the driver-side door and frame. Despite the force and nature of the crash, none of the airbags in my vehicle deployed—including side airbags that should have been triggered by the impact. I was later diagnosed with a concussion and sustained other physical and emotional injuries from the crash. As of the date of this complaint, the vehicle has not been repaired, and I have photos documenting the damage. Given the potential risk to other drivers who may experience similar failures, I am requesting that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration review this vehicle for airbag deployment defects. I am willing to provide photos, medical records, and further details as needed. Also, the seatbelts sometime freeze when pulling them out to get secured in the car, you have to release and then pull again to gain full access to the seat belt. There is a police report done on this matter but I do not have access to it yet because it has yet to be approved by the LRPD sergeant. We checked on July 5th, 2025. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
STEERING (1 complaints)
STEERING
1 complaintSafety-relatedThe lane assist stopped working properly and pulled me into the guardrail
STRUCTURE (1 complaints)
STRUCTURE
1 complaintIn order for the drivers door to shut, you have to nearly slam it shut. If you don’t, you’re still able to lock the vehicle which results and trapping the door. This means that if you attempt to unlock the vehicle, it will not let you you have to force the door open with your bodyweight. I am driving a loaner vehicle from a Kia dealership and this happened to me several times it’s quite disturbing especially if something has been left in the car and you don’t have access to it like my medication. The vehicle locks will still lock even though the doors are not shut this causes the doors to jam.
When Do 2024 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
(Current Model)
2020
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 2024 KIA Forte reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2024 KIA Forte?
How many recalls does the 2024 KIA Forte have?
Is the 2024 KIA Forte expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2024 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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