Is the KIA Forte more reliable than the Subaru Impreza?

Based on our data, the Subaru Impreza is more reliable with an average score of 73/100 compared to 72/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.

Which has more recalls, the KIA Forte or the Subaru Impreza?

The Subaru Impreza has more recalls (18) compared to the KIA Forte (11). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.

Which has fewer owner complaints, the KIA Forte or the Subaru Impreza?

Adjusted for sales volume, the KIA Forte has a lower complaint rate at 3.2 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 4.1 for the Subaru Impreza. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Which is cheaper to maintain, the KIA Forte or the Subaru Impreza?

Based on independent repair cost estimates, the KIA Forte is cheaper to maintain at $451/year versus $653/year for the Subaru Impreza.

Last updated: 2026-05-15

KIA Forte vs Subaru Impreza: Reliability Compared

KIA Forte

Good

More Reliable

Subaru Impreza

Good

Choosing between the KIA Forte and the Subaru Impreza? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two compact sedans.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Subaru Impreza currently leads with an average score of 73/100 compared to 72/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the KIA Forte and Subaru Impreza Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Subaru Impreza is in its sixth generation, introduced in 2024. Being early in its generation cycle, potential buyers should be aware that newer platforms often face first-year issues, though they also incorporate the latest technology and design improvements. The previous fifth-generation Impreza, which lasted from 2017 to 2023, received a facelift in 2020, indicating a mature platform likely to have fewer reliability issues. The KIA Forte is currently in its third generation, launched in 2019, with a facelift in 2021. This generation's maturity suggests a well-sorted vehicle with potential reliability improvements over its initial years. Being late in its cycle, the Forte benefits from refinements made over the years, offering a more stable choice for buyers focused on reliability.

Verdict

The Subaru Impreza is more reliable than the KIA Forte, scoring 73/100 vs 72/100.

The KIA Forte demonstrates superior reliability with an average reliability score of 81/100 compared to the Subaru Impreza's 73/100. The Forte also has a lower owner complaint rate of 3.2 per 10,000 sold and fewer total recalls at 11 over seven years, whereas the Impreza has 18 recalls over nine years and a complaint rate of 4.1. Additionally, the Forte benefits from lower estimated annual repair costs of $451 against the Impreza's $653. While both vehicles face issues with their electrical systems, the Forte's overall reliability metrics and cost efficiency make it the more dependable choice.

Key Differences

1KIA Forte costs $202 less per year to repair
2KIA Forte has 8% lower major repair risk
3KIA Forte has 7 fewer total recalls

Category Scoreboard

5KIA Forte

—

1Subaru Impreza

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateAnnual Repair CostRepair FrequencyMajor Repair Risk

KIA Forte vs Subaru Impreza: Which Is More Reliable?

KIA Forte vs Subaru Impreza at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	KIA Forte	Subaru Impreza
Reliability Score	72/100	73/100
Years Tracked	7	9
Total Recalls	11	18
Complaints per 10k Sold	3.2	4.1
Annual Repair Cost	$451/yr	$653/yr
Repair Frequency	0.2/yr	0.3/yr
Major Repair Risk	9%	17%
Year Wins	4	3

What Are the Common Problems With the KIA Forte and Subaru Impreza?

The Subaru Impreza's problem profile is dominated by issues related to visibility and wipers, with 136 complaints, and exterior lighting, which has 126 complaints, including two linked to crashes. In contrast, the KIA Forte shows a broader range of concerns, with significant issues in the unknown or other category and the power train, each with 85 complaints; the unknown or other category is notably linked to 11 crashes. The Forte also has substantial engine complaints (81), while the Impreza's engine issues are less pronounced with only 14 complaints. Additionally, the KIA Forte's airbag complaints are particularly concerning, with 29 complaints and 22 linked to crashes, highlighting a critical safety issue not as prevalent in the Impreza's profile.

KIA Forte vs Subaru Impreza common problem areas comparison
Component	KIA Forte	Subaru Impreza
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	0.1Very Low	1.1Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER	—None	1.2Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	0.6Very Low	0.3Very Low
POWER TRAIN	0.6Very Low	0.1Very Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	0.4Very Low	0.3Very Low
ENGINE	0.5Very Low	0.1Very Low
STEERING	0.2Very Low	0.1Very Low
AIR BAGS	0.2Very Low	0.1Very Low
VISIBILITY	—None	0.2Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	0.1Very Low	—None
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	0.1Very Low	—None
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	0.1Very Low	—None
SERVICE BRAKES	—None	0.1Very Low
TIRES	—None	0.1Very Low
STRUCTURE	—None	—None
LANE DEPARTURE	—None	—None
SUSPENSION	—None	—None
EQUIPMENT	—None	—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: KIA Forte or Subaru Impreza?

According to independent repair cost data, the Subaru Impreza incurs an annual repair cost of $653, compared to the KIA Forte's $451. This translates to a $202 difference per year, or $1,010 over five years. Additionally, the Impreza's repair frequency is slightly higher at 0.3 visits per year versus the Forte's 0.2 visits. The major repair risk is also greater for the Impreza at 17%, compared to just 9% for the Forte. For cost-conscious buyers, the KIA Forte presents a better value with its lower annual repair costs, reduced repair frequency, and lower risk of major repairs, making it a more economical choice over time.

How Does KIA Forte vs Subaru Impreza Reliability Compare by Year?

KIA Forte vs Subaru Impreza year-by-year reliability scores
Year	KIA Forte	Subaru Impreza	Edge
2024	78/1000R / 20C	74/1002R / 23C	KIA Forte
2023	68/1003R / 53C	74/1002R / 4C	Subaru Impreza
2022	75/1001R / 22C	76/1001R / 11C	Subaru Impreza
2021	72/1002R / 64C	71/1002R / 14C	KIA Forte
2020	76/1000R / 63C	74/1001R / 83C	KIA Forte
2019	67/1002R / 140C	66/1005R / 185C	KIA Forte
2018	66/1003R / 133C	69/1005R / 148C	Subaru Impreza

Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 KIA Forte scored 78/100 and the 2022 Subaru Impreza scored 76/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the KIA Forte vs the Subaru Impreza?

If you prioritize low running costs and reliability, the KIA Forte is an excellent choice. With a higher reliability score of 81/100 and fewer recalls (11 compared to the Impreza's 18), it offers peace of mind. The Forte also has a lower estimated annual repair cost of $451 and a reduced major repair risk of just 9%, making it a cost-effective option for budget-conscious drivers. Additionally, with fewer owner complaints per 10,000 sold (3.2), it provides a smoother ownership experience. However, if you value all-wheel drive capabilities and can manage slightly higher maintenance expenses, the Subaru Impreza might suit you better. While it has a lower reliability score of 73/100 and a higher annual repair cost of $653, the Impreza is well-regarded for its performance in adverse weather conditions. Keep in mind that it has a higher major repair risk of 17% and more frequent recalls, so weigh these factors against your needs.

KIA Forte vs Subaru Impreza: Common Questions

Is the KIA Forte more reliable than the Subaru Impreza?: Based on our data, the Subaru Impreza is more reliable with an average score of 73/100 compared to 72/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the KIA Forte or the Subaru Impreza?: The Subaru Impreza has more recalls (18) compared to the KIA Forte (11). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the KIA Forte or the Subaru Impreza?: Adjusted for sales volume, the KIA Forte has a lower complaint rate at 3.2 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 4.1 for the Subaru Impreza. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the KIA Forte or the Subaru Impreza?: Based on independent repair cost estimates, the KIA Forte is cheaper to maintain at $451/year versus $653/year for the Subaru Impreza.

More KIA Forte comparisons

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More Subaru Impreza comparisons

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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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