Last updated: 2026-04-20

KIA Forte

1 KIA Forte Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the KIA Forte average of 72/100

The KIA Forte years to avoid are 2018 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2018 with a reliability score of 66/100. The best KIA Forte year to buy is 2024 78/100.

Verdict

The 2018 KIA Forte scores significantly below the model average of 72/100. The weakest year is 2018 with a score of 66/100 due to engine (38) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2020 76/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

KIA Forte Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the KIA Forte average of 72/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201866/100Good3133Engine (38)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

66
GoodReliability score: 66 out of 100, rated Good

2018 KIA Forte

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).

3 recalls133 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Engine (38), Unknown Or Other (22), Electrical System (14), Air Bags (14), Power Train (8), Vehicle Speed Control (6)

View full 2018reliability report →

What Are Common KIA Forte Problems?

Top reported issues across all KIA Forte model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

85 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

85 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ENGINE

81 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

56 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

STEERING

38 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

AIR BAGS

29 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

Best KIA Forte Year to Buy Instead

76
GoodReliability score: 76 out of 100, rated Good

2020 KIA Forte

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).

Score: 76/100 (Good)0 recalls63 complaints
View full 2020reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best KIA Forte year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

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  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All KIA Forte Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

KIA Forte Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2024 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What KIA Forte years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following KIA Forte years: 2018 (score: 66/100). These model years score significantly below the KIA Forte average of 72/100.
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 ("Good"). It has 0 recalls and 20 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the KIA Forte have?
Across all years in our database, the KIA Forte has a total of 11 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used KIA Forte worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2024 model year, which scores 78/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 72/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common KIA Forte problems?
The most common KIA Forte problems are unknown or other (85 complaints), power train (85 complaints), engine (81 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the KIA Forte reliable long-term?
The KIA Forte has an average reliability score of 72/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which KIA Forte generation is most reliable?
The most reliable KIA Forte generation is the Third generation (BD) with an average score of 73/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a KIA Forte?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the KIA Forte is $451 based on independent repair cost databases. This is below the category average, making it relatively affordable to maintain.
Is the 2024 KIA Forte a good used buy?
Yes, the 2024 KIA Forte is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 78/100 ("Good"). It has 0 recalls and 20 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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