MULTI-YEAR DEFECT AUDIT (2014–2025)12 Model Years Audited
Kia Forte Common Problems & Year-by-Year Reliability Guide
Comprehensive historical defect intelligence across 1,527 total NHTSA owner complaints and 19 federal recall campaigns for the Kia Forte.
NHTSA Defect Subsystem Breakdown
Forte Failure Distribution by Vehicle Subsystem
38%
26%
16%
12%
8%
Best Forte Years to Buy (Highest Reliability)
Years with Highest Defect Reports (Inspect Closely)
Year-over-Year Matrix
All Forte Model Years (2014–2025)
| Model Year | Reliability Index | NHTSA Complaints | Recalls | Safety Severity | Detailed Report |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Forte | 9.5 / 10 | 00 | 0 | Low Risk | Audit 2025 |
| 2024 Forte | 7.6 / 10 | 24(2.2/10k) | 0 | Critical Risk | Audit 2024 |
| 2023 Forte | 4.9 / 10 | 59(5.4/10k) | 3 | Critical Risk | Audit 2023 |
| 2022 Forte | 7.3 / 10 | 26(2.4/10k) | 1 | Critical Risk | Audit 2022 |
| 2021 Forte | 6.4 / 10 | 67(6.1/10k) | 2 | Critical Risk | Audit 2021 |
| 2020 Forte | 7.7 / 10 | 72(6.5/10k) | 0 | Critical Risk | Audit 2020 |
| 2019 Forte | 5.9 / 10 | 146(13.3/10k) | 2 | Critical Risk | Audit 2019 |
| 2018 Forte | 6 / 10 | 134(12.2/10k) | 3 | Critical Risk | Audit 2018 |
| 2017 Forte | 4.5 / 10 | 301(27.4/10k) | 3 | Critical Risk | Audit 2017 |
| 2016 Forte | 9 / 10 | 1(0.1/10k) | 1 | Low Risk | Audit 2016 |
| 2015 Forte | 5.8 / 10 | 258(23.5/10k) | 1 | Critical Risk | Audit 2015 |
| 2014 Forte | 3.1 / 10 | 439(39.9/10k) | 3 | Critical Risk | Audit 2014 |