Verdict
2019 Kia Forte: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues
What the public record actually says about the 2019 Kia Forte — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.
The read
More reported complaints than most sedan.
Owners filed 145 NHTSA complaints — more complaints than 84% of 2019 sedans. Power Train leads the reports (32%). 2 safety recall campaigns on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.
Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2019 sedans, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.
Complaints filed
145
Reports to NHTSA, 2019
Safety recalls
2
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
32.5
EPA estimate
Complaint volume vs. segment peers
More complaints than 84% of 2019 sedans
The bar is this car's percentile among 2019 sedans by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.
Known issues
Power Train issues lead owner complaints (32% of 145 reports), followed by engine (14%).
+ 10 more component categories with fewer reports.
Share of all 145 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11735430, ODI 11722394, ODI 11715716, ODI 11691425, ODI 11606688.
Recalls(2)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
Power TrainMay 2020 · 20V459000Details +Close −
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Forte vehicles. The left front axle driveshaft may not have been heat-treated, which can cause it to break.
Risk: A broken driveshaft can result in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left front axle driveshaft for a heat treatment verification code, and replace it if the code is missing, free of charge. The recall began September 2, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC195.
Exterior Lighting · 18V771000Details +Close −
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Kia Forte vehicles equipped with LED headlights. The headlights may not have been manufactured with the correct low beam aiming. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: If the headlights are not properly aimed, the driver may have reduced visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the headlight aiming and replace the headlights, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 30, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC171.
A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
0 NHTSA investigations on record
No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.
Crash-test ratings
2019 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forte | 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 30 | 40 | 34 |
| Forte | 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 27 | 37 | 31 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.
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Compare model years
"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.
2019 Kia Forte: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2019 Kia Forte?
Owners filed 145 NHTSA complaints about the 2019 Kia Forte — more complaints than 84% of comparable 2019 sedans, so it sits toward the weaker end of its class. That's a signal, not a guarantee about any single car.
What are the most common problems on the 2019 Kia Forte?
The most-reported problem areas are Power Train (32% of complaints) and engine (14%).
How many recalls does the 2019 Kia Forte have?
2 recalls have been issued that affect the 2019 Kia Forte, covering components such as power train. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2019 Kia Forte get?
The EPA rates the 2019 Kia Forte between 31 and 34 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.