Kia Forte vs Toyota Corolla
For 2010–2022 models, the Toyota Corolla has 11.2 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 21.1 for the Kia Forte. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2010–2022), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Kia Forte
21.1 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.9× the Toyota Corolla’s rate
- Complaints
- 2,441
- Sold
- 1,154,385
- Recall campaigns
- 15
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 1
Most complaints: 2010, 2012 and 2014–2015. Fewest: 2016 and 2020–2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings)
Typically around 91,000 mi
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 63,000 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 70,000 mi
-
Wiring harness, grounds and connectors
Typically around 62,000 mi
-
Oil consumption and leaks
Typically around 83,511 mi
Toyota Corolla
11.2 complaints per 10,000 sold
47% fewer than the Kia Forte
- Complaints
- 4,255
- Sold
- 3,800,960
- Recall campaigns
- 26
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 2
Most complaints: 2010–2011. Fewest: 2015, 2017–2018 and 2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 69,000 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 28,394 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 54,650 mi
-
Master cylinder and booster
Typically around 20,000 mi
-
Electric power steering motor and module
Typically around 1,700 mi · repair $750–$2,230
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Kia Forte or the Toyota Corolla?
For 2010–2022 models, the Toyota Corolla has 11.2 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Kia Forte has 21.1, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Kia Forte?
The most-reported problem on the Kia Forte is internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings), typically around 91,000 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Toyota Corolla?
The most-reported problem on the Toyota Corolla is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 69,000 miles.
Which Kia Forte and Toyota Corolla years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Kia Forte: 2010, 2012 and 2014–2015; Toyota Corolla: 2010–2011.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.