The best and worst Kia Forte years, by the numbers
Short answer: among Kia Fortes old enough to judge (2010–2022), the 2016 and 2020–2022 have the fewest owner complaints per 10,000 sold. The 2010, 2012 and 2014–2015 have the most.
We counted every owner complaint filed with the federal government (NHTSA) for each model year and divided by how many were sold that year, so a year that sold more doesn’t look worse just for being popular. Years newer than 2022 are shown but not ranked — they haven’t been on the road long enough. How this is calculated.
Years with the most complaints
2010 Kia Forte · 31.8 per 10,000 sold (1.6× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings), typically around 97,500 miles; then airbags, seatbelts and restraints.
2012 Kia Forte · 35.8 per 10,000 sold (1.8× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings), typically around 100,000 miles; then wiring harness, grounds and connectors.
2014 Kia Forte · 63.5 per 10,000 sold (3.2× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings), typically around 100,000 miles; then airbags, seatbelts and restraints.
2015 Kia Forte · 32.7 per 10,000 sold (1.6× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings), typically around 90,000 miles; then stalling and no-start.
Years with the fewest complaints
2016 Kia Forte · 13.1 per 10,000 sold (0.7× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings), typically around 103,000 miles.
2020 Kia Forte · 8.7 per 10,000 sold (0.4× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Body control and other modules, typically around 600 miles.
2021 Kia Forte · 5.9 per 10,000 sold (0.3× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Airbags, seatbelts and restraints.
2022 Kia Forte · 2.7 per 10,000 sold (0.1× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Airbags, seatbelts and restraints.
Every year: complaints per 10,000 sold
Typical Kia Forte year: 20.1 per 10,000 sold.
Complaints are counted once each, even when an owner lists several parts. Sales are US units sold in the calendar year, a close stand-in for the model year.
Common questions
What is the worst year for the Kia Forte?
Among Kia Fortes old enough to judge (2010–2022), the 2014 has the most owner complaints per 10,000 sold: 63.5, about 3.2× a typical Kia Forte year. The 2010, 2012 and 2015 also stand out.
What is the best year for the Kia Forte?
The 2022 has the fewest owner complaints per 10,000 sold among Kia Fortes from 2010–2022: 2.7, against 20.1 for a typical year. The 2016 and 2020–2021 are also well below typical.
What goes wrong on the 2014 Kia Forte?
The most-reported problem on the 2014 Kia Forte is internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings), typically around 100,000 miles.
Why aren't the newest Kia Forte years ranked?
The 2023–2024 haven't been on the road long enough. Newer cars have fewer complaints mainly because they're newer, so ranking them would flatter them.
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Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; US sales from public industry figures. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. This is not an inspection and not a recommendation to buy or avoid any vehicle.