2015–2024 · 10 model years · 16 recalls
Kia Forte years to avoid, and the best years to buy
Avoid the 2015, 2017 and 2019 Kia Forte: they score lowest for reliability, with the most owner complaints for each car sold. The best year to buy is 2022.
Kia Forte years to avoid
2017 Kia Forte 8/100
Well below average for its class. Expected repairs: $3,242 over 5 years. Biggest repair risk: engine & cooling, about $2,171 over 5 years. 3 recalls, 305 owner complaints.
2015 Kia Forte 12/100
Well below average for its class. Expected repairs: $3,004 over 5 years. Biggest repair risk: engine & cooling, about $2,051 over 5 years. 1 recall, 262 owner complaints.
2019 Kia Forte 14/100
Well below average for its class. Expected repairs: $2,755 over 5 years. Biggest repair risk: engine & cooling, about $1,211 over 5 years. 2 recalls, 150 owner complaints.
Best Kia Forte years to buy
2022 Kia Forte 68/100
Above average for its class. Expected repairs: $1,550 over 5 years. Biggest repair risk: engine & cooling, about $672 over 5 years. 1 recall, 28 owner complaints.
Kia Forte reliability by generation
| Generation | Years | Average score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| YD | 2015–2018 | 20/100 | Below average |
| BD | 2019–2024 | 38/100 | Below average |
Every Kia Forte year at a glance
| Model year | Reliability | Complaints | Recalls | Best mpg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Forte | 36/100 · Below average | 26 | 0 | 34 |
| 2023 Forte | 26/100 · Below average | 66 | 3 | 34 |
| 2022 Forte | 68/100 · Above average | 28 | 1 | 35 |
| 2021 Forte | 41/100 · About average | 69 | 2 | 35 |
| 2020 Forte | 40/100 · About average | 78 | 0 | 35 |
| 2019 Forte | 14/100 · Well below average | 150 | 2 | 35 |
| 2018 Forte | 28/100 · Below average | 136 | 3 | 32 |
| 2017 Forte | 8/100 · Well below average | 305 | 3 | 32 |
| 2016 Forte | 32/100 · Below average | 136 | 1 | 30 |
| 2015 Forte | 12/100 · Well below average | 262 | 1 | 30 |
Reliability compares each year with similar cars from 2015 to 2024, using owner complaints filed with NHTSA per car sold. Complaint counts on their own aren't a score: popular cars get more of them.
Questions people ask
What are the Kia Forte years to avoid?
Avoid the 2015, 2017 and 2019 Kia Forte: they score lowest for reliability, with the most owner complaints for each car sold. The best year to buy is 2022.
What is the best year of the Kia Forte to buy used?
The 2022 scores best for reliability (68/100) of the years we rate.
Which Kia Forte year has the most recalls?
The 2023, with 3 recalls on record with NHTSA.