Compact cars · BD generation
Think twice Well below average
It scores 14 out of 100 for reliability compared with other compact cars. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $10,936 to own, including $2,755 in repairs.
Early estimate: this rating uses our own sales estimate for the Kia Forte.
Reliability
14/100
Well below average
Repairs, 5 years
$2,755
at 12,000 mi a year
Fuel, 5 years
$5,829
35 mpg, $3.40/gal
Price today
$9,074
$7,985 – $10,163, estimate
Recalls
2
on record
Owner complaints
150
filed with NHTSA
These are estimates, not guarantees. They come from public NHTSA complaint and recall data and EPA fuel economy, assuming 5 years of ownership and 12,000 miles a year. Change the assumptions or see how it works.
Expected over 5 years, by area of the car.
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.
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."
Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
These links go to independent sites. We don't earn anything from them.
Of the years we rate, the 2022 scores best (68/100) and the 2017 worst (8/100).
| Year | Reliability |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 36/100 |
| 2023 | 26/100 |
| 2022 | 68/100 |
| 2021 | 41/100 |
| 2020 | 40/100 |
| 2019 | 14/100 |
| 2018 | 28/100 |
| 2017 | 8/100 |
| 2016 | 32/100 |
| 2015 | 12/100 |
Yes. It scores 14 out of 100, among the least reliable compact cars of 2015–2024. The 2022 Forte scored much better.
It scores 14 out of 100 against other compact cars from 2015 to 2024, which is well below average. Based on 150 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $2,755 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.
About $10,936 over 5 years: $2,352 in lost value, $2,755 in repairs and $5,829 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $9,074 today.
Of the years we rate, the 2022 scores best (68/100) and the 2017 worst (8/100).
2 recalls on record with NHTSA.