Compact cars · BD generation
Fair Below average
It scores 26 out of 100 for reliability compared with other compact cars. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $11,515 to own, including $1,664 in repairs.
Early estimate: this rating uses our own sales estimate for the Kia Forte.
Reliability
26/100
Below average
Repairs, 5 years
$1,664
at 12,000 mi a year
Fuel, 5 years
$6,000
34 mpg, $3.40/gal
Price today
$13,469
$11,853 – $15,085, estimate
Recalls
3
on record
Owner complaints
66
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 America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Forte vehicles. The right front lower control arm may have been improperly welded, which can cause it to fail.
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Forte vehicles. The right front lower control arm may have been improperly welded, which can cause it to fail.
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Forte vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the front left steering knuckle may crack, which can result in a loss of steering control.
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 |
Not especially. It scores 26 out of 100, below average for compact cars; the 2022 scored better.
It scores 26 out of 100 against other compact cars from 2015 to 2024, which is below average. Based on 66 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $1,664 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.
About $11,515 over 5 years: $3,851 in lost value, $1,664 in repairs and $6,000 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $13,469 today.
Of the years we rate, the 2022 scores best (68/100) and the 2017 worst (8/100).
3 recalls on record with NHTSA.