Kia Forte Best and Worst Years (Top Picks!)

The Forte is a tiny car that debuted for the 2010 model year with a focus on value and unexpected levels of quality.

It is impressive in terms of aesthetics, appealing features, comfort, and sophistication.

You’ve come to the right place if you’re curious to find out which Forte models impress and which disappoint.

Kia Forte Best and Worst Years

Here are some of the greatest and worst years for the Kia Forte, according to search results:

Best years are 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2016, and 2011 

Worst years are 2014, 2013, and 2017.

The search results indicate that 2014 was the worst year for the Kia Forte owing to airbag issues, defective turning signals, and engine fires. Engine fires also occurred in 2013 model year vehicles. Due to transmission problems, the 2017 model year is likewise regarded as one of the worst.

It is also advised to stay away from the 2010–2012 versions because of serious mechanical issues and recalls. On the other hand, because of their dependability, the 2022 and 2021 models are regarded as the greatest years for the Kia Forte.

What Are The Kia Forte’s Best Years?

Over the course of the model’s existence, Kia has created many excellent Fortes.

The people listed below are deserving of the title “best of the best.”

Kia Forte 2022

Without veering too far from the attractive appearance that the vehicle line has been acclaimed for, the 2022 Kia Forte debuted with an updated inside and exterior.

The bumpers, grille, lighting fixtures, and wheel design show the most noticeable alterations.

2022 should be among the most perfect models because it is one of the newest.

• Edmunds: 4.7 out of 5
• 4.0/5.0 on the Kelley Blue Book
• 83 of 100 for JD Power

Kia Forte 2021

The 2021 Kia Forte did not undergo any big changes from the 2020 model year, but what is amazing about this model is that there have been very few complaints about it. 

The 2021 Forte maintains its tradition of sleek appearance and a long list of features while significantly undercutting its competitors.

• Edmunds: 4.2 out of 5
• 4.0/5.0 on the Kelley Blue Book
• JD Power: 82 out of 100

Kia Forte 2020

The majority of the popular features from the previous model years were carried over into the 2020 Kia Forte, and two new variants/trim levels were also included.

The 2020 Forte boasts a smooth and comfortable ride that is great for highway cruising, much like its most recent incarnations.

According to NHTSA data, it has also only had a small number of complaints and is less problematic than both the 2021 and 2019 model years.

• Edmunds: 4.4 out of 5
• 4.0/5.0 on the Kelley Blue Book
• 83 of 100 for JD Power

Kia Forte 2019

With new exterior style, enhanced active safety systems, and a new and better (standardised) touch-screen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality, the 2019 Kia Forte made its debut. 

• Edmunds: 4.2 out of 5
• 4.0/5.0 on the Kelley Blue Book
• JD Power: 82 out of 100

What Are The Kia Forte’s Worst Years?

Additionally, there have been a number of difficulties and complaints regarding the Kia Forte.

The following model years should be used with caution.

Kia Forte 2017

Significant engine-related problems, such as loss of acceleration and shaking, plagued the 2017 Kia Forte.

At CarComplaints.com, the 2017 Forte received a total of 43 complaints, while CarProblemZoo.com recorded 238 issues.

Common issues:

• Basically runs the engine
• Motor failure
• Unsealed tail light with check engine light 

Kia Forte 2015

A lot of engine-related issues plagued the 2015 Kia Forte, just like the model years before it.

Among the many complaints submitted by Forte owners were engine noise, engine failure, and excessive fluid usage.

Due to the severe engine faults, which potentially had the potential to start a fire, Kia was compelled to recall certain Fortes from the model years 2012 to 2015.

Total complaints for the 2015 Forte were 17 at CarComplaints.com and 220 at CarProblemZoo.com.

Common issues:

• Radio not functioning correctly
• Running out of oil continuously
• Addressing issues in the rain and snow
• Driving while the engine is out 

Kia Forte 2014

Out of all the model years on our list, the 2014 Kia Forte had the most issues and complaints.

A number of reports indicated high oil consumption, engine knocking, and engine stalling, which required expensive engine repairs or possibly a replacement of the entire engine.

At CarComplaints.com, the 2014 Forte received a total of 26 complaints, while CarProblemZoo.com recorded 485 issues.

Common issues:

• Motor failure
• Engine failure was brought on by sludge and loud engine noises.

Kia Forte 2013

There were a number of issues with the 2013 Kia Forte, the most of which were engine-related.

In addition to making extremely loud and irregular rattling noises, some customers claimed that their Fortes lost power while they were moving.

Total complaints for the 2013 Forte were 23 on CarComplaints.com and 209 on CarProblemZoo.com.

Common issues:

• Engine squealing
• Engine blowing
• Running about

How Safe Is Kia Forte?

The Kia Forte’s safety has been a subject of debate among experts and customers. Following are some salient details from the search results:

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2022–23 Kia Forte a four-star overall safety grade.
• The 2022–23 Kia Forte received a “Good” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the majority of categories, including moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraints and seats.
• In the side impact and frontal overlap tests, the IIHS gave the 2022 Kia Forte a “Poor” rating.
• In terms of safety, J.D. Power gave the 2023 Kia Forte GT-Line trim an overall score of 83/100, a Quality & Reliability score of 87/100, and a Driving Experience score of 79/100.

In conclusion, several sources have given the Kia Forte varying degrees of safety. The 2022–23 Kia Forte received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, however the IIHS gave it “Poor” ratings in some areas. Before making a purchase, it’s crucial to look at the safety ratings of particular model years and consider the type of driving you’ll be performing.

Reliability of Kia Forte

The reliability of the Kia Forte is a little bit inconsistent, according to the search results. Here are some crucial details:

Positive: The Kia Forte is ranked sixth out of 36 compact cars by RepairPal with a dependability rating of 4.5 out of 5.0.

The Kia Fortes from 2016 to 2018 are regarded as the most dependable and have the best chance of travelling at least 150,000 kilometres.

Negative: The Kia Forte’s overall reliability score is 55.8, which is below average compared to comparable vehicles.

Consumer Reports magazine gave the Kia Forte a score of just 39 out of 100, placing it worst in its class.

Before 100,000 miles, Forte engines from 2012 to 2015 are likely to fail, costing upwards of $5,000 to replace.

The new CVT on the 2019 vehicles is infamous for failing after just 10,000 miles.

In conclusion, there are some varied reviews of the Kia Forte’s dependability. Some sources give it good marks, while others give it low marks. Before making a purchase, it’s crucial to look into the reliability ratings of particular model years. Regular upkeep, such changing the oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, can also increase the durability of the car.

Tips to Maintain you Kia Forte

Based on the search results, the following advice is provided for maintaining your Kia Forte:

• Maintain your Kia Forte according to the suggested maintenance schedule, which calls for frequent coolant, air filter, and oil changes.
• Maintaining a clean interior and exterior will help keep dirt and other debris from building up and harming your car.
• Make that the levels of all the fluids, including the coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and oil, are checked frequently.
• Regularly check the battery to make sure it is operating properly.
• To guarantee even wear, keep your tyres filled to the recommended pressure and rotate them frequently.
• According to the manufacturer’s recommendations, replace the spark plugs and serpentine belt.
• Regularly inspect the brakes and replace them as necessary.

You can make sure that your Kia Forte operates well and lasts for many years by paying attention to the advice in this article. The secret to avoiding expensive repairs and maintaining the condition of your car is routine maintenance. In order to avoid further damage, it’s crucial to adhere to the suggested maintenance programme for your particular model year.

How Can You Tell Whether Something Is a Lemon?

Purchase a vehicle history report.

There is no better initial step when purchasing a used car than to obtain a car history report. Two well-known services offer this information for little money: Anyone looking to purchase a used car will find the information provided by CarFax and AutoCheck extremely helpful. 

The reports let you know the number of past owners, whether or not it had any accidents, how frequently it required maintenance, and the current title. The final section is among the most crucial since it contains the lemon label, which attests that the car followed the correct legal procedures to be designated as a lemon.

However, in some areas, dealers must inform a customer if the vehicle is a manufacturer buyback, which is a reliable way to determine whether a vehicle has a lemon title. 

However, it is the responsibility of the buyer to conduct a thorough investigation into the vehicle’s history. Therefore, consumers may need help if they accidentally purchase a secondhand lemon because they must inspect it first.

Owner Background

You can view the owner’s history on the vehicle history report, which should indicate whether the manufacturer has purchased the vehicle back. 

While owners can claim a car is a lemon in a legal dispute and ask the automaker to buy back the problematic vehicle, that is a guaranteed technique to determine if the car was labeled a lemon.

 You can also determine if the vehicle was sold or traded before it was given a lemon tag if the prior owner may have missed an issue. It also implies that the car’s persistent issue must be apparent.

Repair Record

Look carefully at the vehicle’s repair record and try to identify any recurring issues. Recurring problems in cars with lemon histories are simple to spot. You can determine whether the issues with the car are minor wear and tear concerns, such as those with the clutch or brakes, or a more severe problem. 

Check to discover if the repairs were necessary or carried out even when the car was brand new. It can assist in determining whether the car is a lemon or if an incident like a collision or modification caused a misdiagnosed issue.

Are the repairs significant or minor? A severe repair would deal with the drivetrain or suspension, whereas a superficial one would address non-driving-related issues like window or seat controls. 

Severe repairs would be more challenging, but handling a car might not be a hassle if a car was considered a lemon for a less severe cause.

The report also shows whether repairs are being made at a dealership or a general shop. Like you would with any used car, examine the vehicle’s general condition and health and determine whether routine maintenance has also been carried out. 

This will assist you in deciding whether or not you should consider purchasing this car.

Inspection before purchase

Is the car still a good investment? You should get a pre-purchase inspection if the flaws are not too concerning or if you believe the automobile may have been incorrectly labeled as a lemon. 

A mechanic can determine whether the problems are repairable and why the car was considered a lemon. 

A technician can assist you in determining whether or not a recurring issue is indicative of more severe problems or worries about the quality of the vehicle.

Their satisfaction with the car might help determine if it is a worthwhile investment or a lost cause.

FAQ on Kia Forte Best and Worts Years

Which years to avoid Kia Forte?

The 2010, 2012, 2014, 2015, and 2017 models are should be avoided. These could require costly repairs and result in dangerous circumstances on the road at the worst possible time. The Kia Forte’s engine is where problems are most likely to arise.

What year is Kia Forte good?

The greatest years for a used Kia Forte are 2011, 2013, 2016, and 2018 to 2021, as well as the range of recalls among these models, according to consumer complaints and recall difficulties. to ensure that everything has been expertly maintained and that any potential problems have been dealt with.

Which Kia Forte is reliable?

With the release of the 2020 edition (and following model years), the 2019 Forte’s first-year faults appear to have been ironed out; owner complaints are minimal. The 2020–2022 editions are so deserving of a spot among the most dependable Kia Forte years, barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Is Kia Forte cheap to maintain?

Over the course of its first ten years of use, a KIA Forte will require roughly $5,805 in maintenance and repairs. This is $1,291 less than the industry average for popular sedan models. Additionally, a Forte has a 17.53% risk of needing a significant repair throughout that time. Compared to competing automobiles in this segment, this is 3.97% better.

Which Kia is the best car of the year?

The esteemed Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) award for 2023 has been given to the Kia Carens. At the just concluded 18th edition of ICOTY awards, the MPV was declared the winner. The Kia Carens was introduced in India in February 2022, with an ex-showroom price of 8.99 lakh.