KIA Forte Koup Problems by Year

Source: NHTSA · Updated Jun 9, 2025 · 52 owner complaints analyzed

Years with far more complaints than usual:

NHTSA has 52 owner complaints and 5 safety recalls on file for the KIA Forte Koup, across 8 model years (2010–2017). The 2013 model year has the most complaints (16). The most reported problem area overall is engine.

Peak: 2013, with 16 complaints
2010: 112010112011: 8201182012: 142012142013: 162013162014: 1201412015: 0201502016: 2201622017: 020170

n = 52 complaints · Source: NHTSA

KIA Forte Koup years to avoid? What the complaint data shows

These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Forte Koup year: 2013. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.

Model years with the most complaints

  1. 2013 Forte Koup: 16 complaints, 4 recalls
  2. 2012 Forte Koup: 14 complaints, 4 recalls
  3. 2010 Forte Koup: 11 complaints, 2 recalls

Model years with the fewest complaints

  1. 2014 Forte Koup: 1 complaint, 2 recalls
  2. 2016 Forte Koup: 2 complaints, 0 recalls
  3. 2011 Forte Koup: 8 complaints, 2 recalls

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.

Most common KIA Forte Koup problems (all years)

Problem areaComplaintsModel yearsCrashes
Engine3760
Air Bags541
Electrical System540
Seat Belts420
Vehicle Speed Control430
Fuel/propulsion System330
Exterior Lighting220
Power Train220
Structure221
Wheels221
Electronic Stability Control (esc)110
Service Brakes110
Visibility110

All KIA Forte Koup model years

Model yearComplaintsRecallsCrash ratingTop problemCompared with other years
2017 Forte Koup01——
2016 Forte Koup20—Engine
2015 Forte Koup01——
2014 Forte Koup12—Electrical System
2013 Forte Koup164—EngineFar more complaints than other years
2012 Forte Koup144—EngineMore complaints than other years
2011 Forte Koup82—Engine
2010 Forte Koup112—EngineMore complaints than other years

More from KIA: all KIA models · KIA VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Which KIA Forte Koup years should you stay away from?

By NHTSA complaints, 2013 (16) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Forte Koup year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.

What is the biggest problem with the KIA Forte Koup?

Engine, with 37 complaints across 6 model years.

How many recalls does the KIA Forte Koup have?

5 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.