KIA Forte Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 218 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the KIA Forte across 15 model years. The 2019 model year has the most (48).
- 218power train complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 11mention a crash
- 3mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 43%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 125 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 218 complaints, 11 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 3 an injury.
KIA Forte power train complaints by model year
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Forte | 4 | 15% | 14,000 |
| 2023 Forte | 8 | 12% | 30,500 |
| 2022 Forte | 2 | 7% | 32,000 |
| 2021 Forte | 7 | 10% | 35,642 |
| 2020 Forte | 16 | 21% | 17,600 |
| 2019 Forte | 48 | 32% | 5,280 |
| 2018 Forte | 8 | 6% | 23,330 |
| 2017 Forte | 12 | 4% | 1,975 |
| 2016 Forte | 16 | 12% | 17,310 |
| 2015 Forte | 17 | 7% | 72,500 |
| 2014 Forte | 18 | 4% | 93,006 |
| 2013 Forte | 10 | 5% | 59,500 |
| 2012 Forte | 11 | 4% | 78,500 |
| 2011 Forte | 18 | 12% | 56,220 |
| 2010 Forte | 23 | 10% | 51,050 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Power train:axle assembly:axle shaft
Model years: 2019
Problem: 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.
Risk: A broken driveshaft can result in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left front axle driveshaft for a heat treatment verification code, and replace it if the code is missing, free of charge. The recall began September 2, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC195.
Power train:automatic transmission:cooling unit and lines
Model years: 2011
Problem: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2011 Forte vehicles manufactured August 27, 2010, to November 11, 2010. The affected vehicles have a transmission fluid cooler hose that may have been improperly manufactured, resulting in a transmission fluid leak.
Risk: If enough transmission fluid leaks out, the transmission may not function properly and the vehicle may stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission cooler hose, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC129.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at 70-75 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and the check engine warning light illuminated, causing the contact and her daughter to be stranded on the highway. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the…
On October 4, 2026, at approximately 27,870 miles, my 2024 Kia Forte GT-Line unexpectedly shut off while I was driving and making a right-hand turn into a parking lot. The vehicle was in Drive when the engine shut off. The instrument cluster continued to indicate âDâ and displayed the message…
Unknown. During a basic collision Avoidance maneuver performed by myself on the highway at speed of aprox 60MPH the steering suddenly became non-responsive, resulting in my inability to maintain directional control and cause a collision. The vehicle continued traveling before coming to its final…
I experienced a check engine light and had the vehicle diagnosed with codes P0017 and P0014. The vehicle was taken to a Kia dealership, where the technician found that the exhaust camshaft was free-spinning without the phaser and that the pin connecting the two had sheared. The dealership replaced…
The systems affected appear to be engine, powertrain, and vehicle speed control. My 2014 Kia Forte, VIN [XXX] has approximately 118,000 miles. Since purchase in November2025 from Wondries Toyota, the vehicle has had repeated high RPM, poor acceleration, and loss of power when entering freeway…
Frequently asked questions
Do all KIA Fortes have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 218 owner complaints about power train for the KIA Forte. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the KIA Forte power train?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
Other KIA Forte problems
- Engine problems (1,130)
- Electrical System problems (325)
- Air Bags problems (294)
- Exterior Lighting problems (178)
- Steering problems (166)
- Service Brakes problems (156)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (116)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (110)
See all KIA Forte problems.