Kia Forte5 research: recalls, reliability and buyer's guide

The Forte5 is a practical, affordable compact hatchback with a big cargo area. The 2011-2013 cars use a 2.0L or 2.4L four; the redesigned 2014-2018 cars use a 2.0L direct-injected four or, in the SX, a lively 201-hp 1.6L turbo, with a 7-speed dual-clutch option from 2017. Kia stopped selling it in the U.S. after 2018.

Model years covered: 2011–2018. The Forte5 hatchback was sold in the U.S. for the 2011-2018 model years only; there are no 2019 or later U.S. Forte5 models.

Last updated 2026-10-15.

Strengths

Hatchback cargo flexibility
Low purchase price
Quick 201 hp turbo sx
Generous features for the money
Manual transmission available

Things to know before you buy

Key start cars need anti theft update check
Engine recalls and ksds by VIN
Gdi and turbo engines need regular oil changes
2014 redesign and 2017 refresh
Discontinued after 2018
Recall status should be checked by VIN

Generations

Generation 1 (2011–2013)

The first Forte5 (2011-2013) came in EX trim with a 156-hp, 144 lb-ft 2.0L and SX trim with a 173-hp, 168 lb-ft 2.4L, each with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic and front-wheel drive.

Buyer takeaway: The cheapest Forte5s. Condition, maintenance records and completion of the airbag-unit and ABS recalls matter more than trim; the SX is quicker but less frugal.

Generation 2 (2014–2018)

The 2014 redesign brought a roomier, quieter hatchback with a 173-hp 2.0L direct-injected four or the SX's 201-hp, 195 lb-ft 1.6L turbo, with 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions. An LX trim arrived for 2016, and the 2017 refresh restyled the car, retuned the 2.0L to 164 hp and added a 7-speed dual-clutch option on the SX.

Buyer takeaway: The better-equipped pick. A 2017-2018 offers the refreshed design and newer safety features; the SX turbo suits drivers who want performance. Check engine recall work by VIN.

Kia Forte5 by model year

2018 Kia Forte5

The 2018 Forte5 is the final U.S. model year, carrying over the 164-hp 2.0L direct-injected engine with a 6-speed automatic (about 25/34 mpg) and the 201-hp turbo SX with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch. Kia did not sell the next-generation Forte hatchback in the U.S.; its successor in spirit is the 2026 K4 Hatchback.

Engines: 2.0 liter gdi I4 164 hp 151 lb ft; 1.6 liter turbo gdi I4 201 hp 195 lb ft sx
Transmissions: Final US model year of the forte5; Carryover from 2017
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 5 door hatchback

What changed:

6 speed automatic lx ex
6 speed manual sx
7 speed dual clutch sx

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Anti theft software update status if key start; Engine recall and ksds update status; Gdi engine oil consumption and knock; Turbo boost and oil leaks if sx; Transmission shift quality or clutch wear; Electronics and infotainment; Suspension and tires; Hatch struts and cargo area; Maintenance history.

2017 Kia Forte5

The refreshed 2017 Forte5 gets new styling and a retuned 164-hp 2.0L direct-injected engine with a 6-speed automatic (about 25/34 mpg). The 201-hp turbo SX now offers a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (about 25/30 mpg) or 6-speed manual. Like the 2017 Forte sedan, it gained available automatic emergency braking and smartphone integration; confirm the features on the exact car.

Engines: 2.0 liter gdi I4 164 hp 151 lb ft; 1.6 liter turbo gdi I4 201 hp 195 lb ft sx
Transmissions: Refreshed front and rear styling; 2.0 liter gdi retuned to 164 hp; Sx turbo gets new 7 speed dual clutch option; Available driver assistance and smartphone integration verify by trim
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 5 door hatchback

What changed:

6 speed automatic lx ex
6 speed manual sx
7 speed dual clutch sx

2016 Kia Forte5

For 2016 Kia added a lower-priced Forte5 LX, so the lineup became LX, EX and SX. LX and EX share the 173-hp 2.0L direct-injected engine and 6-speed automatic (about 25/33 mpg); the SX keeps the 201-hp 1.6L turbo with a 6-speed manual or automatic. It is the last year before the 2017 refresh.

Engines: 2.0 liter gdi I4 173 hp 154 lb ft; 1.6 liter turbo gdi I4 201 hp 195 lb ft sx
Transmissions: New lower priced lx trim; Three trims lx ex and sx
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 5 door hatchback

What changed:

6 speed automatic lx ex
6 speed manual or 6 speed automatic sx

2015 Kia Forte5

The 2015 Forte5 continues with the 173-hp 2.0L direct-injected EX (now automatic only, about 25/33 mpg) and the 201-hp 1.6L turbo SX with a 6-speed manual or automatic (about 21/28-29 mpg). The turbo SX is the enthusiast pick; the EX is the simpler commuter. Confirm any engine recall work and Knock Sensor Detection System update by VIN.

Engines: 2.0 liter gdi I4 173 hp 154 lb ft; 1.6 liter turbo gdi I4 201 hp 195 lb ft sx
Transmissions: Ex now automatic only; Sx turbo keeps manual or automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 5 door hatchback

What changed:

6 speed automatic ex
6 speed manual or 6 speed automatic sx

2014 Kia Forte5

The redesigned 2014 Forte5 is roomier and more refined. The EX gets a 173-hp 2.0L direct-injected four (about 24/33 mpg city/highway), and the SX a 201-hp, 195 lb-ft 1.6L turbo (about 21/29 mpg), making it the quickest Forte to date. Both engines offered 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions. Check by VIN for the engine-fire inspection and knock-sensor software recall that covers some 2012-2015 Forte-family cars.

Engines: 2.0 liter gdi I4 173 hp 154 lb ft; 1.6 liter turbo gdi I4 201 hp 195 lb ft sx
Transmissions: All new second generation forte5; New 201 hp 1.6 liter turbo on sx; Ex gets 173 hp 2.0 liter gdi; 6 speed manual or automatic on both engines
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 5 door hatchback

What changed:

6 speed manual
6 speed automatic

2013 Kia Forte5

The 2013 Forte5 is the last of the first generation, again with a 156-hp 2.0L (EX) or 173-hp 2.4L (SX) and a 6-speed manual or automatic. The redesigned 2014 Forte5 is roomier and more modern, so a 2013 should be priced accordingly. Confirm the airbag control unit and ABS fuse recalls and look for steady oil-change records.

Engines: 2.0 liter I4 156 hp 144 lb ft ex; 2.4 liter I4 173 hp 168 lb ft sx
Transmissions: 6 speed manual; 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 5 door hatchback

What changed:

Last year of first generation forte5

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Anti theft software update status if key start; Airbag control unit recall status; Abs hecu fuse recall status; Engine operation and service history; Oil level and leaks; Transmission shift quality or clutch wear; Steering and suspension wear; Brakes and tires; Hatch struts and cargo area; Maintenance history.

2012 Kia Forte5

The 2012 Forte5 carries over: a 156-hp 2.0L (EX) or 173-hp, 168 lb-ft 2.4L (SX) with a 6-speed manual or automatic and front-wheel drive. It is a practical, inexpensive hatchback today, so condition, maintenance records and recall completion matter more than trim. Key-start cars should also be checked for Kia's anti-theft update.

Engines: 2.0 liter I4 156 hp 144 lb ft ex; 2.4 liter I4 173 hp 168 lb ft sx
Transmissions: 6 speed manual; 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 5 door hatchback

What changed:

Largely carryover from 2011

2011 Kia Forte5

The 2011 Forte5 was the first five-door version of Kia's compact, joining the Forte sedan and Koup. The EX uses a 156-hp 2.0L four and the sportier SX a 173-hp 2.4L, each with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic (new to the Forte family for 2011). Fuel economy is roughly in the mid-20s city and low-30s highway depending on engine. Check the airbag-control-unit and anti-lock brake module recalls by VIN.

Engines: 2.0 liter I4 156 hp 144 lb ft ex; 2.4 liter I4 173 hp 168 lb ft sx
Transmissions: 6 speed manual; 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 5 door hatchback

What changed:

Forte5 hatchback joins forte sedan and koup
Ex and sx trims
6 speed manual and 6 speed automatic new for 2011

Known issues and what to check

Anti-Theft Software Update for Key-Start Models (2011–2018)
Key-start (non push-button) Fortes from this era lack an engine immobilizer and were targeted by a widely publicized theft trend. Kia offers a free anti-theft software upgrade for eligible key-start Fortes; some older vehicles that cannot take the software were offered other deterrents. Forte5 eligibility should be confirmed by VIN.
What to do: Have a Kia dealer check the VIN for the anti-theft upgrade and ask your insurer about coverage before buying.
Engine Compartment Fire Inspection and KSDS Software Recall (2012–2015)
NHTSA recall 20V-750 covers certain 2012-2015 Forte-family cars (NHTSA records the Forte5 under Forte): dealers inspect for fuel or oil leaks, test the engine, repair or replace it if needed, and install Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software that warns of engine-bearing wear. Other Kia engine programs may also apply by VIN.
What to do: Check the VIN for this recall and any extended engine coverage, and keep oil-change records.
Airbag Control Unit and ABS Module Recalls (2011-2013) (2011–2013)
Two recalls cover certain 2010-2013 Forte-family cars: 18V-363 (the airbag control unit could short in a crash, preventing frontal airbags and pretensioners from deploying; fixed with a wiring extension kit) and 23V-652 (the ABS hydraulic unit could short and cause an engine-compartment fire; owners told to park outside until a fuse is replaced).
What to do: Confirm both remedies are complete before buying a first-generation Forte5.
Direct-Injection and Turbo Engine Care (2014-2018) (2014–2018)
Second-generation Forte5s use a direct-injected 2.0L or a 1.6L turbo. These engines are sensitive to oil level and oil-change intervals; low oil, knocking or heavy oil consumption should be checked carefully. Turbo cars also benefit from gentle warm-up and cool-down.
What to do: Favor cars with documented oil changes and a clean cold start.
SX Turbo Dual-Clutch and Manual Transmission Check (2014–2018)
2017-2018 SX models offer a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, which can feel firmer at low speed; shudder or harsh engagement is worth investigating. Manual SX cars should be checked for clutch wear, since the turbo engine attracts enthusiastic drivers.
What to do: Road-test SX models in traffic before buying.
Forte5 vs. Forte Sedan, Koup and K4 Hatchback (2011–2018)
The Forte5 is the five-door hatchback version of the Forte, sold in the U.S. for 2011-2018. Engines differ from the sedan in some years (for example, no 1.8L in the hatchback). There is no 2019 or later U.S. Forte5; the 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback is the closest successor.
What to do: Confirm body style, engine and transmission before comparing prices.

Recalls

Recall applicability varies by model year, production date, engine or battery, transmission, equipment, and VIN. Check the VIN for current open recalls and completed remedies. NHTSA records the Forte5 under the Forte model name, so search by VIN.

Similar vehicles to consider

Questions this guide answers

What generation is this Kia Forte5?
What engine does this Forte5 have?
Is the Forte5 SX turbo worth it?
Does this Forte5 need the anti-theft software update?
What engine recalls apply to the Forte5?
What fuel economy does the Forte5 get?
What should I inspect on a used Forte5?
What replaced the Forte5?
How does the Forte5 differ from the Forte sedan?
What similar hatchbacks should I consider?