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

The Forte is Kia's value-focused compact car, known for a lot of standard equipment for the money. The 2011-2013 first generation offers a 2.0L or 2.4L four-cylinder. The 2014-2018 second generation is roomier and more refined, with a 2017 refresh that added automatic emergency braking and smartphone integration. The 2019-2024 third generation adds sleeker styling, Kia's fuel-efficient IVT automatic (rated up to about 41 mpg highway) and, from 2020, a 201-hp turbocharged Forte GT. Kia replaced the Forte with the K4 for 2025.

Model years covered: 2011–2024. The Forte sedan was sold in the U.S. through the 2024 model year (the first generation began with 2010, before this record's 2011 window). There is no 2025 or later Forte; Kia's compact sedan from 2025 is the K4.

Last updated 2026-10-15.

Strengths

Strong value for money
Generous standard equipment
Good fuel economy newer models
Easy to drive and park
Broad used inventory
Affordable ownership costs
Sporty forte GT option 2020 2024

Things to know before you buy

2014 and 2019 are complete redesign years
2017 and 2022 are major refresh points
Forte GT turbo arrives for 2020
Key start 2011 2021 models need anti theft update check
Engine program coverage is VIN specific
Several steering and suspension recalls 2019 2023
Factory powertrain warranty coverage is shorter for later owners
2025 and later compact sedans are the kia k4
Recall status should be checked by VIN

Generations

Generation 1 (2010–2013)

The first-generation Forte arrived for 2010 as a sedan and Koup coupe, adding the Forte5 hatchback for 2011. LX and EX trims use a 156-hp 2.0L four-cylinder and SX trims a 173-hp 2.4L; from 2011 each comes with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic (2010 cars used 4- and 5-speed units).

Buyer takeaway: These are the least expensive Fortes. At this age, condition, maintenance history, recall completion and whether the anti-theft software update has been done matter more than trim. The 2.4L SX is quicker but uses more fuel.

Generation 2 (2014–2018)

The 2014 redesign brings a roomier, quieter Forte with more features. Early sedans use a 1.8L (148 hp, then 145 hp from 2015) in the LX or a 173-hp 2.0L direct-injected engine in the EX, and the Forte Koup SX offers a 201-hp 1.6L turbo. The 2017 refresh replaces the 1.8L with a 147-hp 2.0L, retunes the direct-injected 2.0L to 164 hp, adds available automatic emergency braking and smartphone integration, and moves sedan production to Mexico; the Koup ends after 2017.

Buyer takeaway: A good balance of price and modern features. 2017-2018 models are the more refined pick. Confirm engine-program coverage, the 2017-2018 oil-pump recall on 2.0L MPI cars, and anti-theft update status by VIN.

Generation 3 (2019–2024)

The 2019 redesign gives the Forte sleeker styling, more space, a standard 8-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration, and a 147-hp 2.0L paired with Kia's IVT automatic or, on the FE through 2021, a 6-speed manual. The 201-hp Forte GT (1.6L turbo, 7-speed dual-clutch or 6-speed manual, independent rear suspension) arrives for 2020, and a 2022 refresh updates styling and safety tech.

Buyer takeaway: The newest and most fuel-efficient Fortes. Choose a GT for a sporty drive or an IVT model for economy. 2022-2024 models carry the latest styling and standard driver assistance. Key-start 2019-2021 cars should still be checked for the anti-theft update, and 2023s for the suspension recalls.

Kia Forte by model year

2024 Kia Forte

The final U.S. model year of the Forte and the newest you can buy used before the Kia K4 replaced it for 2025. It carries over the 147-hp 2.0L with IVT (about 30/41 mpg on the LX) and the 201-hp turbo GT with a 7-speed dual-clutch (about 27/35) or 6-speed manual (about 22/31). Trims are LX, LXS, GT-Line and GT. Confirm remaining factory warranty, since Kia's long powertrain coverage is shorter for later owners.

Engines: 2.0 liter I4 147 hp 132 lb ft; 1.6 liter turbo I4 201 hp 195 lb ft GT
Transmissions: Ivt continuously variable automatic 2.0 liter; 7 speed dual clutch GT; 6 speed manual GT
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Final US model year
Replaced by kia k4 for 2025

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Anti theft software update status if key start; Ivt operation and fluid service; Dual clutch engagement on GT; Electronics and driver assistance; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Maintenance history.

2023 Kia Forte

A refreshed third-generation Forte with modern styling and safety tech, now in LX, LXS, GT-Line and GT trims. The 147-hp 2.0L and IVT is rated about 30/41 mpg on the LX and 28/39 on others; the 201-hp GT turbo is about 27/35 with the dual-clutch. Certain 2023s are recalled for a front steering knuckle or a right front lower control arm weld, so check the VIN.

Engines: 2.0 liter I4 147 hp 132 lb ft; 1.6 liter turbo I4 201 hp 195 lb ft GT
Transmissions: Ivt continuously variable automatic 2.0 liter; 7 speed dual clutch GT; 6 speed manual GT
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Base trim now called lx
Lx lxs GT line and GT trims

2022 Kia Forte

A refreshed Forte with updated front and rear styling, Kia's new logo, an available 10.25-inch navigation screen and more standard driver-assistance features. The 147-hp 2.0L with IVT (up to 31/41 mpg on the FE) and the 201-hp GT turbo carry over; the GT keeps a 7-speed dual-clutch or 6-speed manual. Trims are FE, LXS, GT-Line and GT. Check the steering-column bolt recall.

Engines: 2.0 liter I4 147 hp 132 lb ft; 1.6 liter turbo I4 201 hp 195 lb ft GT
Transmissions: Ivt continuously variable automatic 2.0 liter; 7 speed dual clutch GT; 6 speed manual GT
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Major refresh
New kia logo and front and rear styling
Available 10.25 inch navigation screen
Expanded standard driver assistance
Ex trim dropped lineup fe lxs GT line GT

2021 Kia Forte

A third-generation Forte with the 147-hp 2.0L and IVT for economy (up to 31/41 mpg) or the 201-hp turbo GT for performance, in FE, LXS, GT-Line, EX and GT trims. It is the last year before the 2022 refresh and the last with a manual on the 2.0L. Check the VIN for the passenger occupant-detection and steering-column bolt recalls.

Engines: 2.0 liter I4 147 hp 132 lb ft; 1.6 liter turbo I4 201 hp 195 lb ft GT
Transmissions: Ivt continuously variable automatic; 6 speed manual fe and GT; 7 speed dual clutch GT
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Largely carryover from 2020
Last year before 2022 refresh
Last year of the 2.0 liter manual

2020 Kia Forte

The Forte GT arrives with a 201-hp, 195 lb-ft 1.6L turbo, a 7-speed dual-clutch (about 27/35 mpg) or 6-speed manual (about 25/32), bigger brakes, and an independent multi-link rear suspension. A sporty-looking GT-Line joins FE, LXS and EX. Other trims keep the 147-hp 2.0L and IVT, rated up to 31/41 mpg on the FE.

Engines: 2.0 liter I4 147 hp 132 lb ft; 1.6 liter turbo I4 201 hp 195 lb ft GT
Transmissions: Ivt continuously variable automatic; 6 speed manual fe and GT; 7 speed dual clutch GT
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Forte GT 1.6 liter turbo 201 hp added
New GT line appearance trim
GT gets multi link rear suspension

2019 Kia Forte

The redesigned third-generation Forte has sleeker styling, more room, a standard 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 147-hp 2.0L paired with Kia's IVT automatic, rated up to 31/41 mpg (35 combined) on the FE. The FE could also be had with a 6-speed manual (27/37 mpg). Some 2019s have LED-headlight-aim or front axle shaft recalls; check the VIN.

Engines: 2.0 liter I4 147 hp 132 lb ft
Transmissions: Ivt continuously variable automatic; 6 speed manual fe only
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Complete redesign with stinger inspired styling
Kia built ivt replaces conventional automatic
Standard 8 inch touchscreen with apple carplay and android auto
Fe lxs s and ex trims

2018 Kia Forte

The final year of the second-generation Forte sedan, carrying over the 2017 refresh: LX and S use the 147-hp 2.0L (about 29/37 mpg automatic), and the EX the 164-hp direct-injected 2.0L (about 25/33 mpg). Smartphone integration spread to more LX versions, and automatic emergency braking stays optional on S and EX. Check the 2.0L oil-pump, airbag-unit and trunk-latch recalls by VIN.

Engines: 2.0 liter atkinson I4 147 hp 132 lb ft lx and s; 2.0 liter gdi I4 164 hp 151 lb ft ex
Transmissions: 6 speed manual lx; 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Touchscreen with smartphone integration more widely standard
Koup no longer offered

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Anti theft software update status; Engine recall and ksds update status; Oil level and consumption; Engine noise or knock; Transmission operation; Electronics and infotainment; Suspension and tires; Maintenance history; Oil pump recall status 2.0 liter mpi; Airbag control unit recall status; Trunk latch recall status.

2017 Kia Forte

A refreshed Forte sedan with updated styling, a 147-hp 2.0L Atkinson-cycle engine replacing the 1.8L (about 29/38 mpg with the automatic), a 164-hp 2.0L direct-injected EX, a new S trim, available automatic emergency braking, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Sedans are now built in Mexico. EPA also lists a 2017 Koup, including a 201-hp turbo SX with a 7-speed dual-clutch. Check the oil-pump recall.

Engines: 2.0 liter atkinson I4 147 hp 132 lb ft lx; 2.0 liter gdi I4 164 hp 151 lb ft ex; 1.6 liter turbo gdi I4 201 hp koup sx 2017
Transmissions: 6 speed manual lx; 6 speed automatic; 6 speed manual or 7 speed dual clutch koup sx
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan; 2 door coupe forte koup

What changed:

Major refresh
1.8 liter replaced by 147 hp 2.0 liter atkinson engine
New sporty s trim
Available automatic emergency braking
Android auto and apple carplay available
Sedan production moves to monterrey mexico
Final year of forte koup verify by VIN

2016 Kia Forte

The last year of the original second-generation design, carrying over the 145-hp 1.8L LX (about 26/37 mpg with the automatic) and the 173-hp 2.0L direct-injected EX (about 24/35 mpg), plus the Koup with its 2.0L or 201-hp turbo. A good value if priced below the refreshed 2017. Certain 2016-2018 sedans and Koups have a trunk-latch recall.

Engines: 1.8 liter I4 145 hp 130 lb ft lx; 2.0 liter gdi I4 173 hp 154 lb ft ex and koup ex; 1.6 liter turbo gdi I4 201 hp 195 lb ft koup sx
Transmissions: 6 speed manual lx; 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan; 2 door coupe forte koup

What changed:

Last year before the 2017 refresh
Largely carryover from 2015

2015 Kia Forte

A second-generation Forte with engines retuned for economy: the LX's 1.8L is now rated 145 hp (6-speed manual or automatic, up to about 26/37 mpg) and the EX keeps the 173-hp 2.0L direct-injected engine with a 6-speed automatic (about 25/36 mpg). The Koup continues with the 2.0L or 201-hp 1.6L turbo. 2015 is the last year covered by the engine-fire/KSDS recall range.

Engines: 1.8 liter I4 145 hp 130 lb ft lx; 2.0 liter gdi I4 173 hp 154 lb ft ex and koup ex; 1.6 liter turbo gdi I4 201 hp 195 lb ft koup sx
Transmissions: 6 speed manual lx; 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan; 2 door coupe forte koup

What changed:

Engines retuned for better fuel economy
Lx 1.8 liter rated 145 hp

2014 Kia Forte

The redesigned second-generation Forte is roomier, quieter and better equipped. LX sedans use a 148-hp 1.8L (6-speed manual or automatic, about 24-25/35-36 mpg) and EX sedans a 173-hp 2.0L direct-injected four (about 24/35 mpg). The Forte Koup EX shares the 2.0L, and the Koup SX has a 201-hp 1.6L turbo. Check engine recall and Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) update status by VIN.

Engines: 1.8 liter I4 148 hp 131 lb ft lx; 2.0 liter gdi I4 173 hp 154 lb ft ex and koup ex; 1.6 liter turbo gdi I4 201 hp 195 lb ft koup sx
Transmissions: 6 speed manual; 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan; 2 door coupe forte koup

What changed:

Complete redesign
New 1.8 liter lx and 2.0 liter gdi ex engines
Forte koup sx 1.6 liter turbo 201 hp
Flexsteer selectable steering effort on ex

2013 Kia Forte

The final year of the first-generation Forte, with the same 156-hp 2.0L and 173-hp 2.4L engines and 6-speed manual or automatic choices in sedan and Koup form. Usually priced well below the redesigned 2014 and later cars. Confirm the airbag control unit, ABS fuse and engine-fire/KSDS recalls by VIN, and look for steady oil-change records.

Engines: 2.0 liter I4 156 hp 144 lb ft lx ex; 2.4 liter I4 173 hp 168 lb ft sx
Transmissions: 6 speed manual; 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan; 2 door coupe forte koup

What changed:

Last year of first generation

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Anti theft software update status; Airbag control unit recall status; Abs hecu fuse recall status; Engine operation and service history; Oil level and leaks; Automatic transmission shift quality; Steering and suspension wear; Brakes and tires; Air conditioning; Maintenance history; Engine recall and ksds update status.

2012 Kia Forte

A mid-cycle first-generation Forte that carries over the 156-hp 2.0L and 173-hp, 168 lb-ft 2.4L engines with 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions, about 25/35 mpg for the 2.0L automatic and 23/31 for the 2.4L. Condition and maintenance history matter more than trim at this age, and 2012 cars may be included in the engine-fire inspection and knock-sensor software recall.

Engines: 2.0 liter I4 156 hp 144 lb ft lx ex; 2.4 liter I4 173 hp 168 lb ft sx
Transmissions: 6 speed manual; 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan; 2 door coupe forte koup

What changed:

Largely carryover from 2011

2011 Kia Forte

A first-generation Forte with a 156-hp 2.0L four-cylinder (LX, EX) or a quicker 173-hp 2.4L (SX), offered as a sedan or Forte Koup coupe. New for 2011, 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions replaced the earlier 4- and 5-speed units, improving economy to about 25/35 mpg city/highway for the 2.0L automatic. A budget-friendly older compact; check the airbag and ABS-module recalls.

Engines: 2.0 liter I4 156 hp 144 lb ft lx ex; 2.4 liter I4 173 hp 168 lb ft sx
Transmissions: 6 speed manual; 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan; 2 door coupe forte koup

What changed:

New 6 speed manual and 6 speed automatic replace 4 and 5 speed units
Forte5 hatchback added separate record

Known issues and what to check

Anti-Theft Software Update for Key-Start Models (2011–2021)
2011-2021 Fortes that start with a turn key (not push-button) lack an engine immobilizer and were targeted by a widely publicized theft trend. Kia offers a free dealer-installed anti-theft software upgrade that prevents starting the car that way once it is locked; some older vehicles that cannot take the software were offered other deterrents. Some insurers have limited coverage for vehicles without it.
What to do: Confirm whether the anti-theft upgrade has been installed (a Kia dealer can check by VIN and install it free) and ask your insurer about coverage before buying.
Engine Recalls, KSDS Software and Extended Coverage Programs (2011–2021)
Several Kia engines from this era are covered by recalls, knock-sensor software updates or extended warranty programs. For example, NHTSA recall 20V-750 covers certain 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup cars: dealers inspect for fuel or oil leaks, test the engine, repair or replace it if needed, and install Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software. Whether a given Forte is covered depends on its engine and VIN.
What to do: Have the VIN checked for open recalls and campaign coverage, and favor cars with regular oil-change records. Keep those records, since engine program claims often require them.
2.0L Oil Pump Recall (2017-2018) (2017–2018)
NHTSA recall 21V-260 covers certain 2017-2018 Fortes with the 2.0L Nu MPI (non-direct-injection) engine: foreign particles could stick inside the oil pump and cause pump failure and engine damage. Dealers replace the oil pan.
What to do: If the car has the 147-hp 2.0L, confirm the oil-pump recall is complete before buying.
Steering and Suspension Part Recalls (2019-2023) (2019–2023)
Several third-generation recalls involve steering or suspension parts: 20V-459 (certain 2019 cars, left front axle shaft heat treatment), 22V-304 (certain 2021-2022 cars, steering column bolt), 22V-906 (certain 2023 cars, left front steering knuckle) and 23V-649/24V-244 (certain 2023 cars, right front lower control arm weld; owners were told not to drive until repaired).
What to do: Confirm every applicable recall is complete; do not drive a 2023 with an open control-arm recall.
Forte GT Turbo and Dual-Clutch Transmission (2020–2024)
Forte GT models use a 201-hp 1.6L turbo with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic or a 6-speed manual, unlike the IVT in other 2019-2024 Fortes. Dual-clutch gearboxes can feel firmer at low speeds; that is normal, but shudder or harsh engagement is worth checking.
What to do: Road-test GT models in stop-and-go driving and confirm the transmission engages smoothly.
IVT (CVT-Type) Automatic Operation and Fluid Service (2019–2024)
Most 2019-2024 Fortes use Kia's IVT, a continuously variable automatic that helps fuel economy. Like any CVT, it should feel smooth and quiet; whining, slipping, or delayed engagement should be evaluated.
What to do: Road-test the car and ask for transmission service records on higher-mileage vehicles.
Kia K4 Replaces the Forte for 2025 (2025–2026)
Kia did not sell a 2025 or later Forte in the U.S. Its compact sedan from 2025 is the all-new Kia K4, and a K4 Hatchback joined for 2026.
What to do: For a 2025 or newer compact Kia sedan or hatchback, look at the Kia K4.

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.

Similar vehicles to consider

Questions this guide answers

What generation is this Kia Forte?
What changed between generations of the Forte?
What engine and transmission does this Forte have?
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What similar vehicles should I consider?
Does this Forte need the anti-theft software update?
Is the Forte GT worth it over a regular Forte?
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