2019 Kia Forte problems: recalls, complaints and whether this is a year to avoid
The 2019 Kia Forte has 147 owner complaints on record with NHTSA, which ranks it 2 of 2 Kia Forte model years by complaint volume. That is the lowest of any year in the run — the 2011 car has 161. 2 recall entries cover this year.
Which recalls cover the 2019?
Exterior Lighting
The headlights may not have been manufactured with the correct low beam aiming. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number…
Free remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the headlight aiming and replace the headlights, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 30, 2018.
Power Train
The left front axle driveshaft may not have been heat-treated, which can cause it to break.
Free remedy: 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.
Take the campaign number to any franchised Kia dealer. Recall repairs are free with no mileage or ownership limit, and they follow the car rather than the owner, so a used 2019 with an unrepaired campaign is a free repair you can claim. How recalls work.
Recall text is abridged from the NHTSA record. Search the campaign number at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the full notice and affected VIN ranges.
What do owners report on the Kia Forte?
Across every Kia Forte year, not the 2019 alone — NHTSA does not split component totals by model year.
- Power Train — 65 reports
- Engine — 56 reports
- Air Bags — 35 reports
- Electrical System — 33 reports
Which other Kia Forte years should you compare?
← 2011 Kia Forte · All Kia Forte years
If you are deciding between years, the Kia Forte page carries the full run with the component breakdown. Before money changes hands, run the VIN for open recalls and read the inspection checklist — ten minutes in the seller’s driveway finds most of what matters.
Check a 2019 before you commit
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