2019 Kia Forte problems and complaints

Owners have filed 150 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019 Kia Forte. The most-reported areas: Power Train (48), Engine (38), Electrical System (23).

Key takeaways

  • 150 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
  • 11 involve a crash, 4 a fire, 5 reported injuries.
  • Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
Complaints by component
ComponentComplaintsShare
Power Train4832%
Engine3825%
Electrical System2315%
Unknown Or Other2215%
Forward Collision Avoidance1711%
Exterior Lighting1510%
Steering96%
Vehicle Speed Control75%
Air Bags64%
Lane Departure53%
Engine And Engine Cooling43%
Fuel/Propulsion System43%

One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

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NHTSA 5-Star crash ratings
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
2019 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD4/54/55/54/5

Latest complaints, as filed

Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.

Engine - filed 2026-10-23

While Driving, the vehicle lost power and stopped. Found out the timing chain went out/broken. This car only had 62,000. 2019 Kia Forte

Steering,electrical System,engine - filed 2026-10-14

I took my 2019 Kia Forte LXS to a certified Kia dealership to have the mandatory anti-theft security upgrade performed (Campaign CS2312), which involves installing an ignition cylinder protector plate inside the steering column. Immediately after picking up the vehicle, multiple severe safety and electrical defects app...

Power Train - filed 2026-10-13

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 spark plugs and igni...

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More for the 2019 Kia Forte

Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.