2020 Kia Forte: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 71 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (26% of complaints); the 2022 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 4 new complaints in the last 90 days
0
recalls
71
owner complaints
2
fire reports
21,066
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
NHTSA crash testOverall ★★★★★Front ★★★★★Side ★★★★★Rollover ★★★★★
Among the quietest Forte years (#12 of 14 by complaints, age-adjusted)4-star NHTSA overall safety ratingNo recall campaignsWeak spot: power train (26%)2 fire reportsProblems reported early (median 21,066 mi)
Common problems
Computed from 71 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)26% · 13 complaints
Engine (engine mechanics)20% · 10 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)16% · 8 complaints
Forward Collision Avoidance (automatic emergency braking, sensors)8% · 4 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)6% · 3 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)6% · 3 complaints
“Steering wheel is turning completely around and made a noise. I noticed my steering wheel is loose it has been like that for time. But yesterday was the first time it turned completely around were I could not control it.”Owner report · Steering · Jun 2026
“Why is KIA still legally allowed to sell defective, death traps? Why is it ok for the service department and KIA themselves to tell me....its ok to drive unless the engine light is blinking, smoking in a car know to catch fire.....ok? Why is it ok to let them continue to sell cars under active engine fire campaigns, only to "replace it with the same junk engine" an ok remedy. Quit letting these companies take advantage of people because they created a multi billion dollar defective product, they should bite the cost and be bankrupt, I mean it's 2025 and they are still making combustible cars, the right thing to do? 2020 Kia forte gt t1.6”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2026
“The contact leased a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle began to chug. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed as needing a transmission replacement. The vehicle was repaired. The contact eventually purchased the vehicle. After the purchase, the failure recurred. While driving, the vehicle began to chug without warning. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was called, but there was no response. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“I was driving a vehicle two cars ahead did and illegal turn the car behind it stopped the truck behind them stopped I stopped behind the truck the car behind me did not stop and slammed me into the back of the truck in my airbags did not deploy”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2026
“Equipment premature failure. Dashboard screen bubbling and separation. Beyond 36 months warranty but early failure 2020 vehicle with 28,000 miles”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Sep 2025
“The engine light went on and engine is burning oil mechanic said it needs to be rebuilt it's currently under financing from kia and not sure if they cover this”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2025
“The latch for the drivers seatbelt is no longer functioning properly, dealer stated that the hook that holds the buckle in was worn down. Car has 50k miles and is slightly over 5 years old, seems unreasonable that a seatbelt latch would fail that early. In the past, when inserting the buckle into the latch it would not properly latch and immediately fall out, and then once latched again it stayed. Recently it came unbuckled during a drive which caused concern to bring to dealer for inspection. Seatbelt latch issue was missed in PA state safety inspection a few weeks prior to the diagnosis of broken hook in latch.”Owner report · Seat Belts · May 2025
“The contact owns a 2020 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,892.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2025
“The multimedia screen is delaminating. The screen ends not working making all functions in it inaccesible. Dealer only provides solution if the vehicle has less than 3 years or 36000 miles. The manufacturer only claims to its warranty terms. The screen starts delamination and evolves day by day.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Apr 2025
“Transmission from the original factory failed on it. I was driving when the engine check engine light came on and my car started ringing at me to get it serviced. I got the transmission replaced and not even 2 days later a brand new transmission failed yet again. This time the transmission (new) was revving up and down while driving at a consistent speed for a few minutes. Then my car started slipping gears when I tried to accelerate. The check engine light then came on again after my car started slipping gears stating to get it serviced. It is currently having its THIRD transmission put in.”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2025
When filing, owners marked a crash in 9 of these complaints and injuries in 6 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
How other years compare
Check your exact Forte by VIN
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Is the 2020 Kia Forte reliable?
NHTSA has 71 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2020 Kia Forte. The most complained-about area is power train (26% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2020 Kia Forte problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 21,066 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.