2019 Kia Forte Safety Report

The 2019 Kia Forte presents a mixed safety picture, with strong crash test performance but a notable number of owner complaints, particularly concerning the powertrain and engine. NHTSA awarded the vehicle an impressive 4-star overall safety rating, including 5 stars for side impact and 4 stars for frontal and rollover tests, indicating good occupant protection in a crash. However, the vehicle has accumulated 138 total complaints, with 10 crashes, 3 fires, and 5 injuries reported. A significant concern is the high volume of complaints related to the POWER TRAIN (36 complaints) and ENGINE (17 complaints), which together account for over 38% of all reported issues. These often describe critical failures such as sudden loss of power, engine stalling, and transmission issues, some leading to complete engine failure at relatively low mileages (e.g., 64,000 miles, 70,000 miles, 120,600 miles). Two recalls have been issued for the 2019 Forte. One addresses a potentially un-heat-treated left front axle driveshaft (POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT), which can lead to a sudden loss of drive power and increase crash risk. The other recall concerns improperly aimed LED headlights (EXTERNAL LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS), which can reduce driver visibility and also increase crash risk. While these recalls address specific safety defects, the ongoing high number of powertrain and engine complaints suggests that not all underlying issues are fully resolved by these actions, or that other systemic problems exist. Beyond the major mechanical issues, there are also recurring complaints about the Forward Collision Avoidance system (6 complaints) and Electrical System (7 complaints), with some owners reporting the collision warning system disabling itself or experiencing electrical shortages affecting safety systems. The 3 reported fires, including one where the oil pan came out, highlight severe potential hazards. Despite its good crash test ratings, the volume and nature of owner complaints, especially regarding critical components like the engine and transmission, indicate potential long-term reliability and safety concerns that buyers should be aware of.

Our recommendation: Despite good crash test ratings, potential buyers should be cautious due to numerous owner complaints regarding significant powertrain and engine failures, and ensure all recall repairs have been completed.