2019 Kia Forte: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Fully redesigned and well-reviewed for value, space and warranty, but engine reports and theft vulnerability temper it; a strong used pick with records. 3 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2019 Kia Forte ranged from $17,790 to $21,990 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Fully redesigned and well-reviewed for value, space and warranty, but engine reports and theft vulnerability temper it; a strong used pick with records.
Sources (2)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=Kia&model=Forte&mod…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/kia/forte
Known issues
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2.0L engine oil consumption, sudden power loss and failure reported by owners, with rod-bearing concerns persisting from the earlier engine campaigns.
commonly reported · 45 NHTSA complaints · typically 30k–100k miles · engine
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Driver-assist faults: forward-collision-avoidance and lane-departure systems activating erratically or warning of camera obstruction, and false/unintended braking events.
occasional · 8 NHTSA complaints · other
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Steering noise, looseness and play reported across the generation.
occasional · 12 NHTSA complaints · steering
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (1)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=Kia&model=Forte&mod…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Class-leading trunk and a roomy cabin.
- Handsome 2019 redesign reviewers rate on par with the Civic, Corolla and Jetta.
- Excellent fuel economy and lots of standard tech (large touchscreen, Apple CarPlay / Android Auto).
- Industry-leading warranty (10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain).
Cons
- Modest base-engine power and firm seats noted by some owners.
- IVT (CVT) transmission complaints, most concentrated on the 2020 model year.
- Engine oil-consumption and failure reports persist into this generation.
- Vulnerable to theft on 2019-2021 models without an engine immobilizer.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FE | $17,790 | discontinued | 2.0L I4 | — |
| LXS | $19,190 | discontinued | 2.0L I4 | — |
| S | $20,290 | discontinued | 2.0L I4 | — |
| EX | $21,990 | discontinued | 2.0L I4 | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2019-kia-forte-price
- fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/menu/options?year=2020&make=Kia&m…
Cost to own
| Routine maintenance | ≈ $450–500/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $2,200–2,300/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~175k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/kia/forte
- moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/kia-forte-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2019 Kia Forte have?
Documented issue patterns include: 2.0L engine oil consumption, sudden power loss and failure reported by owners, with rod-bearing concerns persisting from the earlier engine campaigns; Driver-assist faults: forward-collision-avoidance and lane-departure systems activating erratically or warning of camera obstruction, and false/unintended braking events; Steering noise, looseness and play reported across the generation. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2019 Kia Forte reliable?
Fully redesigned and well-reviewed for value, space and warranty, but engine reports and theft vulnerability temper it; a strong used pick with records.
How much did the 2019 Kia Forte cost new?
Between $17,790 and $21,990 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Kia Forte expensive to maintain?
Estimated routine maintenance runs about $450–500/year.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.