Here Are The 5 Kia Forte Years to Avoid

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Updated: May 10, 2023

Are you considering buying a Kia Forte? Before you make a decision, it's important to know which years to avoid. From engine problems to airbag malfunctions, this car has had its fair share of issues. In this post, we'll take a closer look at the years and specific issues you should be aware of before purchasing a Kia Forte.

Worst Years of Kia Forte by Complaints, Severity of Issues Reported, and Recalls

2014 153 2010 143 2012 114 2011 91 2013 81

What are the Biggest Problems with Kia Forte?

2010 Kia Forte

ENGINE 30 AIR BAGS 29 TIRES 18 WHEELS 16 POWER TRAIN 13

The Kia Forte has had its fair share of issues over the years. From engine problems to airbag malfunctions, it seems like there's always something going wrong with this car. One of the most common complaints is related to the engine, which has been known to stall or shut off unexpectedly. Additionally, the airbags have been a cause for concern, with many owners reporting that they don't deploy properly in the event of an accident. Tires and wheels have also been problematic, with some drivers experiencing vibrations or uneven wear. Finally, the powertrain has been known to fail, leaving drivers stranded on the side of the road. All in all, it's clear that the Kia Forte has some serious issues that need to be addressed.

2011 Kia Forte

AIR BAGS 27 ENGINE 17 POWER TRAIN 12 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 10 UNKNOWN OR OTHER 8

As someone who's been around cars for a while, I can confidently say that the Kia Forte has had its fair share of issues. Let's start with the air bags - there have been reports of them not deploying properly in the event of an accident. That's a major safety concern, and definitely something that needs to be addressed. The engine has also been known to cause problems, with some owners reporting issues with stalling or not starting at all. And then there's the power train - some drivers have experienced jerking or hesitation when accelerating. As for the vehicle speed control, there have been complaints of the car suddenly accelerating on its own. And finally, there are some unknown or other issues that have been reported, which could be anything from electrical problems to strange noises coming from the car. All in all, it's clear that the Kia Forte has had some serious problems that need to be addressed.

2012 Kia Forte

ENGINE 49 AIR BAGS 24 SERVICE BRAKES 13 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 12 EXTERIOR LIGHTING 10

Well, let me tell you folks, this Kia Forte from 2012 is a real doozy. When it comes to the engine, you gotta make sure you keep up with regular maintenance to avoid any major breakdowns. And don't even get me started on the air bags, you want those bad boys to be in tip-top shape in case of an accident. Now, the service brakes, that's a real important one. You don't want to be skidding all over the place when you're trying to come to a stop. And finally, the electrical system and exterior lighting, those are the finishing touches that really make this car shine. Keep 'em working right and you'll be cruising in style.

2013 Kia Forte

ENGINE 39 SERVICE BRAKES 14 AIR BAGS 11 STEERING 7 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 7

Well, this Kia Forte from 2013 isn't exactly the most exciting car on the road. It's got a few issues, like dodgy service brakes, airbags that may or may not deploy, and a steering system that can be a bit wonky. The electrical system can also be a bit of a pain, but hey, at least it's got decent fuel economy and a low price point.

2014 Kia Forte

ENGINE 47 AIR BAGS 26 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 25 UNKNOWN OR OTHER 19 STEERING 16

Now we're talking about the 2014 Kia Forte, a car that definitely has its ups and downs. On the positive side, the Forte offers a lot of value for the money, with a modern design, comfortable interior, and decent fuel economy. However, there have been some reported issues with the airbags, electrical system, and steering, which could be cause for concern. Overall, the Forte is a solid choice for those looking for an affordable and reliable car, but it's important to keep these potential issues in mind.

Common Issues with Kia Forte

ENGINE 231 AIR BAGS 150 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 94 POWER TRAIN 74 UNKNOWN OR OTHER 72 SERVICE BRAKES 68 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 61 EXTERIOR LIGHTING 58 STEERING 54 WHEELS 41

Source

Conclusion

The Kia Forte has had a range of issues across multiple years. Owners have reported problems with the engine, air bags, tires, wheels, power train, vehicle speed control, service brakes, electrical system, exterior lighting, and steering. In particular, the engine and air bags have been recurring problems. Kia has issued official recalls for some of these issues, but it's important for owners to stay vigilant and report any problems to their dealership.