A well-maintained and cautiously driven Kia Forte small vehicle may travel between 250,000-300,000 miles before needing repairs. It can last 16 to 20 years if you travel 15,000 miles per year. It offers outstanding dependability ratings and a guarantee that lasts for 10 years and 100,000 miles.
In This Article...
What is the 2016 Kia Forte’s reliability?
J.D. Power has given the 2016 Forte a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5. This result is approximately average for the class, but somewhat above average for the auto industry.
Key Points
- Serious engine issues plague both new and used Kia Fortes, mostly as a result of poor design.
- Fortes with Theta II engines typically experience the worst engine issues. Before 100,000 miles, total engine failures and knocks are known to happen.
- The most problematic Forte is the 2014 model, as electronics problems raise the risk of an engine fire.
- All Kia Fortes from 2014 to 2018 have airbag problems. The airbags entirely deactivate in the worst-case scenario 2017 and 2018 models.
- The fewest issues occur in the most current models, although oil pump failures do occur in more recent models, and the recall doesn’t fully address the problem.
What Kia Forte model is the cheapest?
the origin With a starting MSRP of $19,090, the Kia Forte is among the most reasonably priced vehicles in its class. Retail cost for the top-of-the-line turbocharged GT is $23,490.
Are Kia Forte repairs expensive?
Over the course of its first ten years of use, a KIA Forte will require roughly $5,805 in maintenance and repairs.
This is $1,291 less than the industry average for popular sedan models. Additionally, there is a 17.53 percent probability that a Forte will need a significant repair at that time. Compared to comparable automobiles in its sector, this is 3.97 percent better. The following graph shows how these expenses and the likelihood of repairs will rise over time.
Which Kia Forte year is the most dependable?
The 2016 Kia Forte is the one to buy if reliability is important to you and you’re looking for a new car. The 2016 Kia Forte was sold in 103,292 units with only 75 complaints and one NHTSA recall. Additionally, this vehicle received a five-star rating for overall safety.
The 2016 Kia Forte has a J.D. Power consumer rating of 85 out of 100, placing it third in the class, and is one of the few model years without an NHTSA investigation “2016’s top compact car category.
In addition to fixing previous issues, government crash tests gave the 2016 Kia Forte (sedan) a five-star rating (out of five), scoring four stars for overall frontal-impact protection and five stars for overall side-impact protection.
The Forte received the highest rating possible from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in the moderate frontal overlap frontal-offset impact test: “Good. The side-impact, roof strength, head restraints, and seat ratings were all equal.
How durable are Kias?
Maintaining the factory-recommended maintenance plan and taking care of problems as soon as they appear are the best ways to maintain your Kia in good working order. Any material or workmanship flaws should be covered by the Kia guarantee that comes with new and certified pre-owned cars, but these protections ultimately run out.
If your car needs repairs after the first warranty period has passed, an extended warranty might assist cover the cost of such unforeseen expenses. Kia has an extended warranty that may be purchased directly from the company, but you can also acquire coverage from third parties.
Independent extended warranty providers frequently provide more options for coverage, older vehicle coverage, a larger network of repair facilities, and more comprehensive benefits. Endurance and CarShield are two companies that we suggest.
Endurance: Best Coverage
Up to 8 years or 200,000+ miles of additional warranty coverage are possible with Endurance. Additionally, Endurance offers some of the market’s most comprehensive contracts. There are five different coverage options available, ranging from straightforward powertrain coverage to complete bumper-to-bumper warranty protection.
CarShield: Best Value
Additionally, CarShield provides extended warranty protection for cars with up to 300,000 miles on the odometer, potentially doubling the Kia factory warranty’s scope of coverage. CarShield offers a solid reputation in the market, a wide range of coverage options, and some of the most affordable contracts available.
For more information, see our comprehensive CarShield review. To get a free, no-risk CarShield quote, click the button below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kia is a dependable automaker. Overall, Kia receives a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 on RepairPal, placing it third overall (out of 32 brands).
Both Kia and Toyota are well-known for their dependability, and both have a 4.0 out of 5.0 RepairPal reliability rating. Kias may be marginally more reliable, while RepairPal puts Toyota seventh overall and Kia third.
Kias require an average of 0.2 unforeseen repair shop visits year, according to RepairPal. This is half of the 0.4 visits per year average for all brands. You have a one in five risk of needing an unforeseen repair each year, according to this statistic.
Previously, the Kia name was associated with low-cost, subpar vehicles. This is partly because the brand’s automobiles had a lot of issues when it first appeared in the United States. Since then, Kia has made fleet improvements and has earned a reputation for having great reliability.
Yes, Kias have a reputation for lasting just as long as other trustworthy cars like Hyundai, Honda, and Toyota. Although the powertrain is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty for up to 100,000 miles, many owners keep their Kias for much longer.
Has the Kia Forte experienced transmission issues?
Consumer complaints about the 20192020 Kia Forte’s transmission keep coming in. There have been reports of revving transmissions, stalling engines, and other powertrain difficulties, and some customers claim that these problems have happened more than once. Customers who own Kia vehicles are concerned about the safety of their vehicles because even trips to the dealer have been ineffective.
The 2019 Kia Forte’s driver said that as they were cruising down the highway, their car started revving loudly and the wheels didn’t react as they should have. The car was able to be guided to the side of the road, but the driver is concerned that this problem would recur. Another driver described how, while driving at highway speed, their engine would sporadically rev and lag. Numerous customers have expressed their worries regarding the safety of the occupants of Kia Forte automobiles as additional incidents of the vehicles unexpectedly accelerating or halting have appeared. Although there have been a few recalls involving this vehicle from the manufacturer, numerous Kia consumers say they are still waiting on definitive and long-lasting remedies.
Does a Kia Forte handle snow well?
The 2020 Kia Forte showcases Kia’s development as an automobile company. The 2017 Forte is an economical small sedan, but it doesn’t feel that way at all. You’ll enjoy the superb construction of this car. Additionally, this year’s performance has substantially increased. But should you invest in a brand-new 2020 Kia Forte? Let’s investigate.
Kia has revamped the Forte portfolio with the addition of a more potent GT model to help compete with rivals like the Honda Civic. Additionally, a sporty-looking GT Line trim is now available. The S trim from last year has been dropped for 2020.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2020 Kia ForteThe Pros
Adding Value with a Super Warranty Package
The Forte’s excellent value appeals to many prospective car buyers. The Forte has one of the best warranties in America in addition to being very reasonably priced. The powertrain of the sedan is covered by Kia for 100,000 miles. It follows that you won’t have to worry about shelling out money to have a bad engine or transmission replaced. In addition, you’ll get a bumper-to-bumper warranty for 60,000 miles. Few vehicles in the segment offer as much buyer protection as this one.
2. Is Capable of Getting Good Gas Mileage
The Forte’s base four-cylinder engine is powerful enough to do the task at hand, producing a combined 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. But the emphasis is largely on improving fuel economy. The base Forte FE achieves respectable mileage ratings of 31 mpg in the city and up to 41 mpg on the highway thanks to an optional continuously variable gearbox. Although choosing a manual transmission for the Forte means giving up some efficiency, you’ll still get good gas mileage.
3. New GT Model Provides More Fun While Driving
The standard four-cylinder engine’s performance is only passably good. Kia has created a brand-new GT model to better satiate drivers with a thirst for speed. The performance bar has been raised with the 2020 Kia Forte GT. It has a significantly more powerful turbocharged engine that is capable of producing 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. As promised, the Forte GT accelerates significantly more quickly. A better suspension encourages tighter handling in the meanwhile.
4. The Sportier Design of the New GT Line Trim
Check out the new GT Line trim if you don’t want the turbocharged engine in the Forte GT’s more potent version. It looks athletic and attracts a lot of attention on the road. The Forte GT has a distinctive appearance thanks in part to a gloss-black grille with red accents. Also noticeable are the 17-inch performance wheels on the sedan. This trim features a few race-inspired details inside. The GT trim has a dynamic atmosphere thanks in part to the sport alloy pedals and black sport seats.
5. Quite Comfy Car to Drive
You’ll most likely use it for commuting, like the majority of people shopping for a new compact car. The 2020 Kia Forte, thankfully, provides a good level of comfort. The front seats of this automobile are extremely comfortable. You may remain more comfy all day long with additional padding. A power-adjustable driver’s seat with heating and cooling is available on higher model levels. The new Forte is excellent for commuting, but you’ll also like taking lengthy road trips in it.
6. A well-designed, high-quality interior
Cheap economy automobiles used to come at a significant cost to quality. Thankfully, that’s not the case anymore. The inside of the 2020 Kia Forte is superbly constructed. The different inside materials look and feel good. A testament to its sturdy build is the fact that this vehicle is also among the quietest in its category. On rough surfaces, you might hear some road noise, but it’s not too horrible. The Forte is a good option because of its simple-to-use interior controls.
7. Obtainable Standard Equipment in Large Quantities
The base 2020 Kia Forte is a fantastic deal with a cheap starting price of less than $18,000. Fortunately, if you choose the standard model, you won’t have to sacrifice any well-liked features. One of your favorite features will probably be Kia’s standard UVO infotainment system. Large 8.0-inch touchscreen with full smartphone support is offered. Most rivals don’t come equipped with dual-zone automatic climate control. Also included are automated headlights.
8. Active safety features aren’t more expensive than standard ones.
The 2020 Kia Forte includes a number of excellent safety features as standard equipment, just like competitors like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. You’ll especially value the sedan’s automated emergency braking system when traveling through congested areas. It is very good at foreseeing probable collisions. Lane-keep assist will assist you in keeping your attention on the road and preventing you from veering into oncoming traffic. Parking becomes a less complicated process with a backup camera.
9. Investing in a Harman Kardon sound system is worthwhile
The 2020 Kia Forte comes standard with a four-speaker radio. The majority of music lovers will think it’s rather meh. Upgrade to the Forte’s optional Harman Kardon premium audio system for a noticeably superior audio experience. Your drive should be more enjoyable as a result. Eight speakers receive power from a 320-watt amplifier. You’ll enjoy the system’s crystal-clear sound quality when playing music loudly. Also present is a substantial quantity of bass.
10. There Are Some Lovely Upgrades Available
The 2020 Kia Forte can improve your enjoyment of driving. There are some great enhancements available. You can navigate to unexpected regions with the aid of a voice-activated navigation system. While in congested areas, accessible pedestrian detection gives you added security. Blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and a hands-free smart trunk are additional worthwhile options.
buying advice
Compare prices online before buying a new car to avoid paying too much. Find out the price in advance before entering a dealership. The following free services are suggested by us: Car Clearance Deals, NADAguides, CarsDirect, and Motortrend.
These free sites will provide you the best deals and provide you with numerous price quotations from rival businesses. Before visiting the dealer, you will be aware of the best pricing.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2020 Kia ForteThe Cons
1. Could be insufficient in size for some families
A family automobile can be used with the new Forte. Assure that there is adequate space for everyone to ride comfortably, nonetheless. Taller people may want extra room for their knees in the backseat. On extended car trips, interior space becomes an even bigger concern. If passenger capacity is a concern for you, think considering upgrading to the midsize Kia Optima.
2. Might Become Trapped In Snow
The front-wheel-drive arrangement on the Forte won’t cause many people any problems. This vehicle ought to handle well in wet conditions. Snow, however, will probably cause some traction problems. You’re much more likely to get bogged in deep snow with the Forte because to its low ground clearance. All-wheel drive will probably be necessary for people who live in a cold-weather state. One of the class’ top winter vehicles is the Subaru Impreza with AWD.
3. Has a stiffer ride than usual
Don’t anticipate the 2020 Kia Forte to have the smoothest ride when you test drive one. Kia modified its stock suspension to be a little stiffer than usual. Be prepared to experience some bumps when driving on damaged pavement. The Honda Civic sedan is probably going to perform more smoothly.
4. Some Performance is Lost with Base Engine
The base engine is powerful enough to drive on a daily basis. The Forte will reach 60 mph after starting from a stop in just 8.7 seconds. The majority of drivers ought to find this fast enough. The performance of the standard engine, though, won’t wow hardcore auto aficionados. In the end, they’ll desire the thrilling Forte GT.
The Kia Forte’s main opponent is probably the 2020 Honda Civic. It performs well in important categories including comfort and enjoyable driving. Honda’s warranty coverage, however, is not even close to being as good. Additionally, you’ll see that the anticipated reliability rating for the Honda Civic is lower.
The 2020 Subaru Impreza will appeal to many motorists, particularly those who reside in areas that frequently see snow. It is one of the few vehicles in its class to include an advanced AWD system as standard equipment. However, the 2020 Kia Forte GT’s turbocharged engine outperforms the Impreza in many ways. The Impreza’s prices are likewise a little bit more.
The revamped Corolla has undergone significant modifications from Toyota. Even though the Corolla’s engine has been strengthened, it still produces less power than the Forte’s recently introduced turbo engine. The new Corolla is also at a disadvantage because of its shorter warranty.
After weighing the advantages and disadvantages of the Forte, it becomes evident that this small sedan is a fantastic choice. The 2020 Kia Forte is a dependable, cost-effective, and stylish vehicle. It only has a few significant flaws. Although the Forte’s absence of an AWD system cannot be overcome, upgrading to the potent GT model will satiate your desire for additional performance.
The new Forte offers a rather opulent ride if you don’t mind forking out a bit extra cash. A premium sound system and ventilated seats are among the niceties offered with this vehicle.