Own a Kia Forte in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Kia Forte for model years 2009 to 2024. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help Forte owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 2,447 owner complaints on file for the Forte and 18 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are engine (1,075), electrical system (305), air bags (283).
Most-Reported Kia Forte Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the Forte (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1,075 | 43% | |
| Electrical System | 305 | 12% | |
| Air Bags | 283 | 11% | |
| Power Train | 203 | 8% | |
| Exterior Lighting | 170 | 6% | |
| Steering | 161 | 6% | |
| Service Brakes | 148 | 6% | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 112 | 4% |
Engine
1,075 of the 2,447 complaints (43%) mention the engine and cooling system. Engine and cooling complaints are best caught early in Phoenix, where heat pushes cooling systems and engine oil to their limits. We diagnose warning lights and check coolant, hoses and oil condition. See our check engine light diagnostics and oil change & maintenance pages.
Electrical System
305 of the 2,447 complaints (12%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Air Bags
283 of the 2,447 complaints (11%) mention airbags and seat belts. Airbag and restraint issues are often tied to open safety recalls, which are repaired by the manufacturer at no cost to you. Check your VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup first, and we can help with related warning lights and diagnostics. See our auto repair page.
Kia Forte Complaints by Model Year
The Forte model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2014, 2017, 2012. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 1 | |
| 2010 | 232 | |
| 2011 | 162 | |
| 2012 | 292 | |
| 2013 | 195 | |
| 2014 | 444 | |
| 2015 | 260 | |
| 2016 | 4 | |
| 2017 | 305 | |
| 2018 | 136 | |
| 2019 | 149 | |
| 2020 | 78 | |
| 2021 | 69 | |
| 2022 | 28 | |
| 2023 | 66 | |
| 2024 | 26 |
Most Common Kia Forte Check Engine Codes
Owners often put the exact trouble code in their NHTSA complaint. These are the codes cited most often for the Forte. The most-cited is P1326 (manufacturer-specific powertrain code), mentioned in 9 complaints. Counts reflect complaints that name a code, not every car on the road.
| Code | What it means | Complaints citing it |
|---|---|---|
| P1326 | Manufacturer-specific powertrain code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 9 |
| P0017 | Crankshaft and camshaft position correlation (bank 1 sensor B) Similar to P0016: timing chain, sensor or timing component trouble. | 5 |
| P0014 | Exhaust camshaft timing over-advanced (bank 1) Commonly an oil, solenoid or timing component problem. | 4 |
| P0420 | Catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1) Often a worn catalytic converter, but failing oxygen sensors or exhaust leaks can set it too. Can cause an emissions test failure. | 4 |
| P200A | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 3 |
| P0300 | Random or multiple cylinder misfire Worn spark plugs, failing ignition coils, fuel or vacuum problems. Do not ignore a flashing check engine light. | 2 |
| B1620 | Manufacturer-specific body code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 2 |
| P0301 | Cylinder 1 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. | 2 |
A code is a clue, not a diagnosis. The same code can have several causes, so we test before replacing parts. See our check engine light diagnostics, and read whether it is safe to drive with the check engine light on.
Kia Forte Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 18 recall campaigns for the Forte in these model years, most often involving air bags, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2024 recall, Suspension (campaign 24V244000): Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Forte vehicles. The right front lower control arm may have been improperly welded, which can cause it to fail.
- 2023 recall, Service Brakes, Hydraulic (campaign 23V652000): Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011...
- 2023 recall, Suspension (campaign 23V649000): Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Forte vehicles. The right front lower control arm may have been improperly welded, which can cause it to fail.
- 2022 recall, Air Bags (campaign 22V031000): Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles.
- 2022 recall, Steering (campaign 22V304000): Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rio and Forte vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of...
- 2022 recall, Steering (campaign 22V906000): Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Forte vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the front left steering knuckle may crack, which can result in a loss of steering control.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the Forte, 220 involved a crash, 135 involved a fire, 179 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Kia Forte Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Kia will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a Forte that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for Forte owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Kia Forte, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Kia Forte Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Kia Forte repair service, or choose a service below.
Check Engine Light Diagnostics
Scan, test and pinpoint the real cause.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Kia Forte FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Kia Forte?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Kia Forte are engine (1,075), electrical system (305), air bags (283). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which Forte model years have the most complaints?
The Forte model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2014, 2017, 2012. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What are the most common check engine codes on the Kia Forte?
In NHTSA owner complaints for the Kia Forte, the codes cited most often are P1326 (manufacturer-specific powertrain code), P0017 (crankshaft and camshaft position correlation (bank 1 sensor b)), P0014 (exhaust camshaft timing over-advanced (bank 1)). A code points to a system, and testing confirms the actual failed part.
Does the Kia Forte have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 18 recall campaigns for the Kia Forte across model years 2009 to 2024. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Kia Forte in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Kia vehicles including the Forte, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Kia Forte?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Kia Forte in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Kia Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.