Model year guide

2019 Kia Forte

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2019 Kia Forte is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 17 on record.

2019 Kia Forte — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2019 Kia Forte at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints145
Combined33 mpg
Typical price$17,017

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2019 Kia Forte recalls 2

Exterior Lighting:headlights NHTSA Campaign #18V771000 · 31/10/2018

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Kia Forte vehicles equipped with LED headlights. The headlights may not have been manufactured with the correct low beam aiming. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the headlight aiming and replace the headlights, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 30, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC171.

Power Train:axle Assembly:axle Shaft NHTSA Campaign #20V459000 · 05/08/2020

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Forte vehicles. The left front axle driveshaft may not have been heat-treated, which can cause it to break.

Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left front axle driveshaft for a heat treatment verification code, and replace it if the code is missing, free of charge. The recall began September 2, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this reca…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2019 Kia Forte common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 145 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Forward Collision Avoidance
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

2019 Kia Forte MPG & running costs

Combined33 mpg
City29 mpg
Highway39 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$1,900

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2019 Kia Forte worth?

Low
$15,995
Typical price
$17,017
High
$19,203

From 10 comparable 2019 Kia Forte listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2019 Kia Forte costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$9,500
Depreciation (5 yrs)$5,050
Total$14,550
Per mile$0.19

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($17,017) with the same model 5 model-years older ($11,962), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2019 Kia Forte trims & engines on record

Trims
FE/LX/LXS · S/GT Line · EX
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl 147 hp

2019 Kia Forte vehicles on record

Other Kia Forte model years

2019 Kia Forte — frequently asked questions

Does the 2019 Kia Forte have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2019 Kia Forte. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2019 Kia Forte?

Based on 145 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, engine and engine cooling, forward collision avoidance.

What gas mileage does the 2019 Kia Forte get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2019 Kia Forte at about 33 mpg combined (29 city / 39 highway).

How much is a 2019 Kia Forte worth?

Comparable 2019 Kia Forte listings run roughly $15,995–$19,203, typically around $17,017 (from 10 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.