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Forte

Kia Forte: official NHTSA recalls, fault code help and maintenance guides.

Kia ForteLicensed photo · Photo credit
MakeKia
ClassMidsize car
Model years (US)2010–2026
Recall dataNHTSA (United States)
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Generations and technical specifications

Kia Forte – Third generation2018–2024
Kia Forte – Third generation
SpecificationValue
Model codeBD
Production2018–2024
Model years2019–2024
Body styles4-door sedan
5-door hatchback (GT/Forte5/Cerato5)
EnginesPetrol
1.4 L Kappa II T-GDi I4
1.5 L Smartstream G1.5 MPi I4
1.6 L Gamma II MPi I4
1.6 L Smartstream G1.6 MPi I4
1.6 L Gamma II T-GDi I4
2.0 L Nu MPi I4
Petrol hybrid
1.6 L Smartstream G1.6 GDi PHEV I4
Diesel
1.6 L Smartstream D1.6 CRDi I4
Transmissions6-speed manual
6-speed automatic
6-speed DCT
7-speed DCT
CVT
Wheelbase2,700 mm
Length4,640 mm (sedan)
4,510 mm (hatchback)
4,660 mm (China)
Width1,800 mm
1,780 mm (China)
Height1,440 mm
1,450 mm (China)
Kerb weight1,230–1,265 kg (China)
1,545 kg (PHEV, China)
AssemblySouth Korea: Hwaseong (Hwaseong Plant)
Mexico: Pesquería, Nuevo León (KMMX)
Algeria: Batna (GLOVIZ) (2018-2019)
China: Yancheng (Yueda Kia)
Russia: Kaliningrad (Avtotor)
Vietnam: Chu Lai (THACO Kia)
DesignerPeter Schreyer
Karim Habib (2021 facelift)
Kia Forte Furuidi2017–2023
Kia Forte Furuidi
SpecificationValue
Production2017–2023
Body styles4-door sedan
Engines1.6 L G4FG I4 (petrol)
Transmissions6-speed manual
6-speed automatic
Wheelbase2,650 mm
Length4,510 mm
Width1,750 mm
Height1,470 mm
AssemblyChina: Yancheng (Yancheng Plant) (DYK)
Kia Forte – Second generation2012–2020
Kia Forte – Second generation
SpecificationValue
Model codeYD
Production2012–2018
Model years2014–2018 (North America)
2017–2020 (Mexico)
Body styles2-door coupé
4-door sedan
5-door hatchback
PlatformHyundai-Kia J5 platform
EnginesPetrol
1.6 L Gamma MPi I4
1.6 L Gamma GDI I4
1.6 L Gamma turbo I4
1.8 L Nu MPi I4
2.0 L Nu MPi I4
2.0 L Nu GDI I4
Diesel
1.6 L U II CRDi I4
Transmissions6-speed manual
6-speed automatic
7-speed DCT
Wheelbase2,700 mm
Length4,530 mm (Koup)
4,560 mm (sedan)
4,350 mm (hatchback)
Width1,780 mm
Height1,420 mm (Koup)
1,445 mm (sedan)
1,460 mm (hatchback)
Kerb weight1,240–1,345 kg (sedan)
1,320–1,415 kg (hatchback)
AssemblySouth Korea: Hwaseong (Hwaseong Plant)
Mexico: Pesquería, Nuevo León (KMMX)
China: Yancheng (DYK)
Malaysia: Gurun (Naza)
Russia: Kaliningrad (Avtotor)
Algeria: Batna (GLOVIZ)
Vietnam: Chu Lai (THACO Kia)
DesignerKurt Kahl (2010)

Engines and transmissions

Model yearsEngineTransmissionDriveFuel
2014–2018, 2020–20241.6 L, 4 cyl6-speed manualFront-wheel drivePetrol (regular)
2017–2018, 2020–20241.6 L, 4 cyl7-speed automated manualFront-wheel drivePetrol (regular)
2019–20242.0 L, 4 cylCVT (continuously variable)Front-wheel drivePetrol (regular)
2011–20212.0 L, 4 cyl6-speed manualFront-wheel drivePetrol (regular)
2011–20182.0 L, 4 cyl6-speed automaticFront-wheel drivePetrol (regular)
2014–20161.6 L, 4 cyl6-speed automaticFront-wheel drivePetrol (regular)
2014–20161.8 L, 4 cyl6-speed automaticFront-wheel drivePetrol (regular)
2014–20161.8 L, 4 cyl6-speed manualFront-wheel drivePetrol (regular)
2011–20132.4 L, 4 cyl6-speed automaticFront-wheel drivePetrol (regular)
2010–20132.4 L, 4 cyl6-speed manualFront-wheel drivePetrol (regular)
20102.0 L, 4 cyl4-speed automaticFront-wheel drivePetrol (regular)
20102.0 L, 4 cyl5-speed automaticFront-wheel drivePetrol (regular)
+2 more configurations

Fuel economy (EPA)

Model yearsConfigurationCombinedCityHighway
2014–2018, 2020–20241.6 L, 4 cyl · 6-speed manual · Front-wheel drive8.4–9.8 L/100 km9.4–11.2 L/100 km7.4–8.4 L/100 km
2017–2018, 2020–20241.6 L, 4 cyl · 7-speed automated manual · Front-wheel drive7.8–8.7 L/100 km8.7–9.4 L/100 km6.7–7.8 L/100 km
2019–20242.0 L, 4 cyl · CVT (continuously variable) · Front-wheel drive6.7–7.4 L/100 km7.6–8.4 L/100 km5.7–6.0 L/100 km
2011–20212.0 L, 4 cyl · 6-speed manual · Front-wheel drive7.6–8.7 L/100 km8.7–9.8 L/100 km6.4–7.4 L/100 km
2011–20182.0 L, 4 cyl · 6-speed automatic · Front-wheel drive7.4–8.7 L/100 km8.1–9.8 L/100 km6.2–7.1 L/100 km
2014–20161.6 L, 4 cyl · 6-speed automatic · Front-wheel drive9.4–9.8 L/100 km10.7–11.2 L/100 km8.1 L/100 km
2014–20161.8 L, 4 cyl · 6-speed automatic · Front-wheel drive7.8–8.4 L/100 km9.0–9.8 L/100 km6.4–6.9 L/100 km
2014–20161.8 L, 4 cyl · 6-speed manual · Front-wheel drive8.1 L/100 km9.4 L/100 km6.5 L/100 km
2011–20132.4 L, 4 cyl · 6-speed automatic · Front-wheel drive9.0 L/100 km10.2 L/100 km7.6–7.8 L/100 km
2010–20132.4 L, 4 cyl · 6-speed manual · Front-wheel drive9.0 L/100 km10.7 L/100 km7.4–7.6 L/100 km
20102.0 L, 4 cyl · 4-speed automatic · Front-wheel drive8.4 L/100 km9.4 L/100 km6.9 L/100 km
20102.0 L, 4 cyl · 5-speed automatic · Front-wheel drive7.8 L/100 km8.7 L/100 km6.5 L/100 km
+2 more configurations

Values are the official EPA label figures for each model year, shown as the lowest and highest value for the configuration. Electric models show energy use per 100 km. Real-world consumption depends on driving style, weather and load. Luggage and passenger volumes follow the EPA measuring method and can differ from the VDA figures used in Europe.

Key specifications

Key specifications
SpecificationValue
EPA size classMidsize car, Large car, Compact car
Model years in EPA data2010–2024
PowertrainsPetrol
Engine displacement1.6–2.4 L
Cylinders4
Transmission typesManual, Automated manual, CVT, Automatic
DriveFront-wheel drive
FuelPetrol (regular)
Configurations listed105
Forced inductionTurbocharged (on some versions)
Start-stop systemOn some versions
Luggage volume (EPA)340–651 L
Passenger volume (EPA)2,549–2,775 L

Years and markets

Years and markets
SpecificationValue
Model years (US)2010–2026

Owner complaints (NHTSA)

ComponentComplaintsMost reported model years
Engine and cooling11262012, 2014, 2015
Electrical system3052012, 2014, 2017
Airbags2832010, 2012, 2014
Brakes2102011, 2012, 2013
Transmission and drivetrain2032010, 2011, 2019
Lights1702012, 2014, 2017
Steering1612013, 2014, 2023
Fuel and propulsion1202012, 2014, 2017
Speed control and cruise992012, 2014, 2017
Body and structure772012, 2014, 2017

Source: complaints filed by owners with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for model years 2010–2024: 2445 complaints, 220 with a crash and 135 with a fire. Complaints are owner reports that NHTSA has not verified, and one complaint can name more than one component. More complaints can also mean more cars sold.

Recalls

Kia Forte recall: Suspension:front:control Arm:lower ArmSuspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm · 2024-04-01Kia Forte recall: Suspension:front:control Arm:lower ArmSuspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm · 2023-09-22Kia Forte recall: Steering:linkages:knuckle:spindle:armSteering:linkages:knuckle:spindle:arm · 2022-12-08Kia Forte recall: Power Train:axle Assembly:axle ShaftPower Train:axle Assembly:axle Shaft · 2020-08-05Kia Forte recall: Exterior Lighting:headlightsExterior Lighting:headlights · 2018-10-31Kia Forte recall: Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:pumpEngine And Engine Cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:pump · 2021-04-13

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