2020 Kia Forte recalls & problems
The 2020 Kia Forte has no safety recalls on file with NHTSA, and 78 owner complaints. The most-reported problem area is unknown or other (26 complaints).
Safety recalls
No safety recalls have been filed for the 2020 Kia Forte.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
2020 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD
| Overall | ★★★★★ |
|---|---|
| Frontal crash | ★★★★★ |
| Side crash | ★★★★★ |
| Rollover | ★★★★★ |
| Rollover risk | 10.7% |
Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: No
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
Forte FE
| City / highway | 31 / 41 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $1,900/year to fuel
Forte
| City / highway | 29 / 40 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,050/year to fuel
Forte
| City / highway | 27 / 37 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,150/year to fuel
Forte
| City / highway | 27 / 35 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
1.6 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (AM7) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,250/year to fuel
Forte
| City / highway | 25 / 32 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
1.6 L · 4 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,400/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
| Problem area | Complaints | Typical mileage* |
|---|---|---|
| Unknown or other | 26 | 4,000 mi |
| Engine | 20 | 53,354 mi |
| Power train | 16 | 17,600 mi |
| Electrical system Ignition › Anti-theft › Immobilizer/proximity › Key/sender | 11 | 7,000 mi |
| Forward collision avoidance Warnings; Adaptive cruise control | 6 | — |
| Air bags | 5 | 55,000 mi |
| Vehicle speed control | 4 | — |
| Steering | 3 | — |
| Lane departure Assist; Blind spot detection | 3 | — |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 3 | — |
| Engine and engine cooling Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor | 3 | 103,000 mi |
| Structure Body | 1 | — |
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
- Sep 19, 2026Engine
During a day trip on 9/19/26 my 2020 Kia Forte (purchased new and well maintained) lost power and several of the dash board lights came on including check engine, traction/stability control, and collision alerts. The car entered what I was told is "limp mode". I had the car towed home and after one shop misdiagnosed the problem I had it towed to the Kia dealership where purchased. I was told the engine had code p0017. I was sent a document that the "phaser sheared off p0017 exhaust cam and cvvd gear timing off-recommend long block-cvvd replacement may still have engine damaged after replacement" with a price of $9053.39 attached. Kia service manager is supposed to be seeing about assistance… - Aug 12, 2026Engine
My engine is failing due to excessive oil consumption despite having proof of regular oil changes and maintenance. My car has been inspected, and the dealer has stated this is due to a known manufacture defect. My safety and others are at risk because my car stalls when I decrease speed and I cannot accelerate fast enough to get up to the speed limit creating a risk anytime the speed limit changes or when I am using an on ramp to get onto an interstate or highway. Kia dealer has confirmed the issue and is currently working on an estimate for a new engine. The Kia dealer is the manufacturer of my vehicle. The warning sign before this happened was my car stalled a couple times, then the check… - Sep 14, 2026Engine
The engine has failed in this vehicle just like it has in other 2.0L kia vehicles 2020-2026. The piston rings have failed and the pistons have all pitted or developed holes in them just like in the recall 25V-099/kia safety recall SC336 - Jul 1, 2026Unknown or other
The infotainment screen is de-laminating. - Aug 25, 2026 · 109,900 milesAir bags
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bags warning light illuminated and then went off. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the air bag warning light was again illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,900. - Mar 7, 2026Engine
Engine burning excessive oil over a quart in 1000 miles. Catalytic converter code P0420 because of the excessive oil burning. Oil was always changed within the specified dealer milage range. - Aug 10, 2026Power train
I experienced a check engine light and had the vehicle diagnosed with codes P0017 and P0014. The vehicle was taken to a Kia dealership, where the technician found that the exhaust camshaft was free-spinning without the phaser and that the pin connecting the two had sheared. The dealership replaced the exhaust camshaft and phaser and released the vehicle as repaired and operating normally. Less than 24 hours after pickup, the check engine light returned during normal driving. While returning the vehicle to the dealership as instructed, the engine lost oil pressure and stalled three times. One stall occurred after exiting the highway and left the vehicle disabled in a high-traffic… - Jul 3, 2026Engine
2020 Kia Forte, 2.0L 14F engine, 109,000 miles: On July 3.2026 "check engine" light came on. Drove to local auto parts store to have code downloaded, P0017 cam position sensor. Car was performing fine, except for engine light. Drove car to Kia dealership. While driving, warning light for "front collision system came on and car began performing erratically. Left car at dealership for diagnostics. Yesterday received call from dealer, stating that engine needed total replacement due to "lack of oil". Quoted repair cost estimated at approximately $8,000. Car has been regularly serviced, including oil and filter changes per handbook. I have all records for the services. The were no indications…
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.