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NHTSA vehicle safety data

2019 Kia Forte Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2019 Kia Forte has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns and 150 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Kia dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2019 Kia Forte, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2019 Kia Forte owner complaints

Owners have filed 150 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019 Kia Forte, describing incidents dated September 19, 2018 to October 13, 2026.

Most-cited components

  • Power Train 48 complaints
  • Engine 42 complaints
  • Electrical System 23 complaints
  • Unknown or Other 22 complaints
  • Forward Collision Avoidance 17 complaints
  • Exterior Lighting 15 complaints

Of the 150 complaints on file, 11 report a crash and 4 a fire; across all 150 complaints, owners report 5 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

  • ODI #11773209 · Filed

    While Driving, the vehicle lost power and stopped. Found out the timing chain went out/broken. This car only had 62,000. 2019 Kia Forte

  • ODI #11771172 · Filed

    I took my 2019 Kia Forte LXS to a certified Kia dealership to have the mandatory anti-theft security upgrade performed (Campaign CS2312), which involves installing an ignition cylinder protector plate inside the steering column. Immediately after picking up the vehicle, multiple severe safety and…

  • ODI #11770774 · Filed

    The contact owns a 2019 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at 70-75 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and the check engine warning light illuminated, causing the contact and her daughter to be stranded on the highway. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the…

Read all 150 complaints

Left Front Axle Driveshaft May Break

NHTSA #20V459000 · Power Train — Axle Assembly — Axle Shaft · NHTSA notice

Reported August 5, 2020 · Kia Motors America

Potentially affected: 834 vehicles

Repair completion: 80.18% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Kia campaign SC195 · Owners notified September 2, 2020

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

A broken driveshaft can result in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

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 recall is SC195.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Incorrect Low Beam Aiming/FMVSS 108

NHTSA #18V771000 · Exterior Lighting — Headlights · NHTSA notice

Reported October 31, 2018 · Kia Motors America

Potentially affected: 1,754 vehicles

Repair completion: 88.27% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Kia campaign SC171 · Owners notified November 30, 2018 · Vehicles built July 24, 2018 – September 17, 2018 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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."

Safety consequence

If the headlights are not properly aimed, the driver may have reduced visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Other Kia Forte model years

Check your 2019 Kia Forte VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Kia Forte at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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