repaired · 2024 Q3
Trunk lid: latch
Risk. A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
2016 Kia ForteProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 137 owner complaints about the 2016 Kia Forte, most often about the engine. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 21V-622 the manufacturer reports only 43% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 4, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 Kia Forte has problems
137 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
66Engine5 crash/fire/injury
23Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
16Power train4 crash/fire/injury
14Vehicle speed control1 crash/fire/injury
13Air bags12 crash/fire/injury
11Exterior lighting
10Service brakes
6Wheels
6Fuel/propulsion system
2712 other systems5 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 66 | 5 |
| Electrical system | 23 | 2 |
| Power train | 16 | 4 |
| Vehicle speed control | 14 | 1 |
| Air bags | 13 | 12 |
| Exterior lighting | 11 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 10 | 1 |
| Wheels | 6 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 6 | 1 |
| 12 other systems | 27 | 5 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2016 Kia Forte recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Kia.
Mileage at failure
When do engine problems start?
67kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 25 engine complaints. 68% were reported before 100,000 miles.
Only 44% of complaints for this model year include a mileage.
3under 30k miles17under 100k miles8100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2016 vs. every other Forte year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Forte median. How we score
'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2016 Kia Forte safety ratings
2016 Kia Forte 5 HB FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Rollover: 4 stars (10.3% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Forte owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Im getting denied dued to engine failure but whoever had the vehicle before didn't follow up with the ksds update, I just purchased the vehicle on June 30th,2026, I need this fixed ASAP because I still owe on this car.
My 2016 Kia Forte had a recall that was never performed and I was never told anything about the car fax or any recalls from where I got the car from, it needs a engine repair.
Car runs fine at lower speeds. When traveling over 50 mph for ten minutes or more, then decelerating or stopping in traffic or at a stop light it stalls. It cranks right back up after you put it neutral and turn the key. We’ve almost been rear ended twice since this started. The car has only been…
Own a 2016 Forte?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.