2020 Kia ForteProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 78 owner complaints about the 2020 Kia Forte, most often about the engine. It has no vehicle safety recalls on record.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 8, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where the 2020 Kia Forte has problems
78 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 20 | 1 |
| Power train | 16 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 11 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 6 | 0 |
| Air bags | 5 | 4 |
| Vehicle speed control | 4 | 2 |
| Lane departure | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 3 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 1 |
| 8 other systems | 10 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2020 Kia Forte recalls and how many were fixed
No vehicle safety recalls are on record for this model year.
2020 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
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
2020 Kia Forte safety ratings
2020 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Rollover: 4 stars (10.7% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard
- Lane departure warning: No
What Forte owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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…
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
Own a 2020 Forte?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.