2020 Kia ForteRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 78 owner complaints for the 2020 Kia Forte. Most complaints involve engine (20) and power train (16). The EPA rates it 28–35 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Engine20
- Power train16
- Electrical system11
- Forward collision avoidance6
- Air bags5
- Vehicle speed control4
- Engine and engine cooling3
- Steering3
- Fuel/propulsion system3
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Forte model year we’ve synced.
View as table
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 232 |
| 2011 | 162 |
| 2012 | 292 |
| 2013 | 195 |
| 2014 | 444 |
| 2015 | 261 |
| 2016 | 4 |
| 2017 | 305 |
| 2018 | 136 |
| 2019 | 150 |
| 2020 | 78 |
| 2021 | 69 |
| 2022 | 28 |
| 2023 | 66 |
| 2024 | 26 |
- Crashes reported
- 9
- Fires reported
- 2
- Injuries reported
- 6
- Deaths reported
- 0
What owners report most
Engine
“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 for repair as it is cost prohibitive and I have proof of proper maintenance however I am not receiving info on process unless I reach out. Car has been in Kia possession since 9/24/26.”
Power 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 intersection, creating a serious safety hazard. The vehicle was returned to the Kia dealership and remains available for inspection. Subsequent examination reportedly found metal debris in the engine/oil pan and a possible restriction of engine oil flow. The exact cause of the sudden oil-pressure loss has not yet been definitively explained. The failure occurred immediately following a dealership repair involving a physically sheared internal engine component.”
Electrical system
“The crankshaft position sensor keeps going bad and it make the forward collision trigger and it loses power and the dash stops working and causes the car to shut off”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- EPA class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl · 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Manual 6-spd · Automatic (AM7)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forte FE Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 41 | 35 | $1,800 | 256 |
| Forte Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 40 | 33 | $1,900 | 269 |
| Forte Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 37 | 31 | $2,000 | 290 |
| Forte Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 35 | 30 | $2,100 | 296 |
| Forte Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 32 | 28 | $2,200 | 326 |
- 35mpg comb.
- 33mpg comb.
- 31mpg comb.
- 30mpg comb.
- 28mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 10.7%
Maintenance basics
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
2020 Forte questions
How many recalls does the 2020 Kia Forte have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 11, 2026.
What are the most common 2020 Kia Forte problems?
Owners filed 78 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (20), power train (16), electrical system (11). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2020 Kia Forte get?
The EPA rates the 2020 Kia Forte at 28–35 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).
How safe is the 2020 Kia Forte?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2020 Kia Forte 4 out of 5 stars overall.