2024 Kia ForteRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 26 owner complaints for the 2024 Kia Forte. Most complaints involve engine (8) and air bags (7). The EPA rates it 26–34 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Engine8
- Air bags7
- Electrical system6
- Power train4
- Suspension2
- Service brakes2
- Exterior lighting2
- Lane departure2
- Visibility/wiper1
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
- 6
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 2
- Deaths reported
- 0
What owners report most
Engine
“On October 4, 2026, at approximately 27,870 miles, my 2024 Kia Forte GT-Line unexpectedly shut off while I was driving and making a right-hand turn into a parking lot. The vehicle was in Drive when the engine shut off. The instrument cluster continued to indicate “D” and displayed the message: “Engine Off! Shift to P or N, then start engine.” The tachometer indicated 0 RPM, and the gas pedal was unresponsive. I photographed the instrument cluster immediately following the event. This was not the first occurrence of an abnormal shutdown. On two previous occasions, while backing up in a parking lot, the vehicle displayed a similar instruction requiring me to place the vehicle in Park and turn off/restart the vehicle. During those events, the vehicle would not operate normally until the ignition was completely cycled off and restarted. The October 4 occurrence is particularly concerning because the engine shut off while the vehicle was actively moving rather than while parking. Loss of engine power while turning, crossing an intersection, entering traffic, or traveling at higher speed could create a significant collision risk. The cause is currently unknown. I am…”
Air bags
“This malfunction started in August of 2025 within 12 months of buying this new vehicle. A airbag sensor was replaced, then a national bbb case found the same malfunction only this time it includes the whole safty system failure. I gave the manufacturer a year and they have not corrected the malfunction. I am forced to drive a unsafe car *if I get hit my airbags will NOT DEPLOY*”
Electrical system
“Exposed electric wires, airbag system failure codes, breaks non resistance in functional limitation of human safety. Voltage malfunction involves hazardous crash impact results”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- EPA class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl · 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Automatic (AM-S7) · Manual 6-spd
- 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 | 30 | 41 | 34 | $1,900 | 261 |
| Forte Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 39 | 32 | $2,000 | 277 |
| Forte Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 35 | 30 | $2,150 | 296 |
| Forte Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 31 | 26 | $2,450 | 348 |
- 34mpg comb.
- 32mpg comb.
- 30mpg comb.
- 26mpg 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
2024 Forte questions
How many recalls does the 2024 Kia Forte have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 28, 2026.
What are the most common 2024 Kia Forte problems?
Owners filed 26 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (8), air bags (7), electrical system (6). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2024 Kia Forte get?
The EPA rates the 2024 Kia Forte at 26–34 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
How safe is the 2024 Kia Forte?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2024 Kia Forte 4 out of 5 stars overall.