Research · Midsize Cars

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.

Combined MPG
26–34mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
26
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$1,900est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2024 Kia Forte as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

26 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2024 – Oct 2026
  1. Engine8
  2. Air bags7
  3. Electrical system6
  4. Power train4
  5. Suspension2
  6. Service brakes2
  7. Exterior lighting2
  8. Lane departure2
  9. Visibility/wiper1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Forte model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2010232
2011162
2012292
2013195
2014444
2015261
20164
2017305
2018136
2019150
202078
202169
202228
202366
202426
Crashes reported
6
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
2
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

8 reports
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 4, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11768865

Air bags

7 reports2 crashes
“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*”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 27, 2026Air bags, Service brakes, EngineODI 11753181

Electrical system

6 reports
“Exposed electric wires, airbag system failure codes, breaks non resistance in functional limitation of human safety. Voltage malfunction involves hazardous crash impact results”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 8, 2026Electrical system, Air bags, Service brakesODI 11722834
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

4 versions rated by the EPA
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.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Forte FE
Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
304134$1,900261
Forte
Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
283932$2,000277
Forte
Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
273530$2,150296
Forte
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
223126$2,450348
  • Forte FE
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    30 city · 41 hwy · $1,900/yr
    34
    mpg comb.
  • Forte
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    28 city · 39 hwy · $2,000/yr
    32
    mpg comb.
  • Forte
    Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo
    27 city · 35 hwy · $2,150/yr
    30
    mpg comb.
  • Forte
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo
    22 city · 31 hwy · $2,450/yr
    26
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5
Kia Forte 4 DR FWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
10.7%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 19249
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat 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
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

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.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026