MODEL
Kia Forte
NHTSA safety across every Kia Forte model year we cover.
Across the 6 model years of the Kia Forte we cover (2019 to 2024), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2022 at 87 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2023 at 71. 8 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Kia Forte is a compact sedan aimed squarely at budget-conscious commuters and first-time buyers who want a practical, fuel-efficient car without a premium price tag. Competing in one of the most crowded segments on the market, the Forte has steadily built a reputation for value-forward transportation across its 2019 through 2024 model years, making its safety profile a critical consideration for shoppers.
The Kia Forte earns its best NHTSA Safety Index score of 87 out of 100 in the 2022 model year, which places it in respectable territory for a compact sedan but leaves room for improvement. Crash-test results across the covered years tell a mixed story: the side-impact rating reaches a strong 5 out of 5 stars, which is genuinely reassuring, while the frontal and rollover ratings land at 4 out of 5 stars each. Those frontal and rollover numbers are solid without being class-leading, and shoppers should weigh them accordingly. The safety band ratings seen across model years range from Strong down to Average, meaning not every Forte year performs equally, and year selection matters. The recall picture deserves serious attention. Eight recalls span the 2019 to 2024 coverage window, and two of those are park-outside or do-not-drive level campaigns, the most serious tier of recall action. That is a meaningful red flag for used-car shoppers especially, who must verify that any open recalls have been remedied before purchase. Owner complaints total 384 across the covered years, with 48 alleged crashes, 11 alleged fires, 25 reported injuries, and 1 reported death among the unverified allegations on file with NHTSA. These are unverified allegations, not confirmed findings, but the fire-related complaint count warrants a closer look at recall history before buying. The Forte is a capable everyday sedan, but its safety record is genuinely uneven.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Kia Forte as a competitive and well-rounded compact sedan that punches above its price point in terms of features and interior quality. Most acknowledge it as a sensible, practical choice for daily driving, though professional assessments tend to note that rivals in the segment offer sharper driving dynamics and that the Forte's strengths lean more toward value and comfort than outright excitement.
- Two of the eight recalls issued across 2019 to 2024 are park-outside or do-not-drive level campaigns, the most urgent recall classification. Any shopper considering a used Forte must check NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm all open recalls have been completed.
- The 2022 model year represents the peak safety performance in our coverage window, earning an 87 out of 100 NHTSA Safety Index score. If safety ranking is a priority, targeting that model year over others in the range is a data-supported strategy.
- Side-impact crash protection is the Forte's strongest result at 5 out of 5 stars, but frontal and rollover protection each come in at 4 out of 5 stars. Shoppers who prioritize frontal crash performance may want to compare those numbers directly against key segment rivals.
- Owner complaints on file with NHTSA include 11 unverified fire-related allegations across the covered model years. While these are unverified, cross-referencing them against the active recall list is a prudent step before finalizing any purchase decision.
Most-recalled year on record: 2023 Kia Forte with 3 recalls.