NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Kia Forte Safety Ratings
The 2019 Kia Forte scores 75 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 145 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Kia Forte achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 75/100, landing it squarely in the Average band. While its crash-test scores proved genuinely competitive, the Forte's near-zero score in avoidance technology and two recall campaigns ultimately prevented a higher ranking. Prospective buyers should consider these specific limitations.
The 2019 Kia Forte received a 4-out-of-5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 75 out of 100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 119 Sedans from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Kia Forte ranks 102 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 75 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.7% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 145 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 102 of 119 Sedans tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Kia Forte?
The 2019 Kia Forte, a fully redesigned model, presents a safety profile characterized by strong passive protection, yet notable deficiencies in active-safety technology. Its overall Safety Index of 75/100 places it firmly in the Average band. The vehicle's crash protection is a clear strength, earning 61 out of 70 points, backed by a 5-star rating for side impact and consistent 4-star results in other crash tests. However, the Forte's active safety systems are a significant weakness, contributing only 2 out of a possible 10 points. This low score directly results from the absence of standard forward collision warning and lane departure warning in the evaluated trim configuration. While electronic stability control is standard equipment, it does not fully compensate for these missing warning systems. The defect record further details the vehicle's safety landscape. With 12 out of 20 points in this sub-score, the 2019 Forte has two recall campaigns and 145 owner complaints. The powertrain and engine categories received the most allegations. A headlight recall initiated before the end of the model year's first calendar year of sale points to an early-identified manufacturing quality concern. The data collectively illustrates a vehicle with robust crashworthiness, but with critical gaps in its active safety suite.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Kia Forte perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Kia Forte achieved a 5-star rating for side impact protection, contributing to its overall 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Frontal crash protection was rated at 4 stars, matching the 4-star rollover rating. The Forte demonstrated an 11 percent rollover risk, with a "No Tip" result in the dynamic test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13332
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Kia Forte have any recalls?
Two federal recall campaigns cover this model year. The first targets the left front axle driveshaft, which may lack proper heat treatment and could fail. The second affects vehicles equipped with LED headlights that may not have been manufactured to specification. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive designation, but remedy completion should be confirmed by VIN before purchase.
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT20V459000
Risk: A broken driveshaft can result in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left front axle driveshaft for a heat treatment verification code, and replace it if the code is missing, free of charge. The recall began September 2, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC195.
Reported 2020-08-05
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS18V771000
Risk: If the headlights are not properly aimed, the driver may have reduced visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the headlight aiming and replace the headlights, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 30, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC171.
Reported 2018-10-31
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Kia Forte?
NHTSA has logged 145 unverified consumer complaints against the 2019 Forte. Alleged problem areas include Power Train with 47 reports, Engine with 34, Electrical System with 21, Forward Collision Avoidance with 17, and Exterior Lighting with 14. All are unverified allegations, not established facts.
145 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Kia Forte?
The 2019 Forte carries two open recalls of note. Shoppers should verify that both the axle driveshaft and LED headlight campaigns have been completed for any specific vehicle, as unresolved recalls remain the buyer's responsibility.
- The 2019 Forte's side-crash rating of 5 stars is the single strongest result in its NHTSA test profile, while frontal and rollover protection each landed at 4 stars with an 11 percent rollover risk.
- This model year's avoidance-tech sub-score of 2 out of 10 reflects the absence of forward collision warning and lane departure warning on this configuration, a specific and measurable safety gap for 2019.
- Two recall campaigns are attached to this model year: one for a potentially untreated left front axle driveshaft and one for potentially out-of-specification LED headlights, both of which require VIN-level verification before a used purchase.
- NHTSA has received 145 unverified complaints against this model year, with Power Train and Engine together accounting for 81 of those alleged reports, the highest concentration of any category pair.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Kia Forte places
The 2019 Kia Forte qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Kia Forte safety questions
Was the 2019 Kia Forte crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Kia Forte, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 75 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Kia Forte crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Kia Forte earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 10.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Kia Forte have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Kia Forte. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Kia Forte?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 145 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Kia Forte. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Forte years
Rivals in Sedan (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Acura RLX Sport | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi Rs5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S4 | 98/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2019 Tesla Model S 60d | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13332), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Forte 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 102 of 119 in the Sedan class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.