NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Kia Forte Safety Ratings
The 2020 Kia Forte scores 82 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 70 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Kia Forte earned a strong NHTSA Safety Index of 82/100, supported by its perfect recall record for the model year. For prospective buyers of a used vehicle, these data points indicate a genuinely solid safety performance.
The 2020 Kia Forte received an overall four-out-of-five-star NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Kia Forte ranks 75 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 82 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.7% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 70 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 75 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Kia Forte?
The 2020 Kia Forte represents a meaningful step forward in MotorCaliber's safety scoring compared to its immediate predecessor. The Safety Index climbed from 75 out of 100 in the 2019 model year to 82 out of 100 here, a seven-point gain that moved the vehicle from the Average band into the Strong band. That improvement is driven primarily by crash protection, which accounts for 61 of a possible 70 points in the index breakdown, reflecting the NHTSA five-star side result and the consistent four-star showings elsewhere. The avoidance-tech sub-score of 7 out of 10 reflects standard-equipment forward collision warning and electronic stability control, though the absence of lane departure warning as standard equipment kept that component from reaching its ceiling. The defect record sub-score of 14 out of 20 is supported by the zero-recall outcome for this model year specifically, a distinction that sets the 2020 apart from many competitors in its segment. The 70 owner complaints, while unverified, include 9 alleged crash-related reports and 2 alleged fire-related reports that prospective buyers should note when reviewing the NHTSA complaint database directly.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Kia Forte perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Kia Forte earned a perfect five out of five stars in the rigorous side-impact crash test. While achieving this high mark, the overall rating for the Forte settled at four stars, reflecting four-star ratings in both frontal and rollover protection. The rollover risk was measured at 11 percent, and the dynamic tip test concluded with "No Tip."
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14125
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Kia Forte have any recalls?
The 2020 Kia Forte has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. There are no open remedies, no park-outside advisories, and no do-not-drive orders associated with this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check, because recall status can change after any vehicle changes hands.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Kia Forte?
Owners have filed 70 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Unknown Or Other components at 24 reports, Power Train at 15, and Engine at 14. Electrical System accounts for 11 alleged reports, with Air Bags and Forward Collision Avoidance each drawing 4 unverified allegations.
70 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Kia Forte?
No recall campaigns have been issued for the 2020 Kia Forte. Despite this current absence, prospective owners should still utilize NHTSA's VIN lookup tool, as recall campaigns can be initiated at any time, and the responsibility for remedy completion transfers with vehicle ownership.
- The 2020 Forte's Safety Index of 82 out of 100 marks a seven-point year-over-year gain from the 2019 model's 75, the single largest driver of that improvement being the five-star NHTSA side-crash result specific to this model year.
- This is the only model year in the dataset with zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file, meaning no open safety remedies are currently associated with the 2020 Forte by federal record.
- Forward collision warning comes standard on the 2020 Forte, but lane departure warning does not, a gap that directly limits the avoidance-tech sub-score to 7 out of a possible 10 points in the Safety Index.
- Of the 70 unverified owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this model year, 4 specifically allege issues with the Forward Collision Avoidance system, a detail worth noting given that system's role in the vehicle's standard safety equipment.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Kia Forte places
The 2020 Kia Forte qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Kia Forte safety questions
Was the 2020 Kia Forte crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Kia Forte, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Kia Forte crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 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 2020 Kia Forte have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Kia Forte as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Kia Forte?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 70 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 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 (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14125), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Forte 2020.
- 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 75 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- 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.