MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2020 Kia Forte

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2020 Kia Forte

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

0Recalls
70Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE KIA FORTE

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.

VERDICT

The 2020 Kia Forte earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. No vehicle recalls are on file for this model year.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers 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.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 10.7%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14125

Index breakdown

Crash protection61/70
Avoidance tech7/10
Defect record14/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: NoStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

No vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Kia Forte at NHTSA as of 2026-07-02. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the safety score.

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

70 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

9reported crash
2reported fire
6reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsUnknown Or Other 24Power Train 15Engine 14Electrical System 11Air Bags 4Forward Collision Avoidance 4

Other Forte years

Rivals in Sedan (2020)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 14125), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Kia Forte 2020. Class rank 75 of 105 in Sedan 2020. Methodology · Disclosure