NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2024 Kia Forte Safety Ratings
The 2024 Kia Forte scores 83 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 22 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
For 2024, the Kia Forte achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. This compact sedan presents a notably strong federal safety profile, supported by a perfect 5-star side-crash result and robust overall crash protection scores. Furthermore, it enters the market with a clean recall record.
The 2024 Kia Forte received a 5-star side-crash rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 83/100 based on NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 91 Sedans from 2024 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2024 Kia Forte ranks 71 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 83 / 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 | 22 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 71 of 91 Sedans tested for 2024 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2024 Kia Forte?
For the 2024 model year, the Kia Forte registered a notable 12-point gain in the NHTSA Safety Index, achieving a score of 83 out of 100. This places the vehicle firmly in the Strong safety band, a significant improvement from its 2023 predecessor's Average rating of 71. This upward trajectory is largely attributable to a robust crash protection subscore of 61 out of 70. NHTSA crash tests for the 2024 Forte demonstrate a 5-star side impact rating. Frontal crash protection and rollover resistance both consistently earned 4 out of 5 stars. Crucially, the defect record subscore reached 17.25 out of 20, reflecting the absence of any recall campaigns issued for this model year. This zero-recall status is a primary differentiator from previous iterations. The avoidance technology subscore, at 5 out of 10, indicates room for improvement, even with the inclusion of standard features such as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. Owners have filed 22 complaints, which, though unverified by NHTSA, cite concerns regarding the airbags and electrical system. These areas warrant continued observation for future model years and the vehicle's long-term performance in the used market. The 2024 Forte's stronger crash-protection performance and clean recall record define its enhanced safety profile.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2024 Kia Forte perform in crash tests?
The 2024 Kia Forte 4-door front-wheel-drive model received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its side-crash performance earned a full 5 out of 5 stars. Both frontal crash protection and rollover resistance were rated at 4 out of 5 stars. The measured rollover risk for this model stands at 11 percent; the dynamic tip test indicated no tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 19249
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2024 Kia Forte have any recalls?
The 2024 Kia Forte carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file. No recall components exist to flag, and no park-outside or do-not-drive advisory has been issued for this model year. That clean defect record is a meaningful contributor to its Strong Safety Index band.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2024 Kia Forte?
NHTSA has logged 22 unverified owner complaints for the 2024 Forte. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Unknown Or Other (9 reports), Engine (5), Electrical System (5), Air Bags (5), and Power Train (3). These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
22 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2024 Kia Forte?
A free VIN lookup via NHTSA is recommended for any consumer considering this 2-year-old Forte. This check will confirm whether new recall campaigns have been initiated since the vehicle's production and verify the completion and documentation of any necessary remedy work, as recall status may evolve after original ownership.
- The 2024 Forte's Safety Index rose 12 points over the 2023 model year, moving from 71/100 Average to 83/100 Strong, driven by a zero-recall record and a crash-protection subscore of 61/70.
- NHTSA recorded a perfect 5-star side-crash result for the 2024 Forte 4 DR FWD, the single strongest star rating across all tested crash categories for this model year.
- Zero recall campaigns are on file for this model year, a distinction that directly boosted the defect-record subscore to 17.25 out of 20 and separates the 2024 from prior years with open campaigns.
- Twenty-two unverified NHTSA complaints have been filed, with air bags and the electrical system each appearing in 5 reports, making those categories worth reviewing on any individual used example via VIN history.
RANKINGSWhere the 2024 Kia Forte places
The 2024 Kia Forte qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2024 Kia Forte safety questions
Was the 2024 Kia Forte crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2024 Kia Forte, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 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 2024 Kia Forte crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2024 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 2024 Kia Forte have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2024 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 2024 Kia Forte?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 22 owner complaints are on file for the 2024 Kia Forte. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Forte years
Rivals in Sedan (2024)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Audi A4 Allroad | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Hyundai Elantra N | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Infiniti Q50 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 19249), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Forte 2024.
- 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 71 of 91 in the Sedan class for 2024.
- 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.