2019 Kia Forte Recalls, Problems & MPG

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 149 owner complaints for the 2019 Kia Forte. The EPA rates it 31 to 35 MPG combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.

Recalls
2
Owner complaints
149
Crashes / fires reported
11 / 4
EPA combined
31–35 MPG

2019 Kia Forte recalls

  • Power TrainAug 5, 2020 · NHTSA 20V459000+

    Risk: A broken driveshaft can result in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: 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.

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Forte vehicles. The left front axle driveshaft may not have been heat-treated, which can cause it to break.

  • Exterior LightingOct 31, 2018 · NHTSA 18V771000+

    Risk: If the headlights are not properly aimed, the driver may have reduced visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: 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.

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Kia Forte vehicles equipped with LED headlights. The headlights may not have been manufactured with the correct low beam aiming. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Recall repairs are free. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours still needs one.

Most reported 2019 Kia Forte problems

Owner complaints to NHTSA by system. One complaint can name more than one system.

  • Power Train48
  • Engine37
  • Electrical System23
  • Unknown or Other22
  • Forward Collision Avoidance17
  • Exterior Lighting15
  • Steering9
  • Vehicle Speed Control7

2019 Kia Forte gas mileage

EPA ratings for each version (city / highway / combined).

VersionEngineCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Forte FE2.0 L 4 cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios)314135$1,850
Forte2.0 L 4 cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios)304034$1,900
Forte2.0 L 4 cyl, Manual 6-spd273731$2,050

Real-world mileage depends on how and where you drive. Logbay compares your actual MPG with these EPA numbers.

Questions

Does the 2019 Kia Forte have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2019 Kia Forte, most recently for the power train (Aug 5, 2020). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2019 Kia Forte problems?

Owners filed 149 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported areas are power train (48), engine (37), electrical system (23).

What gas mileage does the 2019 Kia Forte get?

The EPA rates the 2019 Kia Forte at 31 to 35 MPG combined (best version: 31 city / 41 highway).

Sources: NHTSA recalls and owner complaints (api.nhtsa.gov), EPA fuel economy (fueleconomy.gov). Updated Oct 26, 2026. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports.