2016 Kia Forte: recalls and problems
1 recall and 137 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine.
Most common problems
What owners report
Im getting denied dued to engine failure but whoever had the vehicle before didn't follow up with the ksds update, i just purchased the vehicle on june 30th,2026, i need this fixed asap because i still owe on this car.
When i have the windows down, i can see the headrest flapping in the wind. i took the cover off and discovered that the styrofoam had broken in half. i used foam adhesive to bind it together. once again, windows down and the headrest is still flapping in the wind. look underneath the cover and this time the styrofoam is broken into multiple pieces.
My 2016 kia forte had a recall that was never performed and i was never told anything about the car fax or any recalls from where i got the car from, it needs a engine repair.
Car runs fine at lower speeds. when traveling over 50 mph for ten minutes or more, then decelerating or stopping in traffic or at a stop light it stalls. it cranks right back up after you put it neutral and turn the key. we’ve almost been rear ended twice since this started. the car has only been driven about 3000 miles a year over the past 7 years and only about 45 mph. it has been to two shops and hasn’t been driv
Crash-test ratings
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Kia Forte 5 HB FWD | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| 2016 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD |
Source: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP APIs, covering FORTE, FORTE KOUP. Last refreshed 2026-09-29.