What's Wrong with the 2nd Generation (2015–2020) Forte?

Forte owners have made 44 complaints about the 2015–2020 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 19th out of 42 Kia generations in overall reliability, with some engine and lights concerns.

Compare With Other Forte Generations

Common 2015-2020 Kia Forte Problems

Some of the worst issues 2nd generation Forte owners have to deal with.

  1. Rodents Chew Kia's Soy Wiring

    Rodents just can't resist the soy-derived wire coatings used in Kia vehicles. The chewed up wires are costing owners hundreds, and sometimes thousands of dollars in repairs. However, this isn't a Kia-only problem.

    Continue reading article "Rodents Chew Kia's Soy Wiring"

  2. What Are We Missing?

    We know there's more problems than this. Let us know which one you'd like to see us cover next.

    Continue

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

2nd Generation (2015–2020) Forte Key Numbers

  1. 6 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 44 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 19th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 42 eligible generations.

Recent Lawsuits for 2nd Generation Forte Owners

  • Thornhill, et al., v. Hyundai Motor Company, et al.

    1. Case Filed

      A Hyundai and Kia engine lawsuit alleges several models are equipped with defective gasoline direct injection (GDI) and multipoint fuel injection (MPI) engines which may catch fire.

    Class Vehicles
    • 2012-2015 Forte
    • 2012-2015 Forte Koup
    • 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid
    • 2012-2013 Sorento
    • 2014-2015 Soul
    • 2012 Sportage
    Location
    California

Recent 2nd Generation (2015–2020) Forte News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. The relief plunger in the 2017-2018 Forte's oil pump can get clogged and needs to be fixed.

    And here I was thinking plungers were for removing clogs. In this case, foreign particulates can slip their way past the oil filter and stick onto the plunger's sharp edge, causing reduced oil pressure and engine lubrication that can cause irreversible damage if left untreated.…

    keep reading article "Kia Recalls 2017-2018 Forte to Fix Oil Pump Plunger Clogs"

  2. One Kia owner has had enough of gnawed wires leading to dashboard warning lights and multiple calls to the insurance company.

    Tsvetelin Tsonev filed a class-action lawsuit because his 2015 Soul is being used like a chew toy. The plaintiff says he leased a 2015 Kia Soul in April 2015 that has allegedly been damaged three times because the automaker keeps replacing soy-based wiring with more soy wiring, inviting more critters to snacktime.

    OK, so it turns out rodents don’t really snack on the coating, but they do love chewing on it and making nests out of it.

    And if you’re wondering just how much damage a rodent could do, brace yourself.…

    keep reading article "Soy Wires are Still Being Chewed Up. Maybe Kia Should Stop Advertising with Rodents."

  3. Another day, another manufacturer getting sued for using soy-based wire coating.

    Plaintiff Campbell claims her 2014 Kia Optima was damaged in December 2016 when rodents chewed the wire harness and wiring. Campbell asked Kia to cover the repairs under warranty but after allegedly making her wait almost a month with the Kia Optima sitting at the dealership, Kia denied her claim for coverage.

    This is not a Kia-only problem. Other automakers have made the switch to a soy-based wire coatings and are facing similar lawsuits including Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, and Subaru.

    The lawsuit covers owners or lessees in California, Texas, and NJ with most of the 2012-2017 Kia lineup.

    keep reading article "Kia Sued for Using A Soy-Based Wire Coating"