CarBrief

NHTSA has 138 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Kia Forte, and about half of them name the engine[1][2]. The car has one recall, for a trunk latch that can trap a person inside, and dealers fix it for free[3].

138owner complaints[1]
1recalls[4]
24–30MPG combined (EPA)[5]
5★NHTSA overall rating[6]

Most reported problems

Owners filed 138 complaints with NHTSA for this model year[1]. Sixteen mention a crash, 6 a fire and 13 an injury[1]. No deaths were reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one part of the car.

The engine group has the most complaints by a wide margin:

Component group Complaints Crashes Fires Injuries
Engine[2] 69 2 4 3
Electrical system[7] 22 0 2 0
Power train[8] 16 2 2 0
Unknown or other[9] 15 1 1 1
Speed control[10] 14 1 0 0
Air bags[11] 13 11 1 9
Exterior lighting[12] 10 0 0 0
Brakes[13] 10 1 0 0

The median mileage at failure for engine complaints is 60,264 miles[2]. For power train it is 17,310[8], for electrical 29,000[7] and for speed control 6,650[10].

What owners describe. We read a sample of 12 complaint texts for each of four groups[2][7][8][10]. This is a small sample, so treat it as a flavor of the reports and not as a count of all owners.

Air bags stand out in a different way. Only 13 complaints name them, but 11 of those involve a crash and 9 an injury[11]. We did not read air bag texts, so we cannot say what owners describe there.

Recalls

NHTSA lists one recall for the 2016 Forte[4].

If you are shopping, ask the seller or a Kia dealer whether this work was done on the car you are looking at.

Fuel economy

The EPA lists several versions of the 2016 Forte. Combined ratings run from 24 to 30 MPG[14][5].

Version City / highway / combined MPG EPA yearly fuel cost
Forte, 1.8L, Automatic (S6)[5] 26 / 37 / 30 $2,250
Forte, 1.8L, Manual 6-spd[15] 25 / 36 / 29 $2,300
Forte, 2.0L, Automatic (S6)[16] 24 / 35 / 28 $2,400
Forte Koup, 2.0L, Automatic (S6)[17] 25 / 34 / 28 $2,400
Forte Koup, 2.0L, Manual 6-spd[18] 24 / 33 / 27 $2,500
Forte 5, 2.0L, Automatic (S6)[19] 25 / 33 / 28 $2,400
Forte Koup, 1.6L turbo, Automatic (S6)[20] 22 / 29 / 25 $2,700
Forte Koup, 1.6L turbo, Manual 6-spd[14] 22 / 29 / 24 $2,800
Forte 5, 1.6L turbo, Automatic (S6)[21] 21 / 29 / 24 $2,800
Forte 5, 1.6L turbo, Manual 6-spd[22] 21 / 28 / 24 $2,800

All are front-wheel drive and take regular gas. The yearly cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. In plain terms, the 1.8L versions use the least fuel and the 1.6L turbo versions the most[15][5][20][14][21][22].

Safety ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star ratings for this model year[23][6][24]:

Engine and size

The EPA test car list shows three engines for the 2016 Forte: a 1.6L 4-cylinder rated 201 hp[25], a 1.8L 4-cylinder rated 145 hp[26] and a 2.0L 4-cylinder rated 166 to 173 hp depending on version[27].

Size figures below are Canadian-market specifications, so they can differ slightly from US models.

Variant Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
Forte 4DR Sedan[28] 180 in 70 in 56 in 106 in 2,906 lb
Forte LX 4DR Sedan[29] 180 in 70 in 56 in 106 in 2,804 lb
Forte Koupe EX 2DR Coupe[30] 178 in 70 in 56 in 106 in 2,870 lb
Forte Koupe SX/SX Luxury 2DR Coupe[31] 178 in 70 in 56 in 106 in 2,983 lb
Forte5 LX/EX 5DR Hatchback[32] 171 in 70 in 57 in 106 in 2,912 lb
Forte5 SX/SX Luxury 5DR Hatchback[33] 171 in 70 in 57 in 106 in 3,025 lb

How 2016 compares with other years

2010: 232 complaints, 3 recalls20102011: 162 complaints, 3 recalls20112012: 306 complaints, 4 recalls20122013: 211 complaints, 5 recalls20132014: 445 complaints, 3 recalls20142015: 260 complaints, 1 recalls20152016: 138 complaints, 1 recalls13820162017: 305 complaints, 3 recalls20172018: 136 complaints, 3 recalls20182019: 149 complaints, 2 recalls20192020: 78 complaints, 0 recalls20202021: 69 complaints, 2 recalls20212022: 28 complaints, 1 recalls20222023: 65 complaints, 3 recalls20232024: 26 complaints, 0 recalls2024
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Forte model year. The 2016 is highlighted[4].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20102323
20111623
20123064
20132115
20144453
20152601
20161381
20173053
20181363
20191492
2020780
2021692
2022281
2023653
2024260

With 138 complaints, 2016 has fewer than eight other Forte years on file[4]. Those are 2010 to 2015, 2017 and 2019. The 2014 model year has the most, at 445[4]. Only 2018 (136) and 2020 to 2024 have fewer[4].

On recalls, 2016 has 1[4]. So do 2015 and 2022. The years 2020 and 2024 have none, and every other year has 2 to 5[4]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so they are best used to compare years of the same model, as we do here.

Should you buy a used 2016 Forte?

The complaint file for 2016 is smaller than for most other Forte years, and it has only one recall[4][3]. The main thing to check is the engine. Half of the complaints name it, and in the sample we read, owners describe stalling or power loss while driving[2]. Take a longer test drive that includes highway speed, and ask for service records, since some owners describe warranty disputes over maintenance proof[2]. Confirm the trunk latch recall was done[3]. The ratings we have are good for the 4-door, but the 2-door has no NHTSA rating[6][24].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Kia Forte?
Engine is the group named most often, with 69 of 138 NHTSA complaints[2][1]. In a sample of engine complaints we read, owners describe stalling or losing power while driving[2]. These are unverified reports.
Does the 2016 Kia Forte have any recalls?
NHTSA lists one, 21V622, for a trunk latch that can be damaged so the trunk cannot be opened from inside. Dealers replace the latch assembly for free[3].
What MPG does a 2016 Kia Forte get?
EPA combined ratings run from 24 to 30 MPG depending on version[14][5]. The 1.8L automatic is best at 30 combined[5], and the 1.6L turbo versions rate 24 to 25[20][14][21][22].
Is the 2016 Kia Forte a good year compared with others?
It has fewer complaints than eight other Forte years, including 2014 with 445, and 1 recall[4]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.
How safe is the 2016 Kia Forte?
NHTSA rated the 4 DR FWD 5 stars overall[6]. The 2 DR FWD is not rated[6][24].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 138 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Kia Forte (16 mention a crash, 6 a fire, 13 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 69 complaints name the engine component group (2 crashes, 4 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,264). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Recall 21V622, filed August 9, 2021: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Trunk Lid › Latch. NHTSA recall database
  4. Owner complaints and recalls for every Kia Forte model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  5. EPA rating for Forte, 1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 26 city / 37 highway / 30 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,250. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  6. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.3%. NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 22 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 29,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 16 complaints name the power train component group (2 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 17,310). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 15 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 14 complaints name the speed control component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 6,650). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 13 complaints name the air bags component group (11 crashes, 1 fires, 9 injuries, median mileage at failure 50,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 10 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 10 complaints name the brakes component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. EPA rating for Forte Koup, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 29 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  15. EPA rating for Forte, 1.8L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 36 highway / 29 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  16. EPA rating for Forte, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 35 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Forte Koup, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 34 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Forte Koup, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 33 highway / 27 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Forte 5, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 33 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Forte Koup, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 29 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Forte 5, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 29 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Forte 5, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 28 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 5 HB FWD: side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.3%. NHTSA vehicle records
  24. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR FWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  25. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Kia Forte with 1.6L 4-cylinder: rated 201 hp. www.epa.gov
  26. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Kia Forte with 1.8L 4-cylinder: rated 145 hp. www.epa.gov
  27. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Kia Forte with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 166 to 173 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  28. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FORTE 4DR SEDAN: length 180 in, width 70 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 2,906 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  29. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FORTE LX 4DR SEDAN: length 180 in, width 70 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 2,804 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  30. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FORTE KOUPE EX 2DR COUPE: length 178 in, width 70 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 2,870 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  31. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FORTE KOUPE SX/SX LUXURY 2DR COUPE: length 178 in, width 70 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 2,983 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  32. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FORTE5 LX/EX 5DR HATCHBACK: length 171 in, width 70 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 2,912 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  33. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FORTE5 SX/SX LUXURY 5DR HATCHBACK: length 171 in, width 70 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 3,025 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.