The used Kia Forte to target is a 2022-2024 car, the refreshed third generation, because the early 2019 cars and the 2023 model each picked up suspension and driveline recalls you have to chase down. Before you buy any Forte from 2014 through 2021, find out whether it has a real immobilizer or the anti-theft software upgrade, since those years are on Kia's theft list. And go in expecting a sensible, roomy, slow commuter, because that is what the 147-hp 2.0-liter version is.
The Forte ended after the 2024 model year. Car and Driver's K4 review says the 2025 K4 replaces it, using the same 147-hp four-cylinder as a base engine. So every Forte you see from here on is a used car, and they are cheap: C/D's used-price range for a 2024 Forte started at $8,900 when I looked, and older ones go for less. I went back through C/D's reviews and every Forte recall the NHTSA API returned for 2014 through 2024 tonight, October 15, 2026.
Third generation, 2019 to 2024
When the third-generation car arrived for 2019, C/D's 2019 Forte review praised comfort, refinement and a 41-mpg result in its own highway test. Every 2019 Forte used the same 147-hp 2.0-liter four, with a six-speed manual on the base FE and a continuously variable automatic on the rest; Kia calls it an IVT, and C/D noted it was Kia's first CVT. Fair warning, C/D found the pairing sluggish. For 2022 the car got new front and rear styling, new lighting and a 10.3-inch touchscreen per C/D's 2022 page, and the 2024 Forte page says that year carried over with no significant changes.
The Forte GT is the one enthusiasts look at. It arrived for 2020 with a 201-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter, a firmer suspension and a multilink rear axle in place of the torsion beam, and C/D's GT test got a manual car to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds. A dual-clutch automatic was the other choice. C/D was not in love, though. It put the GT third behind the Civic Si and Jetta GLI, citing a sloppy shifter, lackluster steering feel and suspension noise. Buy it as a quick, well-equipped commuter and you will be happy; buy it expecting an Si and you will not.
Recalls by model year
The second-generation cars carry the most. A 2014 Forte can have 20V750 (an engine compartment fire risk, where dealers check for fuel and oil leaks and run an engine test), 17V773 (a brake pedal stopper pad that can leave the brake lights on) and 15V015 (a cooling fan resistor that may overheat). 2015 shares 20V750. 2016-2018 cars have 21V622 for a trunk latch that can stop the inside release from working. 2017-2018 add 22V031, an air bag control unit whose cover can damage the circuit board, and 21V260, foreign particles in the oil pump on the 2.0-liter Nu engine, which can cause engine damage.
In the third generation, 2019 cars have 18V771 (LED headlight aim) and 20V459, a left front axle shaft that may not have been heat-treated and can break. 2020 returned nothing. 2021 has 21V164 for the front passenger occupant detection unit, and 2021-2022 share 22V304, a steering column bolt that may not be secured. The 2023 Forte record is the ugly one: 22V906 for a front left steering knuckle that may crack, then 23V649 and 24V244 for a right front lower control arm that may have been improperly welded, and on those two the owners were told not to drive the car until it is fixed. 2024 came back clean. Run the actual car through our Kia recall check by VIN steps.
The theft problem on 2014-2021 cars
Kia's April 2023 service bulletin CS2305 covers 2014-2018 and 2019-2021 Fortes built in certain date ranges that may not have an immobilizer, and adds anti-theft ignition start logic to the body control module, plus window decals. The bulletin also flags a conflict with some aftermarket remote start kits. In May 2023 Kia and Hyundai announced a class settlement that Kia valued at about $200 million, with 2011-2021 Forte on the covered list and up to $300 toward anti-theft devices for cars that cannot take the software. Ask for proof the upgrade was done. Then look at the steering column and ignition for damage, because a car that was stolen and recovered may carry a brand; our Kia and Hyundai theft recovery title post covers what to look for.
Warranty, VIN and the alternatives
C/D lists Kia coverage of 5 years or 60,000 miles limited and 10 years or 100,000 miles powertrain. Before you count on that, ask a Kia dealer whether the powertrain term carries over to you as a later owner. Decode the VIN with our Kia VIN decoder notes so a 2.0 car with GT badges does not slip by. If the Forte feels too basic, the used Hyundai Elantra is its close cousin and the used Honda Civic is the car that beat the GT in that C/D comparison.
One report before the cash
Honestly, on a $9,000 commuter a history report is the cheapest insurance you can buy. We are a licensed CARFAX and AutoCheck reseller and not affiliated with CARFAX, AutoCheck or Experian. Our current prices are roughly $5.50 for a guest CARFAX, $4.50 for members and $6.75 with AutoCheck bundled in, compared with $39.99 to $44.99 at retail. Confirm at checkout, since prices move. CARFAX lays out what its reports show.
Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!
Log in to leave a comment.