2019 Kia Forte Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 48about this part
- Share
- 32%of 150 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 5,280miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 48 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2019 Kia Forte, 32% of the 150 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 5,280 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“2019 Forte with 4000 miles and less than 4 months old. Had to be townes from my job as the transmission is gone. I brought it to my dealership one month earlier and was told nothing was wrong, and car died less than a month later. Was also told 'things happen', however my coworker with a 2019 sorrento just found out her transmission is gone. Hmmm...”
NHTSA complaint #11193628, filed 2019-04, 4,700 miles“The car seemed to be losing power, called for roadside assistance, and the Kia dealership where the car was towed to said the transmission needs replaced. The car has 3000 miles on it & we have only had it 2.5 months. The dealer service person said this is the 3rd 2019 Kia Forte they've had to replace the transmission in! We were driving on an interstate highway.”
NHTSA complaint #11193449, filed 2019-04, 3,000 miles“On a random trip of ours, my vehicle had started jolting a bit furiously at some moments, revving intensely at the most inappropriate times, having incredible trouble idling or driving in general once at a stop sign/light. At times, the car will not move as I have my foot pressed on the gas, and maybe after 10 seconds of doing so, the vehicle will jolt immensely, almost injuring me in the process. …”
NHTSA complaint #11388517, filed 2021-01, 31,400 miles“Car was making weird noises and jumpy acceleration, took it in and they are replacing the transmission, it's been two weeks and the transmission is still not in at the dealer for replacement. I was told it's on backorder and nobody knows when I will be able to replace it. My car is now barley accelerating unless I floor it. Called Kia and the dealer and nobody seems to care”
NHTSA complaint #11196970, filed 2019-04, 2,800 miles“Brand new 2019 Forte with less than 2,000 miles on it. Driving down the highway at 70 MPH and the engine starts to rev and jolt. Get to the right lane and it will not accelerate at all with my foot on the gas. Had to get the car towed to the nearest dealership to find I needed a brand new transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #11265239, filed 2019-09, 1,700 milesRelated recalls
- 20V459000Aug 5, 2020Kia 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.Covers: Kia Forte 2019
Related service bulletins
- 11029037Feb 19, 2026VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (SC199 FL301) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting Voluntary Service Campaign to…
- 11017172Apr 17, 2025TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are…
- 11004930Jul 11, 2024TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: IVT OIL PRESSURE SENSOR REPLACEMENT: This bulletin provides information to replace the Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) Oil Pressure Sensor…
- 11000787May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission…
- 10238485Jun 12, 2023TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: IVT SOFTWARE LOGIC IMPROVEMENT AND/OR IVT REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to update the Transmission Control Module (TCM) software…
- 10238222Jun 12, 2023VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: IVT SOFTWARE LOGIC IMPROVEMENT AND/OR IVT REPLACEMENT (SC199) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information…
- 10226555Nov 18, 2022TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity…
- 10217922Aug 18, 2022VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: IVT SOFTWARE LOGIC IMPROVEMENT AND/OR IVT REPLACEMENT (SC199) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information…
- 10216497Jul 21, 2022VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: IVT SOFTWARE LOGIC IMPROVEMENT AND/OR IVT REPLACEMENT (SC199) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information…
- 10210265Apr 7, 2022TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: IVT SOFTWARE LOGIC IMPROVEMENT AND/OR IVT REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to update the Transmission Control Module (TCM) software…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 4 | 15% |
| 2023 | 8 | 12% |
| 2022 | 2 | 7% |
| 2021 | 7 | 10% |
| 2020 | 16 | 21% |
| 2019 | 48 | 32% |
| 2018 | 8 | 6% |
| 2017 | 12 | 4% |
| 2016 | 16 | 12% |
| 2015 | 17 | 6% |
| 2014 | 18 | 4% |
| 2013 | 10 | 5% |
| 2012 | 11 | 4% |
| 2011 | 18 | 12% |
| 2010 | 23 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2019 Kia Forte
38 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsOther or unknown
22 complaintsForward collision avoidance
17 complaintsExterior lighting
15 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsLane departure
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsFuel system
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2019 Kia Forte
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology