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Kia ForteModel year report

2020 Kia Forte Problems

Compared with other Kia Forte years

Fewer complaints than typical for this model

25/100 0.6× a typical year · 50 = typical

Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated

Complaints
78filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
7,000miles, 21 complaints with mileage
Recalls
0campaigns on record
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
4 / 5stars overall
EPA fuel economy
31 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 27 city / 37 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2020 Kia Forte (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of the 2020 Kia Forte most often describe engine trouble — oil loss between changes, engines that had to be replaced, and engines that stalled or seized — usually at higher mileage. A second cluster of complaints covers the automatic transmission (IVT) slipping, revving or failing, often well before 60,000 miles, and a third covers theft attempts and break-ins that owners attribute to the ignition and immobilizer design.

  1. Engine

    Engine oil loss and engine failure (stalling, seizing

    • 19 complaints (24%)
    • median 80,000 mi at 4.6 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2022–2026

    Owners describe having to add oil between changes, sometimes several quarts, with no warning light or visible leak before the engine failed. Complaints report stalling or loss of power while driving, then a dealer diagnosis of a failed engine needing replacement; some say knocking or smoke came first and that the dealer documented metal debris or internal damage. One owner reported a fire in the engine bay after the car shut off. Mostly reported between about 30,000 and 105,000 miles, and frequently at higher mileage in later filings.

    3 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask for oil-change records and whether the oil was ever found low between services; check the oil level and look for a burnt smell, and ask whether the excessive-oil-consumption bulletin procedure has been applied.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “My vehicle lost 3 quarts of oil between oil changes somehow. The engine is bad now and has to be replaced. Never did a check engine light or oil pressure light come on to alert me that my car was burning oil somehow and the oil was low. At the oil change a few weeks ago the techs underneath my car called out that everything was normal under the car. No leaks, no oil spots anywhere. My safety was put at risk because I drive a very busy highway to work every day. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11659646, filed 2025-05

    “My engine is failing due to excessive oil consumption despite having proof of regular oil changes and maintenance. My car has been inspected, and the dealer has stated this is due to a known manufacture defect. My safety and others are at risk because my car stalls when I decrease speed and I cannot accelerate fast enough to get up to the speed limit creating a risk anytime the speed limit changes or when I am using an on ramp to get onto an interstate or highway. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11769309, filed 2026-10
  2. Transmission and drivetrain

    Automatic transmission (IVT) slipping, revving or failing

    • 14 complaints (18%)
    • median 31,000 mi at 2.3 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2020–2026

    Owners report the engine revving while the car does not accelerate, RPMs swinging up and down at steady speed, hesitation when pulling away, and the car slipping into neutral or stalling out on the highway. Complaints describe check engine lights with transmission pressure codes and dealers replacing the transmission, sometimes more than once, or updating control software. Reported from a few thousand miles up to roughly 75,000 miles, often in the 30,000-60,000 mile range.

    4 related service bulletins

    What to check: Test drive at steady highway speed and on an incline, watching for the tachometer moving without corresponding acceleration; ask the dealer whether the TCM software update or the IVT oil pressure sensor replacement has been done.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “My vehicle has 74,000 miles on it. While driving on the highway at 70 mph, the RPMs began fluctuating erratically, jumping from 2,000 to 3,000 and then from 2,000 to 5,000 before the car completely slipped into neutral. I was stranded in the middle of nowhere. Took it to the dealership and since it's out of warranty they quoted me 3500 American dollars to replace the transmission. Don't buy a Kia.”

    NHTSA complaint #11637111, filed 2025-01

    “I am reporting a transmission failure in my 2020 Kia Forte with approximately 54,000 miles. The vehicle experienced a sudden and complete transmission failure on March 19, 2026, on the highway from Cleveland to Cincinnati. after being owned for less than seven months. The vehicle is now at a dealership 2.5 hours away, requiring a full transmission replacement. This appears to be a premature failure and not consistent with normal wear and tear for a vehicle with this mileage. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11732868, filed 2026-04
  3. Other or unknown

    Theft vulnerability and break-ins through rear windows

    • 11 complaints (14%)
    • typically at 3.8 yrs old
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2021–2025

    Owners describe vehicles stolen from driveways and parking spots, and break-ins where the rear window was smashed without setting off the alarm. Several mention that the anti-theft software upgrade had already been installed at the time of the incident, and some report damage or insurance consequences afterward. Reported across the model year, with filings concentrated from 2021 onward.

    6 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask whether the anti-theft software upgrade, ignition restriction logic and window decals were installed, and whether any aftermarket immobilizer or alarm was added.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “my 2020 kia forte was stolen May 4,2021- car locked and anti theft system activated at that time. Then on October 22,2021 there was an attempted theft on my car again. This time there was also a steering wheel club on car as well as the anti theft system that comes with car.”

    NHTSA complaint #11442163, filed 2021-11

    “My Kia has been stolen once and vandalized and almost stolen a second time because Kia doesn’t have the alarm connected to the back windows and Kia has made the car easy to steal. I have even been denied renewal of my car insurance because of this!”

    NHTSA complaint #11470313, filed 2022-06
  4. Forward collision avoidance

    Front-collision and lane-assist warnings activating or

    • 7 complaints (9%)
    • median 600 mi at 0.5 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2020–2025

    Owners describe the forward collision avoidance system braking without an obstacle ahead, or warning lights appearing with no action taken. Some link the warnings to a failing crankshaft position sensor, with the dash going dark and the car shutting off at the same time; one owner reported lane-keeping jerking the steering and stopped using it. Reported from low mileage up to about 103,000 miles, including after long periods of cruise control use.

    What to check: During a test drive, try cruise control and lane-keeping on a clear road and confirm no false warnings appear; ask whether any sensor or crankshaft sensor work has been done.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I purchased the 2020 Kia Forte last april 2020. The trunk latch would not open trunk, reported, serviced it still presented tight leverage function during stable park position. The computer scrambled the 1st or 2nd week of owning it during my early morning highway travel the computer scrambled more than once. I contacted Kia- thier response was not helpful to the new car malfunction. It happened more than once. The lane departure did not work at diferent periods in time; within the year I reported to Kia. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11400072, filed 2021-03, 89 miles

    “After 2 hours of cruise control om, Collision avoidance warning lights came on for 2nd time. Brought is to dealership the first time it happened and they could nt find anything wrong,”

    NHTSA complaint #11560539, filed 2023-12
  5. Electrical system

    Electrical faults: warning lights, lighting and windows

    • 17 complaints (22%)
    • median 2,300 mi at 0.7 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2020–2026

    Owners describe multiple warning lights appearing at once, gauges dropping to zero, repeated bulb failures on headlights and brake lights, rear windows that will not move and come back after restarting, and water entering the trunk that set off alarm and warning symbols. Some report intermittent no-start conditions the dealer could not reproduce. Reported from a few hundred miles up to the first few years of ownership.

    4 related service bulletins

    What to check: Check every window switch, exterior light and the trunk for water stains, and ask whether the infotainment and modem software updates have been applied.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Water leaking into trunk causing malfunction to security alarm system auto trunk release and trunk lid open symbol trunk malfunction warnig symbols and alarm stayed on could not here any saftey alarms water in trunk damaged sensor could not lock or unlock trunk remotly could not here alarm on blind spot warning could not read any readings like speed, tire pressurer could not here seat belt lock chime”

    NHTSA complaint #11416048, filed 2021-05, 7,000 miles

    “While vehicle is in motion on a city street, several warning lights popped up on the dashboard: electronic pwr steering, electronic stability indicator, TPMS tire pressure, malfunction indicator lamp, autonomus emergency brake, adaptive front lighting , and low tire pressure warning lights. At the same time that all those lights turned on (while in motion) the odometer and speedometer needle stopped registering speed and dropped to zero on both gauges along with the temperature gauge as well. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11316571, filed 2020-03, 600 miles

Buying note. Check oil level and oil-change records carefully, test the transmission at steady speed and on a hill, and confirm which software campaigns and the anti-theft upgrade were completed. A pre-purchase inspection with a scan for stored engine and transmission codes is worthwhile on this model year.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 78 consumer complaints for the 2020 Kia Forte. 21 of the complaints include a mileage, and 62% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 7,000 miles. Of all complaints, 9 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 6 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 100 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 13 Kia Forte model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 25 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Steering (3), Brakes (2), Exterior lighting (1), Seat belts (1), Body and structure (1), Tires (1), Wheels (1).

Example complaints

Other or unknown: “When fueling after pump auto shut off gas will spill out, causing a gass spill. Dealership has stated there is no fix. Rear driver side window will not lower with switch. Dealership is well aware but states there are no fixes. Also coolant light came on over the dash and the coolant was low with less than 9k miles. Car is less than 1 year old and has less than 10k miles.”

NHTSA complaint #11403194, filed 2021-03, 4,000 miles

Engine: “During a day trip on 9/19/26 my 2020 Kia Forte (purchased new and well maintained) lost power and several of the dash board lights came on including check engine, traction/stability control, and collision alerts. The car entered what I was told is limp mode . I had the car towed home and after one shop misdiagnosed the problem I had it towed to the Kia dealership where purchased. I was told the engine had code p0017. …”

NHTSA complaint #11769976, filed 2026-10

Transmission and drivetrain: “On september 1st, 2020, I was at a stop and needed to go northbound on a busy intersection. I saw the opportunity to go so I stepped on the gas but my vehicle would barely accelerate which put me in harms way of oncoming traffic. For a moment there I thought I was going to get t-boned. This issue needs to get resolved as soon as possible!”

NHTSA complaint #11353191, filed 2020-09, 4,200 miles

Electrical system: “When backing up the steering, key, and wheel all lock. I was backing up so I was already going very slow. When pressing on the brake the car slows down but still moves very slow until it cant move anymore. I try to jiggle out the key and put the car in lock but I just jiggle everything until something unlocks. It has happened 3 times since I got the car in march 2020.”

NHTSA complaint #11374917, filed 2020-11, 4,500 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

62% of the 21 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 2,553 and 80,000 miles.

52%0–105%10–255%25–505%50–7510%75–10019%100–1505%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (21 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 7,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

2019202020212022202320242025202619
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2020 Kia Forte. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
Forte · sedan FWD★★★★☆4 / 3554 · 10.7% risk

Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2020 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning not available, automatic emergency braking optional.

Neighbouring years: 2019: same overall rating; 2021: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2020 Kia Forte version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Forte FWD1.6L 4-cyl7-speed automatic273530$2,250
Forte FWD1.6L 4-cyl6-speed manual253228$2,400
Forte FWD2.0L 4-cylCVT294033$2,050
Forte FWD2.0L 4-cyl6-speed manual273731$2,150
Forte FE FWD2.0L 4-cylCVT314135$1,900

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2020 Kia Forte in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 100 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 100 bulletins →

Other model years of the Kia Forte

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
20242639,0000432Too new to compareToo new
20236627,500343284 · MoreToo new
20222821,84014332 · FewerRising
20216928,438243150 · TypicalStable
2020787,000043125 · FewerRising
201915010,403243472 · MoreStable
201813633,937352850 · TypicalRising
201730540,000352878 · MoreStable
201613644,500152834 · FewerStable
201526175,000152936 · TypicalFalling
201444479,250342879 · MoreFalling
201319579,979542849 · TypicalStable
201229281,600442862 · TypicalStable
201115477,706342850 · TypicalRising
201022170,1303—2857 · TypicalStable

All Kia Forte model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Kia Forte?

Owners of the 2020 Kia Forte most often describe engine trouble — oil loss between changes, engines that had to be replaced, and engines that stalled or seized — usually at higher mileage. The issues reported most often: Engine oil loss and engine failure (stalling, seizing; Automatic transmission (IVT) slipping, revving or failing; Theft vulnerability and break-ins through rear windows.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2020 Kia Forte have?

NHTSA recorded 78 consumer complaints for the 2020 Kia Forte as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2020 Kia Forte is reported most often?

Other or unknown is named most often, in 26 complaints (33% of the total), followed by engine with 20.

Has the 2020 Kia Forte been recalled?

NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

How did the 2020 Kia Forte do in NHTSA crash tests?

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2020 Kia Forte 4 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.

What gas mileage does the 2020 Kia Forte get?

The EPA rates the 2020 Kia Forte (Forte, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 31 mpg combined, 27 city and 37 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,150 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2020 Kia Forte reported?

Among the 21 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 7,000 miles and the middle half falls between 2,553 and 80,000 miles; 62% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.