2019 Kia Forte: problems, recalls and what it’s worth
2 recall campaigns to confirm with a dealer.
Ask for the VIN and check it, then get a pre-purchase inspection.
Known problems on the 2019 Kia Forte
No generation-wide weak spot is flagged in GarageIntel’s research for this year and model. A specific car can still have its own problems, so get it inspected.
2019 Kia Forte recalls
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2019 Kia Forte. Repairs are free at a dealer for the brand, and a dealer can confirm by VIN which were already done.
- Transmission & drivetrain
A broken driveshaft can result in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Details 20V459000
Kia 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.
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left front axle driveshaft for a heat treatment verification code, and replace it if the code is missing, free of charge. The recall began September 2, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC195.
- Lights
If the headlights are not properly aimed, the driver may have reduced visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Details 18V771000
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Kia Forte vehicles equipped with LED headlights. The headlights may not have been manufactured with the correct low beam aiming. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the headlight aiming and replace the headlights, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 30, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC171.
2019 Kia Forte safety investigations and free repairs
No open safety investigations.
Free repairs to ask about (warranty extensions):
- Doors and locks: Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition system should a locked vehicle be the subject of a break-in and theft attempt without the key.
A dealer for the brand can check these by VIN.
Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.
2019 Kia Forte safety and fuel
From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.
What owners complain about
147 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, about average.
Share of complaints that mention each area. One complaint can mention several.
What a 2019 Kia Forte is worth
Rough trade-in values — roughly what a dealer would pay — by mileage, from published trade-in guides. Private sales and dealer prices run higher. For the exact car, add its VIN.
| Mileage | Trade-in (rough) |
|---|---|
| 80,000 mi | $8,300 |
| 120,000 mi | $7,713 |
From new to now
New, a 2019 Kia Forte started at about $17,790. At a typical 84,000 miles today it trades in for about $8,241 — roughly 54% less.
Typical mileage = 12,000 miles a year; values between two published mileages are estimated in a straight line. “New” is the base price (cheapest version) as published, give or take destination fees; higher trims cost more.
Other Kia Forte years
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Printable inspection checklist · Out-the-door price calculator