2017 Kia Forte Review. The instantly recognizable Kia Forte delivers a spacious interior technologically advanced features and outstanding performance. It's everything you're looking for in a compact sedan –and then some.

Top Kia Forte Problems

• Speakers Not Working Due to Software Glitch.
• Engine Problems and Failure Due to Bad Ignition Coils.
• Exterior Lighting Malfunction.
• Damaged Seats Due to Leaky Interiors.
• Malfunctioning Transmission.
• Faulty Stop Lamp Switch.

The 2023 Kia Forte gets the top “Good” rating in all but one crashworthiness category by the IIHS. It also earns a 4-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

All 2023 Forte cars feature Kia's standard Drive Wise suite of active driver assist technologies that include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane keeping. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic monitoring, automatic high-beams, and parking sensors are also available.

A well-maintained 2017 Kia Forte lasts around 250,000 miles, which is around 50,000 miles less than the long-lasting Toyota Corolla. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other compact cars according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $453 per year.

In addition, most of Kia's assembly plants are located in South Korea, and only a single plant in the U.S. Because of this, Kia can import vehicles to the U.S. tariff-free. Moreover, Kia doesn't use as many expensive metals and plastics in making their vehicles.

We recommend staying away from the 2010, 2012, 2014, 2015, and 2017 models. These may need pricey fixes and could lead to risky situations on the road at the worst time. The most apparent trouble area for the Kia Forte is in the engine.

Theta II Engine Issues This engine can be found in models made from 2012 to 2015. Unfortunately, the engine design has grown a reputation of being problematic, with notable issues that affect Fortes that are equipped with the 2.0L or 2.4L engines.

The budget-friendly, compact Forte has some positives, including simple controls and impressive fuel economy. However, it suffers from a too-stiff ride and a noisy cabin. The standard 147-hp four-cylinder pulls adequately, and the CVT provides unobtrusive progress, but the engine gets raucous when pushed.

When properly maintained, a Kia Forte can last more than 200,000 miles. However, don't be surprised if you, like many owners before, run into costly powertrain problems after 150,000 that outweigh the vehicle's value.

2020-2022 Kia Forte The first-year kinks of the 2019 Forte appear to have been worked out with the arrival of the 2020 edition (and later model years) - owner complaints are modest. So, unless something unexpected arises, the 2020-2022 editions deserve a place among the most reliable Kia Forte years.

Kia offers a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. The Rio is the most reliable Kia model and has the brand's lowest average repair costs, according to RepairPal.

2020-2022 Kia Forte The first-year kinks of the 2019 Forte appear to have been worked out with the arrival of the 2020 edition (and later model years) - owner complaints are modest. So, unless something unexpected arises, the 2020-2022 editions deserve a place among the most reliable Kia Forte years.