2019 Kia Forte

The 2022 Forte with traditional key ignition lacks an engine immobilizer, making it one of the most targeted vehicles in the widely publicized theft technique using a USB cable to bypass the ignition. Theft rates spiked over 1,000% in some cities, and some insurers refused coverage.

Kia provides a free anti-theft software update that extends alarm duration and adds ignition security. Kia also offers free steering wheel locks. Visit owners.kia.com/us/en/recalls.html or call 1-800-333-4542 to check eligibility.

A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack, resulting in a complete loss of steering control. This is an extremely dangerous condition that can occur without warning.

Kia issued recall SC235 for 2021-2022 Forte (and Rio) vehicles. Dealers will tighten the lower steering column U-joint retention bolt free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022.

The Intelligent Variable Transmission (Kia's CVT) can exhibit significant hesitation during acceleration, a rubber-band effect where the engine revs high before the vehicle moves, and in severe cases complete transmission failure. Some owners report the IVT failing at very low mileage.

Kia has released TCU software updates to improve IVT shift responsiveness. TSB SC199 addresses decreased or delayed acceleration. In severe cases, the IVT may need replacement under the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Multiple Forte owners report paint chipping and peeling prematurely, particularly on the hood, roof, and front fenders. White and light-colored vehicles seem most affected. The paint may bubble before peeling away, exposing bare metal to corrosion.

Document the paint damage with photos and bring the vehicle to the dealer. Kia extended the paint warranty on some colors and model years. Reference Hyundai/Kia paint warranty extension TSB TXXW for applicable coverage. File a complaint with NHTSA to support future recall action.

Some 2022 Forte vehicles with the 2.0L Nu engine exhibit excessive oil consumption between scheduled oil changes. Owners may notice the oil level dropping below the minimum mark, triggering the low oil pressure warning light. Continued driving with low oil can cause catastrophic engine damage.

Have the dealer perform an oil consumption test per Kia's procedure. If consumption exceeds 1 quart per 1,000 miles, the engine may qualify for internal repair or replacement under the powertrain warranty. Kia has extended engine warranty coverage on certain Nu engines.

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.

A broken driveshaft can result in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

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."

If the headlights are not properly aimed, the driver may have reduced visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.