Recalls ·2019 Kia Forte FE

2019 Kia Forte FE recalls and complaints

NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2019 Kia Forte FE; the most frequently affected component is power train — axle shaft. Owners filed 40 complaints, most often about engine. Among the 6 model years of this model in the database, 2019 ranks #1 for number of recalls.

Recalls2
Complaints40
Crashes reported2in stored complaints
Fires reported3in stored complaints

Check your own vehicle by VIN at NHTSA →

Recalls (2)

Power train — Axle shaftCampaign 20V459000 · 05 Aug 2020

Problem: 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.

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

Remedy: 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.

Exterior lighting — HeadlightsCampaign 18V771000 · 31 Oct 2018

Problem: 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."

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

Remedy: 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.

What owners complain about

Share of the 40 most recent complaints stored for this model year, by component. Owners can list more than one component.

Engine18 · 45%
Electrical system8 · 20%
Unknown or other8 · 20%
Exterior lighting6 · 15%
Power train5 · 12%
Lane departure3 · 8%
Engine and engine cooling3 · 8%
Forward collision avoidance3 · 8%

When complaints were filed

20248
202515
202617

From owner complaints

CarPlay digital screen is bubbling on the right side, up the top and now to the left part of the screen. I was told by Kia Service it would take $1200 to repair and to use it til it breaks. I googled this issue and learned a lot of Kia cars from 2019 have the same issue. This bubbling is caused by the car heating up…

Back over prevention · Jun 2024 · NHTSA complaint record

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the rear brake lights failed to illuminate while depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, the contact stated that the A/C was blowing hot air. Additionally, the front and rear passenger’s side windows were rolling down…

Electrical system · Nov 2024 · NHTSA complaint record

October 2, 2025 @ approximately 7:30a. I was heading east on I-10 on my way to work when I seen white smoke coming from under my car. I pulled over, noticed it was on fire. There was a man passing by who seen me & was nice enough to stop & put the fire out. The firefighter then stated my oil pan came a loose and…

Engine · Nov 2025 · NHTSA complaint record

I am writing to report a recurring and potentially dangerous issue with my Kia Forte. My vehicle has randomly failed to start on multiple occasions, requiring a jump start. More concerning, it has also shut off while I was driving, which is extremely alarming and could have resulted in a serious accident. These…

Electrical system · Oct 2025 · NHTSA complaint record

How this year compares

Recalls per model year for this model.

Related pages

Source

Recall and complaint records from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A recall listed here may not apply to every vehicle of this model year — always check your VIN with NHTSA or a dealer.