Kia · Forte · 2016
2016 Kia Forte
1
Recall
127
Complaints
5/5
NCAP overall
The 2016 Kia Forte has 1 recall and 127 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. One stored NHTSA configuration has an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars, not a rating for all versions. Most frequent stored component label: engine (52 reports).
Stored NHTSA configuration: 2016 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD NCAP Vehicle ID: 10010
Ratings describe one stored NHTSA configuration, not every trim, body style or drivetrain for this model year. How this configuration is selected
Source: NHTSA Public Records
NHTSA source checks for this vehicle year
- Complaints
- Separate successful check not recorded.
- Recalls
- Separate successful check not recorded.
- Safety ratings
- Separate successful check not recorded.
- Investigations
- Separate successful check not recorded.
- Manufacturer communications
- Separate successful check not recorded.
Checks are recorded separately for each dataset, not for the whole page. Dates use UTC. A missing check date does not mean no records exist.
Vehicle import recorded: Apr 28, 2026. This is the stored import date, not confirmation that every source was successfully refreshed.
Research Context
The 2016 Kia Forte page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most frequent complete stored component label is engine with 52 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to understand what owners were actually reporting instead of relying only on the raw complaint total.
- Review the recall section even if the total is smaller, because a limited number of recalls can still point to meaningful safety actions.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2016 Kia Forte currently shows 1 NHTSA recall listed on this page and 127 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows 5/5 overall NHTSA rating for one stored configuration, not all versions.
- The most frequent complete stored component labels on this page are engine (52), air bags (12), electrical system (11).
- Vehicle
- 2016 Kia Forte
- Recalls
- 1
- Complaints
- 127
- Stored Configuration Overall Rating
- 5/5. Stored NHTSA configuration: 2016 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD. NCAP Vehicle ID: 10010.
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Configuration Test Results
Stored NHTSA configuration: 2016 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD NCAP Vehicle ID: 10010
Ratings describe one stored NHTSA configuration, not every trim, body style or drivetrain for this model year. How this configuration is selected
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
No rollover risk estimate available in this dataset
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: NoLane Departure Warning: No
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 21V622000August 09, 2021
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Forte 4-door, Forte Koup 2-door, and 2018-2019 Rio 4-door vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
Remedy Status
Dealers will replace the trunk latch assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 10, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC216.
Owner Complaints
127 totalENGINE
Feb 28, 2026
While driving on I-95 at 60mph the car began to jump as it attempted to shift gears and the speed stalled to where it slowed down to 20mph and would not go any faster. The car slowed while I was in the fast lanes of the highway and I had to work my way to the right to the slower ...
Preview excerpt
ENGINE
Jan 5, 2026
Point 1)CVVT pin was sheared off. Not available for inspection, was replaced and discarded by KIA. Point 2)The vehicle had a rough start and stalled out while stopping. Had to have the car towed to the dealership. Point 3) UNKNOWN Point 4) No Point 5) The Check Engine Light would...
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AIR BAGS
Nov 19, 2025
I am filing a formal complaint regarding serious safety and mechanical problems with my vehicle. The brakes do not function properly and I have to add brake fluid every few days, which indicates a possible leak or brake system failure. This creates an extremely dangerous driving ...
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EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 18, 2025
Headlights shut off entirely multiple times when switching to high beams on dark road, almost causing an accident. Multi-function switch failing the exact way the Sorento switches are failing, confirmed by mechanic. This is a severe hazard when driving at night. There was no warn...
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ENGINE
Sep 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed and then stalled. The contact stated that the "Battery" s...
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EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Sep 2, 2025
I own a 2016 Kia Forte LX and have been experiencing repeated and dangerous electrical failures with the headlight and lighting system. When I turn on the headlights, they sometimes do not come on at all, or they shut off unexpectedly while driving. In some cases, using the turn ...
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ENGINE
Aug 5, 2025
I purchased the 2016 Kia Forte on [XXX] from Bald Hill Kia in Warwick, RI. Within the first 30 days, there was a knocking noise which turned out to be the knocking sensor. I took the car to be checked on 11/1/2022 and paid to replace the knock sensor. On [XXX], the knock sensor a...
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ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Aug 1, 2025
Instrument panel lighting and radio lighting flicker constantly while driving. When the headlights are on, the headlights will also turn and off on their own, constantly. Because of this, I can not drive this car at night, in the early morning, in the rain, or whenever my headlig...
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ENGINE
Jul 24, 2025
1. NHTSA Safety Complaint Draft Vehicle Info: Make: Kia Model: Forte5 SX Year: 2016 VIN: [XXX] Engine: 1.6L GDI (G4FJ Nu engine) Issue: This vehicle uses the 1.6L GDI Nu engine (engine code G4FJ), which is the same engine involved in Kia’s engine defect recalls and class actio...
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ENGINE
Jul 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal to merge onto the highway, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to ...
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Showing 10 recent complaints from 127 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2016 Kia models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
More Kia Forte Years
2017 Kia ForteCompare this year against 2016 for complaint and recall shifts.3r296c2015 Kia ForteCompare this year against 2016 for complaint and recall shifts.1r254c2018 Kia ForteCompare this year against 2016 for complaint and recall shifts.3r133c2014 Kia ForteCompare this year against 2016 for complaint and recall shifts.3r432c2019 Kia ForteCompare this year against 2016 for complaint and recall shifts.2r140c2013 Kia ForteCompare this year against 2016 for complaint and recall shifts.5r195c
More 2016 Kia Models
2016 Kia SorentoAnother 2016 Kia option for same-year comparison.8r1,215c2016 Kia SoulAnother 2016 Kia option for same-year comparison.2r787c2016 Kia OptimaAnother 2016 Kia option for same-year comparison.5r733c2016 Kia SedonaAnother 2016 Kia option for same-year comparison.4r284c2016 Kia SportageAnother 2016 Kia option for same-year comparison.2r129c2016 Kia RioAnother 2016 Kia option for same-year comparison.2r75c
Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Kia Forte have?
The 2016 Kia Forte has 1 recall recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2016 Kia Forte?
NHTSA has received 127 owner-reported complaints for the 2016 Kia Forte.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2016 Kia Forte?
Our stored NHTSA record for the 2016 Kia Forte has an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. Stored NHTSA configuration: 2016 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD. NCAP Vehicle ID: 10010. Ratings describe one stored NHTSA configuration, not every trim, body style or drivetrain for this model year.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Kia Forte?
The most frequent complete stored component labels for the 2016 Kia Forte are engine (52 reports), air bags (12 reports), electrical system (11 reports). These are exact-label counts, not broader component-group totals or confirmed defects.
Does the 2016 Kia Forte have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 1 recall on record for the 2016 Kia Forte. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.