2020 Kia Forte Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2020 Kia Forte recalls

No safety recalls on file for the 2020 Kia Forte.

Most common 2020 Kia Forte problems

Problem areas named in the 78 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Unknown Or Other	26
Engine	20
Power Train	16
Electrical System	11
Forward Collision Avoidance	6
Air Bags	5
Vehicle Speed Control	4
Steering	3
Lane Departure	3
Fuel/Propulsion System	3

What owners report

2026-10-08, Engine
During a day trip on 9/19/26 my 2020 Kia Forte (purchased new and well maintained) lost power and several of the dash board lights came on including check engine, traction/stability control, and collision alerts. The car entered what I was told is "limp mode". I had the car towed home and after one shop misdiagnosed the problem I had it towed to the Kia dealership where purchased. I was told the engine had code p0017. I was sent a document that the "phaser sheared off p0017 exhaust cam and cvvd gear timing off-recommend long block-cvvd replacement may still have engine damaged after replacement" with a price of $9053.39 attached. Kia service manager is supposed to be seeing about assistance

2026-10-06, Engine
My engine is failing due to excessive oil consumption despite having proof of regular oil changes and maintenance. My car has been inspected, and the dealer has stated this is due to a known manufacture defect. My safety and others are at risk because my car stalls when I decrease speed and I cannot accelerate fast enough to get up to the speed limit creating a risk anytime the speed limit changes or when I am using an on ramp to get onto an interstate or highway. Kia dealer has confirmed the issue and is currently working on an estimate for a new engine. The Kia dealer is the manufacturer of my vehicle. The warning sign before this happened was my car stalled a couple times, then the check

2026-09-21, Engine
The engine has failed in this vehicle just like it has in other 2.0L kia vehicles 2020-2026. The piston rings have failed and the pistons have all pitted or developed holes in them just like in the recall 25V-099/kia safety recall SC336

2026-09-09, Unknown Or Other
The infotainment screen is de-laminating.

2026-08-25, Air Bags
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bags warning light illuminated and then went off. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the air bag warning light was again illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,900.

2020 Kia Forte questions

Does the 2020 Kia Forte have any recalls?

No. NHTSA has no safety recalls on file for the 2020 Kia Forte at this time.

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Kia Forte?

Based on 78 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Unknown Or Other (26), Engine (20), Power Train (16).

How do I check if a recall on my 2020 Kia Forte has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.