2019 Kia Forte
2019 Kia Forte
Overview
The 2019 Kia Forte is generally considered a reliable compact sedan, offering a good balance of features, fuel efficiency, and value. It was designed to compete in a crowded segment, and Kia focused on delivering a dependable daily driver. While most owners report a positive ownership experience with minimal unexpected repairs, like any vehicle, there are specific areas where some owners have encountered issues. This analysis focuses on documented technical reliability concerns beyond routine maintenance, providing insights into potential problem areas for the 2019 model year across its various configurations.
Engine
2.0L MPI (G4LD)
No Major Issues
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: N/A
1.6L Turbo GDI (G4FJ)
No Major Issues
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: N/A
Transmission
6-Speed Manual
No Major Issues
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: N/A
CVT (Kia’s own design)
Hesitation/Jerking
- Symptoms: Some owners report occasional hesitation or slight jerking during acceleration or low-speed maneuvers. This can sometimes be related to software calibration.
- Solution: Software update or recalibration by a dealership. In rare cases, internal transmission issues may require repair or replacement.
- Cost: $100 - $150 (software update), $2000 - $4000 (replacement)
Suspension
Standard Chassis
No Major Issues
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: N/A
Electrical
Standard Electrical System
Infotainment System Glitches
- Symptoms: Occasional freezing, unresponsiveness, or connectivity issues with the infotainment screen and associated functions (e.g., Apple CarPlay/Android Auto).
- Solution: Software updates for the infotainment system. A hard reset of the system may also resolve temporary glitches.
- Cost: $0 - $100 (software update/diagnostic)
Exterior
Body Panels and Trim
No Major Issues
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: N/A
Interior
Cabin Materials and Features
No Major Issues
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: N/A
Summary Verdict
The 2019 Kia Forte stands out as a reliable choice in the compact car segment. The powertrain options, including both the naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines, have shown good durability. The manual transmission is generally trouble-free. While the CVT has had some isolated reports of hesitation, these are often resolved with software updates and do not indicate widespread mechanical failure. Electrical gremlins, primarily related to the infotainment system, are also minor and typically addressable. Overall, the Forte offers a dependable ownership experience with a low likelihood of significant mechanical or electrical issues beyond typical wear and tear.