2016 Kia Forte problems and complaints

Owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Kia Forte. The most-reported areas: Engine (2), Electrical System (1), Exterior Lighting (1).

Key takeaways

  • 4 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
  • 0 involve a crash, 0 a fire, 0 reported injuries.
  • Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
Complaints by component
ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine250%
Electrical System125%
Exterior Lighting125%
Insert125%
Padding125%

One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

NHTSA 5-Star crash ratings
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
2016 Kia Forte 5 HB FWDNot ratedNot rated5/54/5
2016 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD5/54/55/54/5

Latest complaints, as filed

Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.

Electrical System,exterior Lighting - filed 2026-10-03

The Headlights and ALL exterior lights FLICKER or TURN OFF ENTIRELY while driving, especially when touching the Multi-Function Turn Signal Stalk to signal a turn. This can and HAS happened when the Headlights are switched on any mode: MARKER LIGHTS, HEADLIGHTS, or AUTO. I can be driving, Headlights are on AUTO - sudden...

Engine - filed 2026-08-31

Im getting denied dued to engine failure but whoever had the vehicle before didn't follow up with the ksds update, I just purchased the vehicle on June 30th,2026, I need this fixed ASAP because I still owe on this car.

Insert, Padding - filed 2026-08-21

When I have the windows down, I can see the headrest flapping in the wind. I took the cover off and discovered that the styrofoam had broken in half. I used foam adhesive to bind it together. Once again, windows down and the headrest is still flapping in the wind. Look underneath the cover and this time the Styrofoam i...

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More for the 2016 Kia Forte

Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.