While some years have fared better than others, Kia’s subcompact Forte has built a reliable reputation. Provided you follow the suggested service schedule, a Forte from any model year should reach 150,000 to 200,000 miles.
Key Points
- Slotted right above the Rio in the Kia lineup, Forte owners across the internet claim of reaching 150,000 to 200,000 miles on little more than regular maintenance.
- Driving an average of 12,000 miles per year, expect roughly 13 to 17 years of service out of a Kia Forte before mechanical repairs put longevity in question.
- Considering a 2012 Kia Forte has a starting Blue Book value of around $5,400, the unit might not be worth replacing should the motor fail, which runs around $4,000.
- Forte engines from 2012 to 2015 are likely to fail before 100,000 miles, costing upward of $5,000 to replace. 2019 models use a new CVT known to fail with just 10,000 miles.
- Kia Fortes from 2016-2018 are the most reliable and have the best chance to reach 150,000 miles or more. Models from 2020 and newer still require more time on the road.
How Long Will a Kia Forte Last? Owners Regularly Boast 150,000 to 200,000 Problem-free Miles, or Up to 17 Years of Service Before Repair Bills Start Mounting
The subcompact Forte debuted for 2010 to replace Kia’s longstanding Spectra sedan. Three generations later, the Forte remains, slotted right above the Rio in Kia’s lineup.
As for how long a Kia Forte will last, online forums like Forte Forums, and Vehicle History owner reviews, show the car should reach 150,000 to 200,000 miles or more before needing major repairs. Driving 12,000 miles per year, that’s about 13 to 17 years of service.
“I have 183,000 miles on my car, and it still runs like it is brand new,” says Vehicle History reviewer Anita D. about her 2010 Kia Forte. “I have kept up with routine maintenance.”
Sara B., a 2012 Kia Forte owner, shares, “This vehicle is super reliable! I have had it for two years and have driven it across America without a single problem. It is at almost 130,000 miles, and it is still going strong.”
What makes one Kia Forte last longer than another? Longevity typically comes down to how well the vehicle has been maintained, but driving habits also factor in.
Routine Maintenance is the Best Way to Bolster the Longevity of a Kia Forte, Including Changing the Oil Every 3,000-5,000 Miles
A good rule of thumb is to consider retiring a vehicle once you encounter a repair totaling around 75 percent of the car’s Blue Book value.
As an example, a 2012 Kia Forte LX, with average miles, has a starting value of about $5,400. With an engine replacement running at least $4,000 to $4,500, you might be better off investing in a newer vehicle.
Engine and transmission repairs tend to be the costliest, so servicing its components should be a top priority. Changing the oil and oil filter helps keep the engine’s internals free from buildup. Kia suggests changing the engine oil and filter every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
Other routine services include flushing the transmission fluid, changing the spark plugs, and maintaining the cooling system. Be sure to visit Kia’s service page for full maintenance details on any Kia year, make, or model.
First-generation Kia Fortes have Problems with Engine Knock, Often Requiring that the Motor be Replaced for Upwards of $5,000
Looking closer at complaints from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, some Forte years are more reliable than others.
First-generation Fortes (2010 to 2013) offer either 2.0L or 2.4L engines. Both are known to make knocking/clicking sounds that ultimately lead to the engine needing replaced. The problem also affects second-gen. models (2014 to 2017) from 2014 and 2015.
Owners report replacing the engine before 100,000 miles, spending as much as $5,000.
While it doesn’t account for all failure reports, Kia recalled almost 300,000 units over the 2.0L and 2.4L motors, including the Forte. A manufacturer’s defect was found that could cause the engine to fail and catch fire.
For the third-generation Forte, Kia switched to a Continuously Variable Transmission. However, automotive site Car Complaints shows models from 2019 are prone to CVT failure at around 10,000 miles.
How Long Will a Kia Forte Really Last? Expect to Clock at Least 150,000 Miles Before Longevity Becomes Questionable
When properly maintained, a Kia Forte can last more than 200,000 miles. However, don’t be surprised if you, like many owners before, run into costly powertrain problems after 150,000 that outweigh the vehicle’s value.
Your best bet is to think twice about models from 2010 to 2015 over potential engine failure and reconsider Fortes from 2019 over problematic first-year CVTs.
Regardless, always have a trusted mechanic inspect a high-mileage Kia Forte for signs of regular maintenance. If you’re shopping for the latest Kia Forte, the automaker debuted the model’s fourth generation for 2022, but more time is needed to gauge its longevity.
Photos: Kia