2016 Kia Forte recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2016 Kia Forte and 4 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (2), electrical system (1), exterior lighting (1). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 24–30 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
The 2016 has the fewest owner complaints of any Forte model year from 2012 to 2024. It has 1 recall vs. an average of 2.2 per model year.
Recalls 1
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2016 Kia Forte. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Latches/locks/linkages · trunk lid · latch
Problem: 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."
Risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
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 - suddenly - ALL HEADLIGHTS/EXTERIOR LIGHTS FLICKER OR TURN OFF. I h…
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.
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 is broken into multiple pieces.
Safety ratings
2016 Kia Forte 5 HB FWD
2016 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2016 Kia Forte.
Forte
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L
Regular
Forte
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 1.8 L
Regular
Forte 5
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 1.6 L · Turbo
Regular
Forte 5
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Kia Forte have?
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2016 Kia Forte, most recently for latches/locks/linkages · trunk lid · latch (08/09/2021). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Kia Forte?
Based on 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (2), electrical system (1), exterior lighting (1).
Is the 2016 Kia Forte safe?
The 2016 Kia Forte earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2016 a good year for the Kia Forte?
The 2016 has the fewest owner complaints of any Forte model year from 2012 to 2024. It has 1 recall vs. an average of 2.2 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Kia Forte get?
EPA ratings for the 2016 Kia Forte range from 24 to 30 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
Own a 2016 Kia Forte in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved November 2, 2026. NHTSA model names used: FORTE, Forte.