Model year 2019 · Kia

2019 Kia Forte recalls

NHTSA's recall file lists 2 safety recall campaigns for the 2019 Kia Forte. The most recent was reported on August 5, 2020. Campaigns are matched by the model names in NHTSA's records: FORTE.

NHTSA data through October 6, 2026 · How these pages are built

Campaigns at a glance

Recall campaigns for the 2019 Kia Forte, newest first
NHTSA number	Reported	Component
20V459000	August 5, 2020	Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft
18V771000	October 31, 2018	Exterior Lighting › Headlights

Systems involved: Exterior Lighting (1) · Power Train (1)

Recall records

NHTSA 20V459000Manufacturer no. SC195

Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft

Report received by NHTSA: August 5, 2020
Owner notification: September 2, 2020
Recall initiated by: Manufacturer
Units potentially affected: 834 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record: FORTE

Defect summary

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Forte vehicles. The left front axle driveshaft may not have been heat-treated, which can cause it to break.

Safety risk

A broken driveshaft can result in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left front axle driveshaft for a heat treatment verification code, and replace it if the code is missing, free of charge. The recall began September 2, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC195.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 20V459000, filed by Kia Motors America. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 18V771000Manufacturer no. SC171

Exterior Lighting › Headlights

Report received by NHTSA: October 31, 2018
Owner notification: November 30, 2018
Recall initiated by: Manufacturer
Units potentially affected: 1,754 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2019 Kia Forte: July 24, 2018 – September 17, 2018
Model names in the NHTSA record: FORTE

Defect summary

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Kia Forte vehicles equipped with LED headlights. The headlights may not have been manufactured with the correct low beam aiming. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Safety risk

If the headlights are not properly aimed, the driver may have reduced visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the headlight aiming and replace the headlights, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 30, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC171.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 18V771000, filed by Kia Motors America. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

Records reproduce NHTSA's published text for each campaign. Last record date for this page: August 6, 2020.