Kia Forte, representative photo
Representative model. Photo: Mr.choppers, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recalls & complaints · NHTSA data

2016 Kia Forte recalls

Every recall campaign and owner complaint NHTSA has on file for the 2016 model year. Not every vehicle is affected by every campaign: check a specific car by VIN below.

Recall campaigns
1
Park-it warnings
0
Complaints
138
Latest campaign
Aug 9, 2021

Recall summary by component1

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h
ComponentCampaignsLatestCampaign IDs
Latches/locks/linkages1Aug 9, 2021

Safety recalls1

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h
0Park-it warnings
0Fixable over the air
Aug 9, 2021Latest campaign
Aug 9, 202121V622000

Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid latch

A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.

DetailsHide details for campaign 21V622000
What's wrong
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.
Remedy
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.
Campaign
NHTSA 21V622000 · Aug 9, 2021
To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the Kia recall lookup. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer (federal law; see limits).

Owner complaints by component138

NHTSA Complaints API · cached ≤24 h
138Complaints filed
16Involving a crash
6Involving a fire
13Injuries reported
ComponentShareComplaints%CrashesFiresInjuries
Engine6849232
Electrical system2216020
Power train1612220
Unknown or other1511111
Vehicle speed control1410100
Air bags1391119
Exterior lighting107000
Service brakes107100
Fuel/propulsion system64010
Wheels64000
Steering54000
Structure54120
Electronic stability control (ESC)43000
Suspension32100
Forward collision avoidance21000

9 more components with fewer complaints not shown. An owner can tag several components, so percentages add up to more than 100. Complaints are unverified owner reports, de-duplicated by NHTSA ODI number, merged from NHTSA model names Forte, Forte Koup.

Latest reports

  • Electrical system

    “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.”

    Filed 10/03/2026 · ODI 11768780
  • Engine

    “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.”

    Filed 08/31/2026 · ODI 11760909
  • Insert

    “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.”

    Filed 08/21/2026 · ODI 11758465

Other Kia Forte model years

Other Kia models

2016 Kia Forte recall questions

How many recalls does the 2016 Kia Forte have?

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign for the 2016 Kia Forte. The most recent, 21V622000 (reported August 9, 2021), concerns latches/locks/linkages. Not every vehicle is covered by every campaign; check a specific car by VIN.

What is the most common complaint about the 2016 Kia Forte?

Engine is the most-reported component, named in 68 complaints out of 138 filed with NHTSA (49%). Across all complaints, owners reported 16 crashs and 6 fires. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How do I check if a recall is open on my 2016 Kia Forte?

Enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the Kia recall lookup. That shows campaigns still unrepaired on that exact car. Safety recall repairs are free at a franchised Kia dealer.

Check a specific Kia by VIN

0/17
Free · No signup · US-market vehicles, 1981+

Need the factory options too? See the Kia build sheet & window sticker guide.