KiaForte2023Overview/kia/forte/2023/base/

2023 Kia Forte

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2023 Forte.

The 2023 Kia Forte enters its fourteenth model year with 56 total owner complaints logged and three recalls issued, positioning it well below the nameplate's peak complaint volume of 437 recorded in 2014. Power Train issues dominate the current complaint profile, a pattern that warrants attention given the system's centrality to drivability. Across the 2009–2024 model span, the Forte's complaint trajectory has ranged from a single report in its debut year to the 2014 high-water mark, and the 2023 figure suggests a return toward the lower end of that historical band. For researchers, this places the current generation in a comparatively favorable reliability context, though the concentration of Power Train reports and active recalls merits targeted scrutiny.

Model year20242023202220212020201920182017

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Lug nut torque79.0-94.0 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

Tail / brake / turnEXTOEM · verified
Tire size225/40ZR18/XL (92Y)OEM · verified
Wheel / rim7.5 inOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length182.7 in
Overall width70.9 in
Overall height56.7 in
Wheelbase106.3 in
Curb weight2769 lb
Track (front / rear)60.6 / 60.6 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)61/39

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Forte of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

6.4–8.7 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.40 sec — 2022 GT Sedan
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2022GT Sedan 1.6L Turbo I-46.40 sec14.90 sec201 hpFWD
2020GT Sedan 1.6L Turbo I-46.70 sec15.00 sec201 hpFWD
2019EX Sedan 2.0L I-48.10 sec16.40 sec147 hpFWD
2019EX Sedan 2.0L I-48.10 sec16.40 sec147 hpFWD
2019EX Sedan 2.0L I-48.20 sec16.40 sec147 hpFWD
2019EX Launch Edition Sedan 2.0L I-48.70 sec16.70 sec147 hpFWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

Torque lug nuts to 79.0-94.0 ft-lbs.

Engine torques

Engine Flywheel Bolts53-56 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts79.0-94.0 ft-lbs

Service checks

Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)70.0-75.0 psi

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages

Prep M6 bolts: Step 1: 52 inch lbs.

2104-112 inch lbs.; M8 bolts: Step 1: 7 ft. lbs.104–112 in
214-17
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages
113-16 ft. lbs.13–16 ft. lbs
290
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages
113-16 ft. lbs.13–16 ft. lbs
290

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

At 6,000 miIntercooler (inspect)
Every 6,000 miSteering Linkage (inspect)
At 8,000 miCabin Air Filter (inspect)
Every 8,000 miAir Conditioning System (inspect) · Battery (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect)
Every 12,000 miIntercooler (inspect)
Every 16,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Fuel Evaporative Canister Filter (inspect) · Fuel Line (inspect)
At 32,000 miEngine Coolant System (inspect fluid level)
Every 48,000 miBrake Hydraulic System (drain, refill & bleed)
Every 60,000 miEngine Valves (inspect valve lash)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The federal record indicates a significant long-term reduction in regulatory activity for the Forte, with complaints falling from a peak of 437 in 2014 to 56 in the 2023 model year. However, the 2023 model represents a slight deviation from the immediate downward trend, showing an increase in complaints, recalls, and Technical Service Bulletins compared to the 2022 model year's 25 complaints and 1 recall. While the 56 reported complaints are substantially lower than historical highs, the data lists top concern areas including Power Train, Air Bags, and Steering, alongside 4 fire-related complaints. This uptick appears temporary, as the 2024 record shows a subsequent drop to 23 complaints and zero recalls, suggesting the 2023 issues did not persist into the next cycle. The presence of 3 recalls and 45 Technical Service Bulletins marks specific regulatory and service attention, though the data does not specify the root causes for the reported power train or air bag concerns. Despite the slight spike relative to 2022, the 2023 Forte is a viable used purchase relative to earlier generations, provided a buyer verifies that the three recorded recalls have been addressed.

3
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
45
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
56
Owner complaints
10 involved a crash · 4 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★
Frontal★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 56 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Power Train6
Air Bags4
Steering4
Forward Collision Avoidance3
Steering,Suspension3
Lane Departure3
Unknown Or Other2
Structure2

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 3 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

22V906000Steering:Linkages:Knuckle:Spindle:ArmReported 08/12/2022

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Forte vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the front left steering knuckle may crack, which can result in a loss of steering control. Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front left steering knuckle, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 12, 2023. Owner may contact Kia…

23V649000Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower ArmReported 22/09/2023

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Forte vehicles. The right front lower control arm may have been improperly welded, which can cause it to fail. Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will replace the right front lower control arm, free of charge. Owner notification…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 45 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
TSB_ELE4222026-05-27Electrical SystemTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATE USING UPDATE.KIA.COM…
TSB_ELE4172026-04-14Electrical SystemTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SOFTWARE UPDATE PROCEDURE - This bulletin…
PS7972025-12-09Back Over PreventionPITSTOP: TECHNICAL OPERATIONS: EXTERNAL DAMAGE TO ULTRASONIC SENSOR: This Pitstop…
TSB_GEN1032025-11-13Unknown Or OtherTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TIRE MOBILITY REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides…
TSB_TRA046_R52025-04-17Power TrainTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Forte. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

Does the 2023 Forte have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.