Defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
2019 Kia Forte Recall
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Frequently Asked Questions
8 common questions answered
1. What are the known NHTSA recalls for a 2019 Kia Forte?
The NHTSA has issued 13 recalls affecting the 2019 Kia Forte covering engine fires, oil pump/engine damage, air bag and occupant detection issues, brake pedal stopper pad deterioration, headlight aiming, axle driveshaft heat-treatment, cooling fan resistor overheating, seat belt retractor screws, and oil pan concerns. These recalls come from NHTSA records and Kia action notices and include corrective actions such as inspections, software updates, part replacements, and, in some cases, engine or oil pan replacement at no cost to the owner. For authoritative details you can always cross-check your VIN on NHTSA.gov or bring your vehicle to Nalley Kia in Lithonia for a no‑charge recall check and explanation.
2. How do I check if my 2019 Kia Forte has an open recall?
You can check recalls by entering your VIN at NHTSA.gov or contact Nalley Kia to verify your vehicle's status. If you prefer dealership support, bring your vehicle to Nalley Kia and we will confirm any open recalls for free and explain necessary repairs. To make it easy, schedule service online and our certified team will check your VIN, walk through any open recalls, and arrange repairs at no cost.
3. How much does a 2019 Kia Forte recall repair cost?
Recall repairs for the 2019 Kia Forte are free of charge when performed under the manufacturer's recall program. Nalley Kia covers recall work with OEM parts and factory-trained technicians at no cost to the customer; we also honor Kia’s recall remedies such as software updates, part replacements, and, where required, more extensive repairs. If you need it, ask our service advisors about service financing to get repairs done now and pay later, and check our service specials for other maintenance offers.
4. Can I get my 2019 Kia Forte recall fixed at an independent shop or do I need a dealer?
Manufacturer recall repairs must be completed by an authorized dealer to ensure OEM parts, correct diagnostic procedures, and to maintain proper repair records; we strongly recommend a certified Kia dealer like Nalley Kia. Independent shops may perform some maintenance, but recall repairs involve manufacturer-supplied parts, software, or inspection procedures that only franchise dealers reliably provide under the recall program. Bring your vehicle to Nalley Kia in Lithonia or schedule service online so factory-trained technicians can complete the recall correctly and at no cost.
5. How long does a 2019 Kia Forte recall repair take?
Repair times vary by recall; simple inspections and part swaps can take a few hours, while more complex repairs like engine replacement or oil pan work may take longer. At Nalley Kia we provide an estimated turnaround when you schedule appointment; most common recall fixes for the 2019 Kia Forte are completed the same day or within 1–2 days depending on parts availability. If faster scheduling helps, check our service specials and call ahead — our service advisors will prioritize safety-critical recalls and offer service financing if needed.
6. Does an open recall affect my 2019 Kia Forte's trade-in or resale value?
An unresolved recall can reduce resale and trade-in value because many buyers and dealers check NHTSA records and VIN history before purchase. Completing recall work at a franchise dealer like Nalley Kia documents that safety issues were corrected with OEM parts and factory-trained technicians, which helps protect the vehicle's value. Use our online trade tool at sell-your-car-online.htm and bring proof of completed recall repairs from Nalley Kia to maximize trade-in offers.
7. Can I fail a state inspection because of an unresolved 2019 Kia Forte recall?
Some recalls involve safety systems (air bags, brakes, lights) that could affect inspection status or safety certifications; unresolved safety-related recalls can present issues during inspection. Addressing recalls promptly at Nalley Kia ensures your 2019 Kia Forte meets safety standards required by state inspections and reduces the risk of inspection failure. If you’re unsure, schedule service and our service team will verify recall status and complete required work at no cost; we also offer service financing for non-recall repairs.
2019 Kia Forte Recall Summary
These entries are drawn from NHTSA records; Nalley Kia in Lithonia, GA performs all manufacturer recall remedies at no cost. To protect safety and value, schedule service or view our service specials and let our factory-trained technicians complete your recall repairs using OEM parts.
Recall Service & Dealership Highlights
Safety Risks You Can't Ignore
Prompt recall repair protects you and your passengers from proven hazards reported to the NHTSA. The 2019 Kia Forte is listed in the NHTSA records with recalls that include engine compartment fire risk, potential oil pump and oil pan failures that can cause engine damage or stalling, air bag control unit and occupant detection issues that can disable frontal airbags or misidentify child restraints, brake pedal stopper pad deterioration that may leave brake lights illuminated or permit unintended gear shifts, and left front axle driveshaft heat-treatment concerns that can break and cause loss of drive power. Ignoring these recalls can increase risk of injury, reduce roadway safety, and may affect insurance or inspection outcomes. Nalley Kia’s factory-trained technicians prioritize safety: we inspect, document, and complete manufacturer-mandated repairs using OEM parts at no cost under Kia’s recall program. For the Lithonia community and nearby areas such as Roswell, Alpharetta, and the greater Atlanta region, addressing recalls promptly means safer driving and peace of mind—please schedule service to have your 2019 Kia Forte inspected for all open recalls. We also publish rotating service specials to help with non-recall maintenance and offer service financing so you can get the work you need now and pay over time.
Your Certified Recall Experts
Nalley Kia is the authorized Kia franchise dealer serving Lithonia, GA and the surrounding communities, and we specialize in manufacturer recall repairs for the 2019 Kia Forte. Our technicians are factory-trained and use OEM diagnostic equipment and Kia-approved repair procedures to ensure recalls are resolved correctly. When Kia’s recall remedy requires software updates, part replacements, or inspections, only an authorized dealer can reliably access the required parts and technical service bulletins and document the repair with the manufacturer. Choosing Nalley Kia ensures you receive genuine Kia parts, proper warranty handling, and accurate repair documentation—at no cost for recall work. We serve drivers throughout the greater Atlanta area, including Roswell and Alpharetta, and we prioritize safety-critical repairs. To make recall service convenient, schedule service online or call our service center; you can also review our current service specials. We provide clear timelines, free VIN-based recall checks, and financing options for unrelated maintenance, making Nalley Kia the trusted local source for 2019 Kia Forte recall repairs.
Check Your VIN Today
If you suspect an open recall on your 2019 Kia Forte, the most reliable first step is a VIN lookup at NHTSA.gov or a free dealer check at Nalley Kia. Our service advisors will pull your VIN, confirm any open campaigns or safety notices, and explain what the NHTSA records indicate. When you bring your vehicle in, expect a clear inspection process: we verify the affected components—like LED headlight aiming, left front axle heat-treatment codes, or cooling fan resistor conditions—document findings, and apply the manufacturer’s corrective action, which may include part replacements or software updates at no charge. Typical inspection and minor part replacements are often completed the same day; more extensive engine or oil pan work is scheduled and completed as quickly as parts and safety protocols allow. To avoid delays, schedule appointment online and review our service specials for added convenience. We also offer service financing for non-recall repairs, so you can address maintenance promptly while keeping recall repairs free and prioritized.
Protect Your Resale Value
Open recalls can negatively affect trade-in and resale value because many buyers and dealers check NHTSA records and vehicle history before purchase. Resolving recalls for the 2019 Kia Forte at a certified Kia dealership like Nalley Kia guarantees repairs are recorded with the manufacturer and completed using OEM parts and factory-trained technicians, which preserves vehicle safety documentation and improves buyer confidence. When recalls are unresolved, potential buyers may reduce offers or refuse a transaction; lenders and insurers may also flag vehicles with outstanding safety campaigns. Completing recall work protects your investment and makes the vehicle more marketable. If you’re considering a trade or sale, get your recalls addressed at Nalley Kia—then use our online appraisal tool at sell-your-car-online.htm to see how a clean recall record can improve trade-in value. We serve Lithonia and the greater Atlanta area and offer service financing for other maintenance so your vehicle is safe, compliant, and ready for sale.
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Recall Summary
13 recalls found · All repairs FREE
Engine
FREE4 OPEN RECALLS
Consequence
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Corrective Action
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia is currently developing a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software update, which when available, will be performed by dealers free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.
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Engine4
FREE4 OPEN RECALLS
Defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
Consequence
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Corrective Action
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia is currently developing a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software update, which when available, will be performed by dealers free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.
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Air Bag2
FREE2 OPEN RECALLS
Defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.
Consequence
If the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Corrective Action
The remedy for this recall is still under development. The recall is planned to begin on July 27, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.
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Brake2
FREE2 OPEN RECALLS
Defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Forte and Forte Koup vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. This will allow the brake lights to remain illuminated continuously. It can also allow the shift lever to be moved without depressing the brake pedal, or activate the engine management brake pedal override feature.
Consequence
If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 30, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC158.
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Seat Belt1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2013 Forte vehicles manufactured September 10, 2012, to October 31, 2012. The screws that hold the front seatbelt retractor retaining plates may not have been properly tightened, and as a result, the seatbelt retractor retaining plates may break in a crash.
Consequence
If a retaining plate breaks during a crash, pieces of the plate could strike the occupants, increasing risk of injury.
Corrective Action
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace both front seatbelt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. The recall began July 1, 2016. Kia's number for this recall is SC132.
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Electrical System1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2014 Kia Forte vehicles manufactured December 5, 2012, to April 17, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the cooling fan resistor may overheat and melt.
Consequence
If the cooling fan resistor overheats and melts, there is an increased risk of a vehicle fire.
Corrective Action
Kia will notify owners, and for vehicles produced from December 5, 2012 to January 27, 2014, dealers will replace the cooling fan resistor and multi-fuse unit. For vehicles produced from January 28, 2014 to April 17, 2014, dealers will replace the multi-
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Headlight1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
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
Consequence
If the headlights are not properly aimed, the driver may have reduced visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
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.
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Axle Shaft1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
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.
Consequence
A broken driveshaft can result in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
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.
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Oil Pan1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Forte vehicles equipped with a 2.0L Nu MPI engine. Foreign particles may stick inside the oil pump, which may cause an oil pump failure and engine damage.
Consequence
A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the oil pan, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin June 11, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC210.
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