Is the 2023 Kia Forte a good car?
An honest AI verdict — reliability, common problems, and real cost to own.
B8/10
The Kia Forte LXS offers strong value with great fuel economy and reliability, though it lacks a bit in performance punch.
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Pros
- Excellent fuel economy
- Good value for money
- Ample interior space
Cons
- Mediocre acceleration
- Basic interior materials
Ownership at a glance
Fuel economy
29 mpg
Maintenance cost
$1,500/yr
Expected lifespan
200,000 miles
Common problems to watch for
- Infotainment system glitches
- Minor transmission quirks
CarsJudge exclusive data
Active recalls (3)
The 2023 Kia Forte has 3 NHTSA recalls on record. Most recent: Suspension — Front — Control Arm — Lower Arm (campaign 24V244000). All recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
- Steering — Linkages — Knuckle — Spindle — Arm — 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.…
- Suspension — Front — Control Arm — Lower Arm — 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.…
- Suspension — Front — Control Arm — Lower Arm — 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.…
Recall data: NHTSA. Owner costs & MPG: anonymized aggregates from CarsJudge users who track this vehicle. Updated 2026-07-05.
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This AI-generated assessment is general guidance only, not a substitute for a professional inspection. Always inspect a used vehicle before purchase.