2016 Kia Forte Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2016 Forte
3
Engine complaints Check
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (2 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 2 NHTSA complaints
Insert complaints Check
Ask the seller about any history in this area and have a mechanic inspect it. (1 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 1 NHTSA complaints
Padding complaints Check
Ask the seller about any history in this area and have a mechanic inspect it. (1 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 1 NHTSA complaints
Open recalls
1
Latches/Locks/Linkages Red flag
A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
The 30-point checklist
30
0 / 30 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2016 Forte–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Kia Forte have?
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2016 Forte. The most serious involve Latches/Locks/Linkages (21V622000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2016 Forte?
The top complaint areas are Engine (2 complaints) and Insert (1 complaints), out of 3 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2016 Forte?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Engine, which drew 2 complaints for this model-year.