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2019 Kia Forte maintenance schedule

The 2019 Forte is part of the BD generation (2019-2024), sold as a sedan. Below: its service intervals with the source behind each one, the fluids it takes, the problems owners report for this year, and the NHTSA recalls issued for it.

Service schedule

What the 2019 Forte needs, and when

All 11 of these items come from Kia's own published schedule. Manufacturer rows link to Kia's own schedule, Independent rows to a service shop or parts retailer's published guide.

ServiceIntervalSource
Engine oil and filter

5,000 miles for turbo/severe

7,500 mi / 1 yearManufacturer
Engine air filter

Inspect at 15,000

30,000 mi / 2 yearsManufacturer
Cabin air filter

More frequent in dust

15,000 mi / 1 yearManufacturer
Tire rotation

Essential for FWD

7,500 mi / 6 monthsManufacturer
Brake fluid

Inspect every 8,000 miles

48,000 mi / 4 yearsManufacturer
Engine coolant

Then every 24,000 miles / 24 mo

120,000 mi / 10 yearsManufacturer
Transmission fluid

Inspect at 60,000; replace severe

Inspect, replace as neededManufacturer
Spark plugs

42,000 miles for 1.6T

97,500 miManufacturer
Serpentine belt

Inspect; replace if worn

60,000 mi / 4 yearsManufacturer
PCV valve

Inspect at 15,000

Inspect, replace as neededManufacturer
12V batteryInspect, replace as neededManufacturer

Intervals are for normal driving; towing, short trips, extreme heat or dust shorten them.

Fluids and engines

What goes in it

Engine oil
0W-20 / 5W-30, 4.23 qt
Coolant
Ethylene Glycol
Transmission fluid
SP-CVT1 / DCT Gear Oil

Powertrains in this generation

  • 2.0L 4-cyl (Nu MPI), 147 hp, CVT (IVT) / 6MT, FWD
  • 1.6L 4-cyl (Gamma T-GDI), 201 hp, 7DCT / 6MT, FWD

Confirm the exact spec against the owner's manual or the label under the hood; capacities vary by engine and drivetrain.

Known problems

What 2019 Forte owners run into

Problems reported for this model year, with the mileage they tend to show up at. Buying past a window is not automatically a pass - it just needs to be priced in.

IVT transmission failure

high severity

20,000-60,000 mi · $3,000-$4,500 to fix

Shuddering, limp mode

Source: repairpal.com

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA recalls for the 2019 Kia Forte

From NHTSA's recall database, matched by model and year. Recall repairs are free at Kia dealers, and a given car may already be fixed or fall outside a campaign, so check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you buy.

Power train

NHTSA 20V459000

August 2020

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.

Remedy: 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.

Exterior lighting

NHTSA 18V771000

October 2018

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, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Remedy: 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.

Running costs

What maintenance typically costs

A typical year of maintenance
$451
Five years of maintenance
$2,255
The major service near 100,000 mi
$650

Typical US independent-shop estimates for this generation; they vary by region and condition.

Other Forte model years

BD (2019-2024)

201920202021202220232024

Shopping new? The Kia Forte guide covers the current model, with what it costs to keep for 1 to 15 years.

Sources

Researched 2026-09-16. Modeling, not mechanic advice - always confirm against your car's owner's manual and service records.

Running a Forte for income?

Carlyle scores the exact listing on cost per remaining mile and projected Turo income, so you know what a 2019 Forte earns before you buy it.

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