Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2023 Forte5.
The 2023 Kia Forte5 is a compact hatchback that carries over its powertrain from the sedan variant, and while specific engine specifications were carried over from previous model years, this model year represents a continuation of the Forte lineup's long-running production on a shared global platform; the vehicle accumulated 97 owner complaints with the fuel and propulsion system emerging as the primary concern, alongside four safety recalls issued for the model year, placing it within a period of the Forte's history where reliability metrics show elevated complaint levels compared to some earlier generations, suggesting prospective buyers should factor these documented issues into their purchasing considerations.
Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.
Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.
From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 121R · 550 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Overall length | 178 in |
| Overall width | 70.9 in |
| Overall height | 56.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in |
| Curb weight | 2864 lb |
| Track (front / rear) | 60.2 / 60.2 in |
| Weight distribution (front / rear) | 61/39 |
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
Torque lug nuts to 79.0-94.0 ft-lbs.
| Lug Nuts | 79.0-94.0 ft-lbs |
| Standard BCI Group Number | 121R |
| Standard BCI Cranking Performance | 550 cca |
| Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum) | 70.0-75.0 psi |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
Owner complaints about the 2023 Kia Forte5 lead in one area — the fuel/propulsion system, 19 of 97 reports (20%), well ahead of the next concern. None of this vehicle's 4 recall campaigns target the fuel/propulsion system, so those reports read as owner-reported wear-and-tear rather than an acknowledged defect. 6 of the reports describe a crash and 0 a fire — a small share of the total, but worth weighing against the fuel/propulsion system pattern above. These are tallies of what owners actually reported to the federal government, not an editorial score — and higher-selling models naturally rack up more reports.
All 97 complaints on record, top 8 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 2 of 4 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
Kia Motors, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Sorento and 2021-2023 K5 vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which… Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge…
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 K5 vehicles. The side curtain air bags may have been installed incorrectly, causing them not to deploy properly in the event of a crash. Remedy: Dealers will inspect and reinstall the side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 7, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer…
Showing 5 of 68 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSB_ELE422 | 2026-05-27 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATE USING UPDATE.KIA.COM… |
| TSB_ELE417 | 2026-04-14 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SOFTWARE UPDATE PROCEDURE - This bulletin… |
| TSB_BOD350 | 2026-03-10 | Structure | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER ACTION: CHROME TRUNK LID MOLDING REPLACEMENT… |
| SC288_TSB_R6_CLSD | 2026-01-16 | Fuel/Propulsion System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: FUEL TANK AND/OR PCSV… |
| PS797 | 2025-12-09 | Back Over Prevention | PITSTOP: TECHNICAL OPERATIONS: EXTERNAL DAMAGE TO ULTRASONIC SENSOR: This Pitstop… |
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.