Buy Kia Forte Door Handles

Quick Facts

The Kia Forte door handle-also called a door grip, latch handle, or pull-is a small but vital part that lets you open, lock, and secure every door on the sedan, hatchback, or Koup. Most outside handles are molded from tough ABS plastic and painted to match the body; some trims add chrome caps or touch-sensor keyless entry pads. Common problems are cracked plastic tabs, broken return springs, and loose linkage rods, all of which can leave you stuck outside the car. Average repair cost sits a little above $200 for parts and labor, yet the job is an easy, one-hour DIY for many owners.

Fitment & Generations

• First Generation (2009-2013 TD) - Uses a simple pull-type outside handle secured by one Torx screw and a hidden clip behind the small key-hole cap (Wikipedia).
• Second Generation (2014-2018 YD) - Adds optional chrome skins and early "smart entry" pads that unlock the door when you touch the sensor (eBay).
• Third Generation (2019-Present BD) - Keeps a body-color pull but relocates the keyhole under a snap-out plug and offers proximity unlocking on upper trims (YouTube).
• Sedan, five-door hatch, and two-door Koup share the same mechanical design; front and rear are mirror-image parts-just order left-hand (LH) or right-hand (RH) as needed (YouTube).

Materials & Construction

• Most handles are injection-molded ABS plastic, light yet strong against daily pulls (Amazon).
• A steel striker bar and die-cast zinc inner lever link the grip to the door latch.
• Weather-seal gaskets keep water out of the cavity and prevent rust on the door shell.
• Chrome or piano-black caps snap on top for style without changing the core shell (eBay).

Common Issues

• Snap-off tabs - Forum polls show rear handles fail first because kids tug harder on them (Forte Forums).
• Rod unhooked - If the lock works but the outside lever no longer opens, the metal rod has likely popped out of its plastic clip (Reddit).
• Paint flake - Daily fingernail scratches chip thin clearcoat; touch-up pens fix minor spots (PaintScratch).
• Sensor not reading - Dirt or a blown 15-A fuse can disable the smart-key touch pad (Kia).

DIY Replacement

1. Pop the small access plug in the door jamb and loosen the single 10-mm bolt (it will not fall out) (YouTube).
2. Slide the key-hole cap rearward and pull it off.
3. Wiggle the handle toward the rear, then outward to free the hook.
4. Unclip the linkage rod and electrical connector (smart handles only) (YouTube).
5. Reverse the steps with the new part; test lock, unlock, and alarm before re-installing the plug.

Cost Breakdown

• Exterior handle + hardware: ≈ $71 in parts; labor ≈ $140; national average total ≈ $211 (YourMechanic).
• Interior pull or bezel is cheaper, usually under $40 before paint (Kia Parts Now).
• A faulty lock actuator-often blamed when the grip feels fine-runs $323-$383 installed (RepairPal.com).

Color Matching

• Kia prints its two-digit paint code (e.g., ABP for Aurora Black Pearl) on the driver-side door jamb label (PaintScratch).
• Order spray cans or touch-up sticks by code, not by color name, because the same code can carry different market names .
• For a perfect blend, wet-sand the old clearcoat lightly, spray three thin color coats, then finish with clear.

Smart Entry Tech

• Higher trims use a capacitive pad hidden on the inside edge of the pull; touching it with the key fob nearby unlocks the door (YouTube).
• Aftermarket carbon-fiber-look replacements keep the sensor and simply swap shells (eBay).
• Advanced designs from suppliers like Marquardt can even detect a gloved hand while ignoring rain droplets (marquardt.com).

Safety & Recalls

• While no Forte-specific recall targets the outside pull, a 2021 campaign covered latch components in 2016-2018 sedans because the trunk might not open from inside (Cars.com).
• A loose handle can keep side-impact sensors from classifying the door as closed-check twice after any repair.

Upgrades & Accessories

• Clip-on chrome caps freshen faded handles without full replacement (eBay).
• Stick-on carbon-look covers add grip texture and resist fingerprints (Amazon).
• LED puddle-light kits tuck inside the cavity to project a logo every time you approach.

Environmental Impact

Door grips are small, but they are among the most frequently replaced trim items. Recycling old ABS shells keeps plastic out of landfills and can be done at most municipal centers that accept #7 plastics (Forte Forums). Choose paint with low-VOC formulas to reduce solvent fumes during touch-up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What tools do I need to change a Kia Forte outside door handle?
A: A plastic trim pry tool, PH-2 screwdriver, 10-mm socket, and a small pick for the rod clip are usually all you need (YouTube).

Q: Why did my rear door grip snap off in cold weather?
A: Freezing temps make the ABS plastic more brittle; a sudden yank stresses tiny retaining tabs and they shear (Forte Forums).

Q: My keyless-entry pad stopped working-what's first to check?
A: Wash off dirt, then inspect the 15-amp "door lock" fuse in the under-dash box; a blown fuse kills the sensor (Kia).

Q: Can I swap a chrome pull onto my base model?
A: Yes-first and second gen cars share mounting points, so a painted, black, or chrome shell will bolt right on (eBay).

Q: How do I know the right color before I order?
A: Read the two-character code on the door-jamb VIN sticker; "ABT" might be Clear White, for example (PaintScratch).

Q: Is there a torque spec for the handle screw?
A: Kia does not publish one, but the 10-mm bolt is a machine-thread that seats into a plastic nut-snug, not tight, is best (about hand-tight plus a quarter turn).

Q: The latch works from inside but not outside-what failed?
A: Most likely the rod slipped out of its oval plastic clip; re-seat the rod and the outside lever will work again (Reddit).

Q: Can I paint a new primed handle myself?
A: Yes-scuff with 600-grit, spray three light coats of color, then clear; bake in the sun for two days before washing (PaintScratch).

Q: Do all Fortes have smart-key handles?
A: No-LX trims from any generation use a regular mechanical pull with no touch sensor (YouTube).

Q: Are there any safety recalls on the outside lever?
A: As of May 2025, no recall lists the exterior pull itself, but latch-related trunk issues were recalled for some 2016-2018 models (Cars.com).

Q: How long does a replacement take at home?
A: Most owners finish in under an hour on their driveway (YouTube).

Q: Will a broken handle trigger the air-bag light?
A: No, but driving with a door that can't latch fully can disable side airbags, so always secure the latch before travel.

Q: What's the part number for a 2024 Forte GT left-rear outside pull?
A: One catalog lists it as 83650-CV020 (check the final two letters for exact paint code) (Kia Parts Now).

Q: Is there a green alternative?
A: Re-using lightly used salvage handles or ordering recycled plastic replacements cuts manufacturing CO₂.

Enjoy smoother entries and exits by keeping your Kia Forte door handles clean, tight, and color-matched-and bookmark this guide for any future DIY fix!