Kia Forte 2021 recalls, problems, complaints and safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls issued for the Kia Forte 2021 and 69 complaints filed by owners. It has 28% fewer complaints than the average Kia Forte from 2016–2024 (95 per year).

These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.

Recalls issued for the Kia Forte 2021

Steering
NHTSA campaign 22V304000 · 2022-05-05

What happens

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rio and Forte vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.

Consequence

Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will tighten the lower steering column u-joint retention bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall SC235.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 22V304000

Air bags
NHTSA campaign 21V164000 · 2021-03-11

What happens

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021 Telluride, K5, and Forte vehicles. The Occupant Classification and Detection System (OCS/ODS) unit may not detect the presence of a child restraint system in the front passenger seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

In the event of a crash, deployment of the front passenger air bag, with a child in that seat, can increase the risk of injury to the child.

Remedy

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCS/ODS unit, free of charge. The recall began March 18, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC207.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 21V164000

Complaints from other owners

69 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.

11 with a crash · 7 injuries

Most reported problems on the Kia Forte 2021

• Engine: 22 (32% of complaints)
• Steering: 9 (13% of complaints)
• Electrical system: 8 (12% of complaints)
• Powertrain and transmission: 7 (10% of complaints)
• Air bags: 6 (9% of complaints)

Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.

What to check before buying a Kia Forte 2021

• Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
• Start it cold, listen for noises, look for oil or coolant leaks and exhaust smoke.
• The wheel should be centered going straight, with no vibration, noises when turning or stiffness.
• Test lights, windows, locks, the screen and dashboard warning lights; have trouble codes scanned.
• Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.

Safety rating (NCAP)

Kia Forte recalls by year

• 2016 : 1 recalls · 4 complaints
• 2017 : 3 recalls · 305 complaints
• 2018 : 3 recalls · 136 complaints
• 2019 : 2 recalls · 147 complaints
• 2020 : 0 recalls · 78 complaints
• 2021 : 2 recalls · 69 complaints
• 2022 : 1 recalls · 28 complaints
• 2023 : 3 recalls · 64 complaints
• 2024 : 0 recalls · 26 complaints

Frequently asked questions

How many recalls does the Kia Forte 2021 have?

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls issued for the Kia Forte 2021. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.

What is the most common problem with the Kia Forte 2021?

In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: engine (22 of 69 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.