Kia Forte 2023 recalls, problems, complaints and safety
NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls issued for the Kia Forte 2023 and 64 complaints filed by owners. 2 of them carry a do-not-drive or park-outside warning until repaired. It has 33% 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.
Own or buying a Kia Forte 2023? Enter its VIN to see its exact trim and engine, and confirm on NHTSA whether its recalls were repaired.
Recalls issued for the Kia Forte 2023
Suspension
NHTSA campaign 24V244000 · 2024-04-01 !
NHTSA and the manufacturer advise NOT to drive this vehicle until it is repaired.
What happens
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Forte vehicles. The right front lower control arm may have been improperly welded, which can cause it to fail.
Consequence
Front lower control arm failure can cause a sudden loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will replace the right front lower control arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 17, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC306. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 23V-649.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Suspension
NHTSA campaign 23V649000 · 2023-09-22 !
NHTSA and the manufacturer advise NOT to drive this vehicle until it is repaired.
What happens
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Forte vehicles. The right front lower control arm may have been improperly welded, which can cause it to fail.
Consequence
Front lower control arm failure can cause a sudden loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will replace the right front lower control arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 27, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC283.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Steering
NHTSA campaign 22V906000 · 2022-12-08
What happens
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Forte vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the front left steering knuckle may crack, which can result in a loss of steering control.
Consequence
A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the front left steering knuckle, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 12, 2023. Owner may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC259.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Complaints from other owners
64 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.
11 with a crash · 4 with a fire · 5 injuries · 1 deaths
Most reported problems on the Kia Forte 2023
- Steering: 14 (22% of complaints)
- Forward collision avoidance: 10 (16% of complaints)
- Electrical system: 10 (16% of complaints)
- Engine: 9 (14% of complaints)
- Suspension: 8 (13% 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 2023
- Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
- The wheel should be centered going straight, with no vibration, noises when turning or stiffness.
- Ask whether the system braked on its own for no reason ("phantom braking") and whether software updates are pending.
- 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)
| Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
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 2023 have?
NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls issued for the Kia Forte 2023. 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 2023?
In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: steering (14 of 64 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.
Model-level information from official NHTSA sources. Confirm by VIN on NHTSA. Not a substitute for a mechanical inspection.
Last updated: October 14, 2026. Sources: NHTSA vPIC (decoding), NHTSA Recalls, NHTSA Complaints and NHTSA NCAP (5-Star Safety Ratings).