Recalls, complaints, and safety data from NHTSA
The 2021 Kia Forte has 2 recalls, 64 complaints, and a 4-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.
2
Recalls
64
Complaints
★★★★★
Safety Rating
Data source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) · Last updated April 7, 2026
21V164000
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021 Telluride, K5, and Forte vehicles. The Occupant Classification and Detection System (OCS/ODS) unit ...
22V304000
STEERING:COLUMN
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 ...
Overall
★★★★★
Front Crash
★★★★★
Side Crash
★★★★★
Rollover
★★★★★
Rating for: 2021 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD
| Date ↓ | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 2, 2026 | ENGINE | Oil is burning out quickly causing the car to stop abruptly without any warning and caused damages t... |
| Jan 10, 2026 | ENGINE | Was currently stuck in slow walking traffic and once traffic began to progress the car overheated en... |
| Sep 29, 2025 | SEAT BELTS | So i took my car to sands kia in surprise az about my seat belts. Both the front driver and passenge... |
| Jul 14, 2025 | ENGINE | I am writing to report a serious safety concern involving my Kia vehicle. Shortly after getting an o... |
| Jul 5, 2025 | ENGINE | My 2021 Kia forte GT is currently sitting in my driveway, undriveable. It started about 3months or s... |
| Jul 4, 2025 | ENGINE | 2021 Kia Forte VIN# [XXX] 107,000 miles While driving my Kia Forte on [XXX] i experienced a sudden ... |
| Jun 27, 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | HVAC blower motor connector got so hot it has melted the plactic |
| Jun 10, 2025 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2021 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, there was an abnormal ra... |
| Apr 18, 2025 | POWER TRAIN | Transmission, yes it’s available. I was driving on the highway and the vehicle began jerking and re... |
| Mar 1, 2025 | STEERING | Component/System Involved: Electric Power Steering (EPS) – specifically, a potential malfunction wit... |
| Mar 1, 2025 | ENGINE | On Saturday, March 1, 2025, I took my 2021 Kia Forte LXS for a routine oil change. I had NO PRIOR is... |
| Jan 25, 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The transmission went out while driving, entering the highway. It was intermittently missing a gear... |
| Dec 1, 2024 | AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS | Passenger air bag/seat belt goes off like someone is sitting in passenger seat but no one is. Have t... |
| Nov 20, 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | This car was sold to me without disclosing that the manufacture failed to have a engine security sys... |
| Jun 20, 2024 | ENGINE | I get regularly scheduled oil changes but the car is making a noise like a rod knock |
| Apr 12, 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The rental vehicle, a Kia Forte, was provided by a major rental company without addressing the criti... |
| Mar 2, 2024 | STRUCTURE | The hood on my car seems to be loose as it rattles when closed and driving. It does appear to be la... |
| Mar 1, 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Driving down the highway and sunroof exploded. Sounded like a gun shot |
| Feb 3, 2024 | STEERING | The electric steering column motor has worn parts causing the steering wheel to make a rubbing noise... |
| Feb 1, 2024 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The issue I’m having was confirmed by the dealership so when I drive on the highway, there’s a speci... |