2021 Kia Forte
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 221 |
| 2011 | 152 |
| 2012 | 289 |
| 2013 | 195 |
| 2014 | 437 |
| 2015 | 257 |
| 2016 | 130 |
| 2017 | 300 |
| 2018 | 134 |
| 2019 | 145 |
| 2020 | 71 |
| 2021 | 67 |
| 2022 | 25 |
| 2023 | 56 |
| 2024 | 22 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
33% of complaints: engine — 22 distinct reports on file.
12% of complaints: steering — 8 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
while coming to a stop, the passenger side front wheel locked up forcing the car into a sharp right had turn which put the car into a ditch, striking cement barrier at bottom of ditch. car likely totalled
NHTSA ODI report, 20210913
10% of complaints: electrical system — 7 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: power train — 6 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: air bags — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
On May 13, 2023, I was involved in a severe frontal collision on the passenger side while driving my 2021 Kia Forte. The impact caused significant damage, and my insurance company declared the vehicle a total loss.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260126
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while his mother was driving at 20 MPH and attempting to complete a left turn.
NHTSA ODI report, 20241028
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
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.
Campaign 21V164000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 22V304000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 Kia Forte — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (22 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 21V164000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V304000 (steering) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2021 Kia Forte reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Kia Forte is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia Forte?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Forte have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.