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
- 69
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2021
None on file
32% of complaints
Complaints per year
2021: 69 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 221 |
| 2011 | 154 |
| 2012 | 291 |
| 2013 | 195 |
| 2014 | 443 |
| 2015 | 262 |
| 2016 | 136 |
| 2017 | 305 |
| 2018 | 135 |
| 2019 | 150 |
| 2020 | 78 |
| 2021 | 69 |
| 2022 | 27 |
| 2023 | 65 |
| 2024 | 25 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
32% · 22 reportsSteering
13% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar.
Show 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…
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-09-13
Electrical system
13% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing key/sender and control module.
Air bags
10% · 7 reportsShow complaint excerpts
It keeps getting broken into by the KIA boys in attempt of theft. It's a group that targets KIAs because they're easy. I now have to make sure my steering wheel is locked up.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-23
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, 2026-01-26
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, 2024-10-28
Also filed under Seat belts
Power train
10% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2021-03-18Air bags21V164000 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.
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2022-05-27Steering22V304000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2021 Kia Forte — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 22 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 9 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 9 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 21V164000 · Air bags
- Recall 22V304000 · Steering
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 32% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Forte have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.