2023 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
- 65
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Steering
Campaigns on file for 2023
None on file
22% of complaints
Complaints per year
2023: 65 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.
Steering
22% · 14 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Unknown. During a basic collision Avoidance maneuver performed by myself on the highway at speed of aprox 60MPH the steering suddenly became non-responsive, resulting in my inability to maintain directional control and cause a collision.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-06
Also filed under Suspension and power train
Forward collision avoidance
22% · 14 reportsMost commonly citing warnings and automatic emergency braking.
Electrical system
17% · 11 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Front left tire blew out, plastic liner became shredded due to it. Beneath that plastic liner sits the main electrical wiring harness which rubs against the wheel creating sparks leading to total engine fire and…
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-13
Also filed under Wheels
Good morning, I want to report extreme safety concerns about my KIA Forte GT - Line 2023.When I first came home with the car days later the car shut off in the middle of the street while driving just one house up from my house.
NHTSA ODI report, 2022-12-20
Also filed under Service brakes and vehicle speed control
Electrical system failed while operating vehicle on major highway. All lights flashed, system shut off, power steering locked up.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-24
Engine
14% · 9 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The car caught fire on the highway. Per firemen there was a problem with the engine and fuel and it caught fire in under 3 minutes...
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-01-05
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made abnormal knocking sounds. No warning light was illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-24
Suspension
12% · 8 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The right front lower control arm has completely broken/fractured during operation.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-09
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2023-01-12Steering22V906000 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.
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.
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R
2023-09-27Suspension23V649000 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.
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.
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2024-04-17Suspension24V244000 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.
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2023 Kia Forte — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Steering: 14 reports on file for this year.
- Forward collision avoidance: 14 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 11 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 22V906000 · Steering
- Recall 23V649000 · Suspension
- Recall 24V244000 · Suspension
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2023 Kia Forte reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2023 Kia Forte is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2023 Kia Forte?
- The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2023 Kia Forte have?
- 3 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.