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 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
23% of complaints: steering — 13 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATH16% of complaints: electrical system — 9 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
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, 20221220
14% of complaints: engine — 8 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow 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, 20240105
13% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 7 distinct reports on file.
INJURY11% of complaints: suspension — 6 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 22V906000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 23V649000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 24V244000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2023 Kia Forte — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 22V906000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V649000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V244000 (suspension) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 23% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2023 Kia Forte have?
3 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.