2023 Kia Forte

▲ Better than typical
2023 Kia Forte
RENDERED 2026-09-16T22:16:10.476Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Kia Forte Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2023 highlighted. 2009: 1 complaints 2009 2010: 221 complaints 2011: 153 complaints 2011 2012: 290 complaints 2013: 195 complaints 2013 2014: 440 complaints 2015: 259 complaints 2015 2016: 135 complaints 2017: 301 complaints 2017 2018: 135 complaints 2019: 147 complaints 2019 2020: 75 complaints 2021: 67 complaints 2021 2022: 26 complaints 2023: 61 complaints 2023 2024: 24 complaints 2024
2023: 61 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
20091
2010221
2011153
2012290
2013195
2014440
2015259
2016135
2017301
2018135
2019147
202075
202167
202226
202361
202424

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

STEERING 23%

23% of complaints: steering — 14 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATH
Show 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, 20260906

Also filed under SUSPENSION and POWER TRAIN

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 21%

21% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing warnings and automatic emergency braking.

INJURY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 16%

16% of complaints: electrical system — 10 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show 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

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, 20260824

ENGINE 15%

15% of complaints: engine — 9 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show 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

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, 20260724

SUSPENSION 13%

13% of complaints: suspension — 8 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

The right front lower control arm has completely broken/fractured during operation.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260809

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20230112 — steering

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

R 20230927 — suspension

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

R 20240417 — suspension

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 (14 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (13 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (10 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

▲ 2021 ▲ 2020 ● 2018

WORST YEARS

■ 2014 ■ 2017 ◆ 2012

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 23% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2023 Kia Forte have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.