VehicleVerdict

2021 Kia Forte problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2021 Kia Forte sits mid-pack among Forte years: 95 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 202, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (22), other (18), and electrical system (10), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

95

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

14

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

9

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Forte years?

Forte NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted639 complaints2009: 1 complaints2010: 317 complaints2011: 213 complaints2012: 403 complaints2013: 272 complaints2014: 639 complaints2015: 323 complaints2016: 195 complaints2017: 431 complaints2018: 188 complaints2019: 213 complaints2020: 95 complaints2021: 95 complaints2022: 39 complaints2023: 94 complaints2024: 40 complaints
Forte NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Forte years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Kia Forte problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine2223%
Other1819%
Electrical System1011%
Steering99%
Transmission77%
Airbags66%
Tires & Wheels55%
Seat Belts33%
Driver Assistance33%
Fuel System33%
Body & Structure33%
Brakes22%
Seats11%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Lighting11%
Speed Control11%

Does the 2021 Kia Forte have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V304000SteeringMay 5, 2022 · 30 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.

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.

21V164000AirbagsMarch 11, 2021 · 142 units

Defect

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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

In the event of a crash, deployment of the front passenger air bag, with a child in that seat, can increase the risk of injury to the child.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“Was currently stuck in slow walking traffic and once traffic began to progress the car overheated engine notice appeared. Pulled into a parking lot as soon as car was parked the vehicle turned off. This happened during the night and was an extremely traumatic experience! Car does have a diagnosis…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 10, 2026

“DECEMBER 2,2020 I WAS DRIVING ON ROUTE 33 WEST AND EXITED THE EXIT AT CANAL WINCHESTER. I WAS DRIVING TOWARDS THE LEFT SIDE OF RAMP AND THE STEERING WHEEL TOOK CONTROL AND SLAMMED ME INTO A CEMENT BARRIER. WEATHER WAS 44 DEGREES AND AT 4 PM IN THE EVENING.*DT*JB*JB*DT*DT*JB*JB*DT*JB*JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 2, 2020 · crash

“A defect in 2021 Kia Forte vehicle engine start and security systems allows for the rear window to be broken without an alarm activation and the car to be started without a key or key-like device. The vehicle can be started with something as simple as a screwdriver. Vehicles of this make and model…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 5, 2022 · crash

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · September 13, 2021 · crash

“Vehicle has issues where transmission actuator will stop functioning causing sudden loss of acceleration. Was doing 70 MPH in expressway and vehicle stopped accelerating. Issue has occurred two times, both times being serviced by Dealership, after receiving the vehicle back, issue still persists,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 25, 2022

2021 Kia Forte — common questions

Is the 2021 Kia Forte reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 95 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Forte year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2021 Forte problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (22 complaints), other (18 complaints), electrical system (10 complaints).

Does the 2021 Kia Forte have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 Kia Forte. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Kia Forte years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Forte years to avoid are 2014, 2017, 2012, 2015, 2010, 2013, 2011. The cleanest record among Forte years belongs to 2009.

How safe is the 2021 Kia Forte?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 Kia Forte earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.