VehicleVerdict

2022 Kia Forte problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2022 Kia Forte is among the quieter years of the Forte on NHTSA's books: 39 complaints (81% below the model's median year), a single recall, and no open investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across other (7), engine (6), and driver assistance (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

39

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2022 compare to other Forte years?

Forte NHTSA complaints by model year, 2022 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, 2022 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Forte years to avoid →

What are the most common 2022 Kia Forte problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other718%
Engine615%
Driver Assistance513%
Steering38%
Suspension38%
Visibility & Wipers25%
Brakes25%
Seat Belts25%
Transmission25%
Airbags25%
Fuel System13%
Electrical System13%
Lighting13%
Tires & Wheels13%
Speed Control13%

Does the 2022 Kia Forte have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“Vehicle was accidentally left in drive with the engine off. Ignition key was able to be removed from ignition cylinder even though vehicle was in gear and allowed it to roll away several feet.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 10, 2023

“Hi I had my Kia forte GT 2022 for 3 years and my engine light has been on for about 3 months now . I get a check up and an oil change regularly. It comes on and goes off . I told my mechanic and he said I might have to get a new transmission. I only had this brand new car for 3 years . Is there a…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 16, 2024

“I believe that airbags/ airbag sensors have failed or malfunctioned and they are available for inspection. My safety as well as the safety of others was put at risk because the airbags should have deployed and they didn’t putting us further at risk. The problem hasn’t been confirmed or…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · October 10, 2023 · crash

“I got into an accident i On December 10th, 2023 my car was totaled out. My steering wheel felt like it was doing its own thing and I crashed straight into a curb and some rocks. I was injured and they had just fixed my steering because of the recall but I don’t know if they did it correctly ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · December 10, 2023 · crash

“I keep shutting down, not going on something with a forward assist on top of that. I have no control over my car does whatever ones and it’s very unstable Fawzy no control is very unstable very bumpy road to the point I don’t even wanna drive”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · June 6, 2023

2022 Kia Forte — common questions

Is the 2022 Kia Forte reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 39 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Forte year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2022 Forte problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (7 complaints), engine (6 complaints), driver assistance (5 complaints).

Does the 2022 Kia Forte have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2022 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 2022 Kia Forte?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2022 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.