VehicleVerdict

2023 Kia Forte problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2023 Kia Forte is among the quieter years of the Forte on NHTSA's books: 94 complaints (54% below the model's median year), 3 recalls, and no open investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 3 deaths and 8 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across driver assistance (22), steering (13), and electrical system (9), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

94

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

16

Crash-involved

7

Fires reported

8

Injuries

3

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2023 compare to other Forte years?

Forte NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 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, 2023 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Forte years to avoid →

What are the most common 2023 Kia Forte problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Driver Assistance2223%
Steering1314%
Electrical System910%
Engine89%
Transmission77%
Other66%
Suspension66%
Airbags55%
Body & Structure44%
Visibility & Wipers33%
Brakes33%
Lighting33%
Speed Control22%
Fuel System22%
Latches & Locks11%

Does the 2023 Kia Forte have recalls?

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

24V244000SuspensionApril 1, 2024 · 215 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

Front lower control arm failure can cause a sudden loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC306. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 23V-649.

23V649000SuspensionSeptember 22, 2023 · 3,866 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

Front lower control arm failure can cause a sudden loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC283.

22V906000SteeringDecember 8, 2022 · 939 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.

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. Kia's number for this recall is SC259.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“The contact owns a 2023 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed when the vehicle inadvertently merged to the right lane while the lane assist feature was active. The contact stated that lane assist feature failed to alert her that the vehicle had merged. As a…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · August 14, 2023 · crash

“Unknown Concerning the front passenger steering component. Carfax showed prior accident with minor damage to the front passenger bumper. I purchased the car not long ago and and was hit in the same exact spot. When I looked up the VIN for more information online I came across the safety issue with…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · January 1, 2026 · crash

“Never been in a accident on my second engine and had the transmission replaced now I have oil in my coolant and my screen stoped working but think it’s grime be dealership be I took it some ware and there found wires that was cut ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 11, 2023

“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... ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 2, 2024 · fire

“I’ve had my car at the dealer four times now within the first 10k miles to get its FOURTH transmission replacement. Kia will not replace the transmission with a brand new one however settles for used refurbished transmissions with Used parts. Which have been failing on average of 1000 to 1500…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 7, 2023

2023 Kia Forte — common questions

Is the 2023 Kia Forte reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 94 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Forte year, with 3 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2023 Forte problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are driver assistance (22 complaints), steering (13 complaints), electrical system (9 complaints).

Does the 2023 Kia Forte have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2023 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 2023 Kia Forte?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2023 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.