repaired · 2024 Q1
Steering: column
Risk. Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
2021 Kia ForteProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 69 owner complaints about the 2021 Kia Forte, most often about the engine. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 22V-304 the manufacturer reports only 60% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 4, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: SsmIntrigue, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Kia Forte has problems
69 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
22Engine
9Steering2 crash/fire/injury
8Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
7Power train
7Air bags6 crash/fire/injury
4Seat belts
3Fuel/propulsion system
3Tires
3Structure
128 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 22 | 0 |
| Steering | 9 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 8 | 1 |
| Power train | 7 | 0 |
| Air bags | 7 | 6 |
| Seat belts | 4 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 3 | 0 |
| Tires | 3 | 0 |
| Structure | 3 | 1 |
| 8 other systems | 12 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2021 Kia Forte recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2022 Q4
Air bags: air bag/restraint control module
Risk. 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.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Kia.
Best & worst years
2021 vs. every other Forte year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Forte median. How we score
'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2021 Kia Forte safety ratings
2021 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (10.7% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Standard
In owners' words
What Forte owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Driving under normal conditions April 20,2026, on the way to school. Got off the freeway and the vehicle immediately shut-off and the check engine light came on. Vehicle was stuck partially in the roadway and would not move. Vehicle was towed to Kia dealership and they found that there was no oil…
To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting a formal complaint regarding a serious safety issue involving my 2021 Kia Forte. Approximately one year ago, I purchased this vehicle used with approximately 56,000 miles. I have owned the vehicle for nearly a year without prior incident until a recent and…
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Forte. While driving at various speeds, the check engine warning illuminated. The vehicle would start to vibrate. The vibration was more evident while slowing down or stopping at traffic lights. The vibration and the warning light had become a recurring failure. After…
Own a 2021 Forte?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.