Kia Forte Recalls

The KIA Forte has 30 recalls spanning 2010 through 2023, with the most serious recent issue affecting 2023 models where the right front lower control arm can fail due to a faulty weld and the left front steering knuckle can crack, either of which can cause a sudden loss of steering control.

The 2023 model year carries three distinct structural concerns at the front end: the right front lower control arm can separate from the crossmember, the left front steering knuckle can crack and break, and a separate lower control arm weld defect can also cause the arm to fail while driving. All three can result in abrupt loss of vehicle control.

The 2021-2022 model years have a steering column bolt that may not be properly secured, allowing the column to detach from the steering rack and leave the driver with no steering input. The 2021 model year also has a passenger seat occupant classification sensor that may fail to detect a child restraint in the front seat, which can cause the front passenger airbag to deploy toward a child in a crash.

The 2019 model year has a left front axle shaft that can break if it was not properly heat treated, causing a sudden loss of drive power and potential rollaway if the vehicle is parked without the parking brake applied. The 2019 model also has LED headlights that may have been aimed incorrectly from the factory, reducing forward visibility at night. On 2017-2018 models, metal particles can accumulate in the oil pump, reducing oil pressure and potentially stalling the engine. A separate airbag control unit issue on 2017-2018 models can damage the circuit board and prevent airbags from deploying in a crash.

The 2016-2018 model years have a trunk latch that can be damaged and prevent the trunk from being opened from the inside, trapping anyone inside. The 2014 model year has a cooling fan resistor that can overheat and melt, raising the risk of a vehicle fire, and brake lines that can corrode over time, leak fluid, and extend stopping distances. On 2012-2014 models, the brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate and cause the brake lights to stay on continuously, masking actual braking signals to drivers behind. The 2013 model year has seatbelt retractor retaining plate screws that may be loose, allowing the plate to break in a crash and strike occupants.

Going further back, 2012-2015 models have a documented risk of engine compartment fire while driving. The 2010-2013 model years have an airbag control unit that can short circuit in a crash and prevent frontal airbags and seatbelt pretensioners from deploying. The 2011 model year has a transmission fluid cooler hose that can leak, leading to abnormal shifts or loss of drive. The 2010 model year has a separate airbag control unit circuit damage issue that can also disable airbags and pretensioners in a collision. Earlier 2010-2013 models are also included in a recall where an ABS module issue can lead to an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.