This page covers 3 recalls, 67 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 Kia Forte.
28–33 mpg combined
7.1–8.4 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Engine complaints dominate what owners of the 2021 Kia Forte report. The most common pattern involves unexpected engine shutoff, check engine light illumination, and noticeable vibration, particularly at lower speeds or when coming to a stop. A recurring sub-theme is excessive oil consumption, with owners describing engines running low or dry without adequate warning, sometimes leading to sudden stalls. Steering complaints are the next most-reported system, with owners describing the steering wheel locking or becoming unresponsive while driving. Airbag-related complaints appear at a lower volume and tend to be connected to the same crash events tied to steering loss rather than standing alone as a separate pattern. The oil consumption and engine shutoff reports are the most consistent thread across multiple owners.
67
Total Complaints
10
Crash-Related
6
With Injuries
By System
The 2021 Kia Forte has 3 recalls, the most serious being a steering bolt that may not be properly tightened, which can cause the steering column to detach and result in a complete loss of steering control.
The third recall involves the passenger seat occupant classification sensor, which may fail to detect a child restraint system installed in the front passenger seat. If this goes undetected during a crash, the front passenger airbag could deploy with a child seated there, raising the risk of injury to that child.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolt connecting the lower steering column universal joint may not be properly tightened on some vehicles. If it loosens, steering control could be lost.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and tighten the lower steering column universal joint bolt as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
At a glance
What can fail
A bolt securing the steering column to the steering rack may not be properly tightened, potentially allowing the steering column to separate and cause loss of steering control.
What the fix does
Dealers will tighten the lower steering column u-joint retention bolt at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The system that detects whether a child car seat is in the front passenger seat may fail to recognize it, potentially affecting airbag deployment.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the occupant detection system unit at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
