2021 Kia Forte problems, complaints & recalls

2021 Kia Forte recalls (2)

• Recall 22V304000May 5, 202230 vehicles
  STEERING:COLUMN

  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.

  Risk: 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.

• Recall 21V164000Mar 11, 2021142 vehicles
  AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE · AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

  Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021 Telluride, K5, and Forte vehicles. The Occupant Classification and Detection System (OCS/ODS) unit may not detect the presence of a child restraint system in the front passenger seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

  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.

  Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCS/ODS unit, free of charge. The recall began March 18, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC207.

Recent 2021 Kia Forte complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

1. Filed Oct 4, 2026IDDriver Assistance & Safety TechSeats & Seat Belts

   The seatbelt comes unbuckled without cause often and the lane keeping assistance pulls the car of to the right unprovoked.

   NHTSA complaint #11768878 · source
2. Filed Sep 23, 2026CACrash1 injuredTowedAirbagsOther / Unknown

   It keeps getting broken into by the KIA boys in attempt of theft. It's a group that targets KIAs because they're easy. I now have to make sure my steering wheel is locked up. I was recently hit by another driver, i had to go to the hospital but for some reason the airbag did not deploy. I need some assistance

   NHTSA complaint #11766285 · source
3. Filed Apr 24, 2026150,000 miTXCrashTowedSteering

   The contact owned a 2021 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the steering wheel locked independently, causing the vehicle to veer off the road into a construction site. The contact stated that the air bags did deploy. The contact stated that she sustained noise and neck injuries, including placenta rupture, causing early labor. Medical attention was required. The contact stated that a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot.…

   NHTSA complaint #11733681 · source
4. Filed Apr 24, 2026CAEngine

   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 in the engine and that the oil drain plug was completely missing. This problem caused catastrophic engine failure resulting in the need for a full engine replacement. A routine oil…

   NHTSA complaint #11733651 · source
5. Filed Apr 18, 2026NCEngine

   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 significant failure occurred. While driving on a highway after work, the vehicle suddenly lost engine power. The RPMs dropped abruptly, and the vehicle began decelerating rapidly…

   NHTSA complaint #11731999 · source
6. Filed Mar 3, 2026125,000 miMDEngine

   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 turning off and restarting the vehicle, the check engine warning light was cleared. However, lately, turning on and restarting the vehicle failed to clear the warning light.…

   NHTSA complaint #11721642 · source
7. Filed Jan 26, 2026CACrash1 injuredTowedAirbagsBody & StructureLighting

   On May 13, 2023, I was involved in a severe frontal collision on the passenger side while driving my 2021 Kia Forte. The impact caused significant damage, and my insurance company declared the vehicle a total loss. Despite the severity of the crash, none of the airbags deployed. I experienced body pain for several days following the accident. Given the nature of the collision and the damage sustained, the airbags should have deployed to protect the occupants. This raises…

   NHTSA complaint #11713406 · source
8. Filed Jan 22, 2026CAEngine

   Was currently stuck in slow walking traffic and once traffic began to progress the car overheated engine notice appeared. Pulled into a parking lot as soon as car was parked the vehicle turned off. This happened during the night and was an extremely traumatic experience! Car does have a diagnosis about the engine been blown. Still in the works of being fixed by the dealership. Very long process!

   NHTSA complaint #11712680 · source

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology