The 2021 Kia Forte has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 172 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 95 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the engine. Last updated July 5, 2026.
Recall campaigns
STEERING22V3040002022-05-0530 affected
Defect
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.
Consequence
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.
AIR BAGS21V1640002021-03-11142 affected
Defect
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…
Consequence
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.
Complaints by component
ENGINE
22
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
17
3crashes2injuries
STEERING
8
1crashes
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
7
AIR BAGS
6
5crashes4injuries
POWER TRAIN
6
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
3
SEAT BELTS
3
1crashes1injuries
STRUCTURE:BODY
3
1crashes1injuries
TIRES
3
Total complaints95
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal
information 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…”
“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…”
“Oil is burning out quickly causing the car to stop abruptly without any warning and caused damages to the engine.”
“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…”
“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…”
“So I took my car to sands kia in surprise az about my seat belts. Both the front driver and passenger belts come unlatched while driving. They said out of warranty so I would have to pay or they will do nothing. This should be a kia issue. Obviously a defect in the seat belts. I can be driving on…”
“I am writing to report a serious safety concern involving my kia vehicle. Shortly after getting an oil change, my car began making unusual noises and then suddenly stopped working in the middle of a busy intersection. This unexpected stall created a dangerous situation for both myself and other…”
“My 2021 kia forte gt is currently sitting in my driveway, undriveable. It started about 3months or so ago I had realized I was getting more and more frequent oil changes to the point where the car would be consuming a quart of oil in at least a week or less. Fast forward to this previous week, I…”
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL,
FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2021 Kia Forte as of
July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page
contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.