Recalls ·2021 Kia Forte

2021 Kia Forte recalls and complaints

NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Kia Forte; the most frequently affected component is steering — column. Owners filed 68 complaints, most often about engine. Among the 15 model years of this model in the database, 2021 ranks #10 for number of recalls.

Recalls2
Complaints68
Crashes reported4in stored complaints

Check your own vehicle by VIN at NHTSA →

Recalls (2)

Steering — ColumnCampaign 22V304000 · 05 May 2022

Problem: 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.

Air bags — Air bag/restraint control moduleCampaign 21V164000 · 11 Mar 2021

Problem: 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.

What owners complain about

Share of the 40 most recent complaints stored for this model year, by component. Owners can list more than one component.

Engine18 · 45%
Unknown or other10 · 25%
Steering6 · 15%
Electrical system5 · 12%
Power train4 · 10%
Air bags4 · 10%
Structure3 · 8%
Seat belts3 · 8%

When complaints were filed

20223
20235
202413
202511
20268

From owner complaints

The car is making a noise that we finally found out it was the hood rattling. Took it to the shop and the hood latch looks to be secure, and non=adjustable. Was told that the rubber adjustable hood bumpers are too short, however the dealer said that they are correct, but agreed they can't be adjusted anymore to…

Structure · Nov 2024 · NHTSA complaint record

This car was sold to me without disclosing that the manufacture failed to have a engine security system on the car to at least "deter" auto theft.If the key to the car was programmed/chipped like other cars, it would provide at least some level of protection. I've already stopped car thieves from trying to steal it…

Unknown or other · Nov 2024 · NHTSA complaint record

The issue I’m having was confirmed by the dealership so when I drive on the highway, there’s a specific patch of highway that zigzags the car will follow that zigzag after getting off of the highway onto regular road. The car computer system will start a down shift erratically and feel like the car is pulling…

Power train · Jul 2024 · NHTSA complaint record

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 drivers. After having…

Engine · Jan 2025 · NHTSA complaint record

How this year compares

Recalls per model year for this model.

Related pages

Source

Recall and complaint records from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A recall listed here may not apply to every vehicle of this model year — always check your VIN with NHTSA or a dealer.