NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 69 owner complaints for the 2021 Kia Forte. Most complaints involve engine (22) and steering (9). The EPA rates it 28–35 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
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.
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."
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Forte model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 232 |
| 2011 | 162 |
| 2012 | 292 |
| 2013 | 195 |
| 2014 | 444 |
| 2015 | 261 |
| 2016 | 4 |
| 2017 | 305 |
| 2018 | 136 |
| 2019 | 150 |
| 2020 | 78 |
| 2021 | 69 |
| 2022 | 28 |
| 2023 | 66 |
| 2024 | 26 |
“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 change had been conducted approx. 2,000 miles prior to this on January 12, 2026. The vehicle had been driven daily since that oil change with no noticeable oil leak or problems preceding this event. Had this event occurred at freeway speeds, it could have caused serious injury to the driver and other motorists on the roadway at that time. It appears that the drain plug fell out since there was no other additional or noticeable damage to the oil pan or surrounding the drain plug itself. This information was confirmed by a photograph taken by the dealership conducting the repairs.”
“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. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.”
“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 backwards. Also there is a lack of acceleration and it feels like the transmission is slipping, but I have confirmed with the dealership that the transmission was not slipping that the computer was shifting erratically. They would reset the computer and the car would would begin driving in a more normal state shifting correctly. I get on the highway again. The car once again will start shifting erratic. When you let go of the gas, the car downshift so many times that the car almost comes to a complete stop without hitting the brakes. The dealership has the car once again trying to figure out what’s going on with the car and why when I go on the highway the computer starts shifting erratically on that specific patch of highway. The car will pull left and right the entire time once you get off the highway the erratic shifting happens the dealership let me…”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forte FE Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 41 | 35 | $1,850 | 256 |
| Forte Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 40 | 33 | $1,950 | 270 |
| Forte Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 37 | 31 | $2,050 | 290 |
| Forte Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 35 | 30 | $2,150 | 296 |
| Forte Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 32 | 28 | $2,300 | 326 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
2 safety recalls as of Oct 29, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 69 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (22), steering (9), electrical system (8). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2021 Kia Forte at 28–35 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Kia Forte 4 out of 5 stars overall.