Problems · NHTSA complaints

2022 Kia Forte problems

Owners filed 28 complaints about the 2022 Kia Forte with NHTSA between Dec 2021 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is steering (4).

Complaints
28
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Steering4
  2. Engine4
  3. Forward collision avoidance4
  4. Electrical system3
  5. Suspension3
  6. Seat belts2
  7. Visibility/wiper2
  8. Power train2
  9. Service brakes2
  10. Engine and engine cooling2
  11. Air bags2
  12. Fuel/propulsion system1
  13. Exterior lighting1
  14. Vehicle speed control1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20212
20222
20237
20244
20255
20268

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Steering

4 reports1 crash1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2022 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the steering wheel became inoperable, with an abnormal sound coming from the steering wheel. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound while attempting to make a turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the failure was confirmed in the dealer database. The vehicle was scheduled to be repaired; however, the dealer confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 77,371.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 5, 2026SteeringODI 11768961

Engine

4 reports
“Hi I had my Kia forte GT 2022 for 3 years and my engine light has been on for about 3 months now . I get a check up and an oil change regularly. It comes on and goes off . I told my mechanic and he said I might have to get a new transmission. I only had this brand new car for 3 years . Is there a defect in these Kia forte GT or a recall .”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 7, 2025EngineODI 11653093

Forward collision avoidance

4 reports1 crash
“I believe that airbags/ airbag sensors have failed or malfunctioned and they are available for inspection. My safety as well as the safety of others was put at risk because the airbags should have deployed and they didn’t putting us further at risk. The problem hasn’t been confirmed or reproduced by anyone professional. The vehicle has not been inspected as of yet. There were no warning signs or lamps of any kind.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 10, 2023Electrical system, Air bags, Forward collision avoidanceCrash reportedODI 11549105

Electrical system

3 reports1 crash
“We were told it was the fuel pump. This car has put my son in danger twice. The car stalls out while driving, completely shuts down. He is traumatized due to this occurring in during traffic hour. The car dies and you can’t put it in neutral nor have the hazard light turn on. Complete shut down of car. It has been at Kia of Cerritos for 2 months. The first incident, they stated they corrected the issue after being there for a month and while driving home the day the car was picked up it shut down, and the car was towed the very next day. They say it’s fuel pump but these cars have an electric oil pump overheating problem which causes the car to stall while driving. The second incident was so severe my son refuses to ever drive his car again. The issue the entire electrical system to fail nothing turns on even getting it in neutral is a problem. The car can’t be repair and for it to be a lemon it need to be repaired a few more times I am not going to have my son risk his life and drive that car for us to have to wait for a potential car failure again that can put my sons life at risk. Car towed Aug 1 to dealership, returned Sept 3 and towed again sept 4 and…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 24, 2026Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11766604

Suspension

3 reports
“I've been experiencing issues with steering loosening/tighting for over 1 1/2 years.21,000 miles since I first reported the issue 5/23/24.Within a few months of reporting the steering issue,I started having issues with my car not staying in alligment after a few hundred miles. There are no warning lights.The tension in my steering wheel is inconsistent in a way that it shouldn't be. At first,I only noticed it at hwy speeds.Now,I notice it even at lower speeds.The faster the speed the worse it is.My steering wheel will have the stiffness it should,then suddenly briefly loosen,then go back to normal stiffness.Which causes constant minor corrections,risking over correcting leading to a wreck.I have had a couple close calls.As time has gone on,it's just gotten worse.It's now to a point that it's sketchy to drive on the freeway & nearly impossible (if not impossible)to drive on the freeway if its windy.I no longer drive the freeway & find back roads to drive at slower speeds & less traffic.I constantly feel all over the road & like the car is gonna wobble out of control.Picture taking your steering wheel & making frequent(almost constantly now)slight back and forth,…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 29, 2025Steering, Suspension, Unknown or otherODI 11707638

Seat belts

2 reports
“The front driver side door is ‘popping’ open while driving. In addition, the seatbelt randomly releases while driving.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 27, 2026Seat belts, Unknown or otherODI 11727407
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.