2021 Model Year

Kia Forte

NHTSA Complaints & Reliability Data

Compare
Complaints
62
Recalls
1
Crashes
9
Severe
15

Active Recalls

Manufacturer safety recalls

21V164000 Mar 2021

Other

No consequence data available

Recent Complaints

Latest owner reports

EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE Crash
Jan 2026

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 dam...

Engine
Jan 2026

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...

Engine
Dec 2025

2021 Kia Forte VIN# [XXX] 107,000 miles While driving my Kia Forte on [XXX] i experienced a sudden noise without warning just 2 months to the exact d...

Engine
Nov 2025

On Saturday, March 1, 2025, I took my 2021 Kia Forte LXS for a routine oil change. I had NO PRIOR issues, warning lights or anything with my vehicle....

Engine
Oct 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment be...

Engine
Sep 2025

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 f...

Steering
Jul 2025

Component/System Involved: Electric Power Steering (EPS) – specifically, a potential malfunction with the assist motor response timing. Description o...

Electrical System
Jun 2025

HVAC blower motor connector got so hot it has melted the plactic

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
May 2025

Passenger air bag/seat belt goes off like someone is sitting in passenger seat but no one is. Have to do seat belt for the alert stops

Power Train
Apr 2025

Transmission, yes it’s available. I was driving on the highway and the vehicle began jerking and revving, slowing down and then speeding up. It is a...

VS

Vehicle Safety Research Team

Automotive Data Analysts

Independent researchers analyzing NHTSA data to help consumers make informed vehicle decisions.

Data updated: March 4, 2026

Summary

The 2021 Kia Forte has 62 complaints and 1 recalls on record. The most commonly reported issue is Engine. 9 crash-related incidents have been reported.

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