CarRecallWatchThe 2021 Kia Forte has 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 69 complaints with NHTSA, including 11 crashes, 7 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Engine (22 reports).
2021 Kia Forte recalls
Steering column bolt can loosen, causing loss of steering
A bolt securing the lower steering column joint may not be properly tightened.
Passenger Airbag May Not Turn Off for Child Seats
The occupant detection system in the front passenger seat may fail to recognize when a child safety seat is installed.
Most common 2021 Kia Forte problems
Problem areas named in the 69 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine | 22 |
| Unknown Or Other | 18 |
| Steering | 9 |
| Electrical System | 9 |
| Air Bags | 7 |
| Power Train | 7 |
| Tires | 5 |
| Seat Belts | 4 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 |
| Structure | 3 |
What owners report
The seatbelt comes unbuckled without cause often and the lane keeping assistance pulls the car of to the right unprovoked.
It keeps getting broken into by the KIA boys in attempt of theft. It's a group that targets KIAs because they're easy. I now have to make sure my steering wheel is locked up. I was recently hit by another driver, i had to go to the hospital but for some reason the airbag did not deploy. I need some assistance
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.
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
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 significant failure occurred. While driving on a highway after work, the vehicle suddenly lost engine power. The RPMs dropped abruptly, and the vehicle began decelerating rapidly before completely shutting off. This occurred without any prior warning indicators, such as dashboard warning lights or messages. I attempted to restart the engine three times before it successfully turned over. Upon restar
2021 Kia Forte questions
Does the 2021 Kia Forte have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2021 Kia Forte: Steering column bolt can loosen, causing loss of steering; Passenger Airbag May Not Turn Off for Child Seats. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia Forte?
Based on 69 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (22), Unknown Or Other (18), Steering (9).
How do I check if a recall on my 2021 Kia Forte has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.