Verdict
2021 Kia Forte: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues
What the public record actually says about the 2021 Kia Forte — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.
The read
More reported complaints than most sedan.
Owners filed 67 NHTSA complaints — more complaints than 78% of 2021 sedans. Engine leads the reports (22%). 2 safety recall campaigns on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.
Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2021 sedans, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.
Complaints filed
67
Reports to NHTSA, 2021
Safety recalls
2
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
30.5
EPA estimate
Complaint volume vs. segment peers
More complaints than 78% of 2021 sedans
The bar is this car's percentile among 2021 sedans by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.
Known issues
Engine issues lead owner complaints (22% of 67 reports), followed by unknown or other (19%).
+ 7 more component categories with fewer reports.
Share of all 67 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11733651, ODI 11731999, ODI 11723359, ODI 11721642, ODI 11712680.
Recalls(2)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
SteeringMay 2022 · 22V304000Details +Close −
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 BagsNov 2021 · 21V164000Details +Close −
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.
A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
0 NHTSA investigations on record
No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.
Crash-test ratings
2021 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forte | 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 29 | 40 | 33 |
| Forte | 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 27 | 37 | 31 |
| Forte | 1.6L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S7) | 27 | 35 | 30 |
| Forte | 1.6L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 25 | 32 | 28 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.
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Compare model years
"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.
2021 Kia Forte: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2021 Kia Forte?
Owners filed 67 NHTSA complaints about the 2021 Kia Forte — more complaints than 78% of comparable 2021 sedans, so it sits toward the weaker end of its class. That's a signal, not a guarantee about any single car.
What are the most common problems on the 2021 Kia Forte?
The most-reported problem areas are Engine (22% of complaints) and unknown or other (19%).
How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Forte have?
2 recalls have been issued that affect the 2021 Kia Forte, covering components such as steering. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Kia Forte get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Kia Forte between 28 and 33 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.