Does the 2021 Kia Forte have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Kia Forte, the most recent reported on May 5, 2022 (Steering: column). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia Forte?

Owners have filed 69 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (22 complaints), followed by unknown or other (18).

How many 2021 Kia Forte complaints mention a crash or fire?

11 of 69 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 7 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2021 Kia Forte recalls and problems

2 recalls and 69 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Kia Forte.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2021 Kia Forte recalls

Steering: column

NHTSA campaign 22V304000 · reported May 5, 2022 · Kia Motors America · 30 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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 bags: sensor, occupant classification, front passenger · Air bags: air bag/restraint control module

NHTSA campaign 21V164000 · reported March 11, 2021 · Kia Motors America · 142 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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."
The 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.
The fix: 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Engine22
Unknown or other18
Steering9
Electrical system8
Air bags7
Power train7
Seat belts4
Fuel/propulsion system3
Structure3
Tires3

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 4, 2026 · Seat belts
The seatbelt comes unbuckled without cause often and the lane keeping assistance pulls the car of to the right unprovoked.

Sep 23, 2026 · Air bags · crash reported
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

Apr 24, 2026 · Engine
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…

Apr 24, 2026 · Steering · 150,000 miles · crash reported
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…

Apr 18, 2026 · Engine
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…

Forte model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2018	3	136	13	3
2019	2	150	11	4
2020	0	78	9	2
2021	2	69	11	0
2022	1	28	3	1
2023	3	66	11	5
2024	0	26	6	0

Across all years, the 2014 Forte has the most complaints (444). All Kia Forte years →

Questions

Does the 2021 Kia Forte have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Kia Forte, the most recent reported on May 5, 2022 (Steering: column). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia Forte?: Owners have filed 69 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (22 complaints), followed by unknown or other (18).
How many 2021 Kia Forte complaints mention a crash or fire?: 11 of 69 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 7 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 4, 2026.