2021 KIA FORTE

2 recalls, 95 complaints - 90 TSBs - 4/5 safety rating

STEERING:COLUMN

Defect Description

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.

Consequence

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.

30 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Kia Motors America

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

Defect Description

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 ... Read more

Consequence

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.

142 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Kia Motors America

Complaint Statistics

95 total complaints 12 crashes 2 fires 5 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	16
ENGINE	12
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	12
POWER TRAIN	8
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	6
STEERING	6
AIR BAGS	5
SERVICE BRAKES	4
TIRES	3
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS	3

Incident date: Apr 15, 2026

While driving, my wheel often “sticks” and I have to over correct throughout the entire drive. I’m afraid it is going to get me in an accident. It becomes more noticeable at high speeds. I have to travel often for my job and recently have not felt safe while driving my car on the highway. It... Read more

Incident date: Apr 20, 2026

Fuel and/or combustion problem leading to excessive emissions at unpredictable times. I mean so much smoke suddenly comes out that the driver behind can't see, and it seems the car may be on fire.

Incident date: Jan 12, 2026

2014 Acura RLX Advance suffered an Engine Failure from internal bearing defect. The vehicle was meticulously maintained by Acura dealerships, and had extensive service records. While driving, the engine produced a knocking sound, then abruptly shook and died. The Engine has seized, and exactly has t... Read more

Incident date: Mar 2, 2026

My 2018 Honda Civic started more than a year ago having STICKY STEERING. When looking online, it is a known problem with later Honda's, but the dealer will not help on a 2018 model. The issue was felt by the Honda dealer sitting still. Though their head mechanic said they could try an "experimental"... Read more

Incident date: May 3, 2022

My Honda is shifting harsh going into 5th gear and sometimes reverse is not available. I have taken the vehicle to the dealership and they are telling me I need a new transmission to the tune of $9,600. It only has 64,000 miles and the warranty recently expired. I took the car to another mechanic... Read more

Incident date: May 13, 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 25V829000 (Structure); however, the parts for the recall repairs were not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. ... Read more

Incident date: May 13, 2023

I have went to a dealership to try and trade this vehicle in and they have informed me that this vehicles odometer has been rolled back prior to me purchasing it. It was not disclosed to me from Bob Rorhman Hyandia that this had happened.

Incident date: May 13, 2023

Yes there was a recall in a module control panel which still is messed up. It’s been replaced a couple x. Also the dim lights since I bought the car have a very low light were you can hardly see at night. And this SUV drinks gas on long/short trips. I’ve taken it in several times but they keep s... Read more

Incident date: Jan 10, 2026

Parking break fault warning light service now light comes on intermittently when the parking break was set. The ford dealer I bought the truck from found a leaking rear left break line and replaced the left rear parking break motor assembly. The Warning light kept coming on intermittently when sett... Read more

Incident date: Jul 14, 2025

I was driving and I wasnt merging, no one was in front or behind me and my car had a collision warning and forced me to brake 3 times in a row. I was going 30 miles per hour and it made me brake really quickly, then it went forward, broke again by itself, went and then broke one more time. I had to ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 29, 2025

While driving my car braked, would not drive and a warning for transmission presented on warning board. The vehicle would not shift into park, reverse, neutral, or drive. I could not move it from impeding traffic. It nice I factory reset the vehicle was fine again.

Incident date: Jul 4, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 75 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine and an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle then decelerated to 64 MPH... Read more

Incident date: Jul 5, 2025

Nissan Pathfinder vehicles to repair the CVT transmission fluid cooler hose (inter-cooler). The internal fluid cooler (ITOC) hose may detach from the cooler due to inadequate clamping force. Inter-coolers may overheat, fail operation causing leaks and possible fires. If this occurs, the CVT transmi... Read more

Incident date: Jun 27, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated the front passenger’s side door failed to open as intended. The contact stated that after several attempts using the key fob to unlock the door, the door failed to open. In addition, the code to unlock the door failed to work as intended. T... Read more

Incident date: Jun 10, 2025

The coolant control valve needs to be replaced. My estimated time to get the truck back is 1-2months. This appears to be a common problem. And its not covered under warranty

Incident date: Apr 18, 2025

I had bought this car off Facebook marketplace after confirming with my dad that it was a good car, when I had finally saved enough. After I took it home the check engine light had come on not too long after, the engine stalls when turning the key, pressing on the brake helps start the engine. Turns... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2025

We issued a complaint on 12/2/2024 (#11628353). The dealership found our alternator to be faulty which caused the battery to fail the SUV to completely shut down. This happened again to us on 4/6/2025 with a full vehicle of passengers. The low battery warning appeared on the screen, we lost powe... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2025

While attempting to accelerate to get onto the expressway with no warning, the vehicle went into limp mode. Traction control, front end warning collision, auto/stop start functionality was all disabled and the engine light warning light on came on. The vehicle locked out and reduced acceleration. An... Read more

Incident date: Jan 25, 2025

Wiring harness in the engine compartment caught fire about 2 weeks after changing a water pump, battery kept being draining even after battery replacement. Locking of the trunk trunk forced usage of a BMW authorized jump start battery charger/start etc. No access to Battery when the battery is dis... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Dec 1, 2024

My 2013 X5 is not on the recall list, but it is experiencing the same issue described in the recall for the 2013 X5 ( see below). Recently, I began receiving a message on my dashboard indicating the alert related to the parking brake. Two weeks ago, when I started the vehicle, I was unable to shift... Read more

Incident date: Dec 1, 2024

2012 Prius in very good condition with 180k miles- only 12 years old. Driving on back roads (thankfully) and the drivers side rear wheel compelely fell off while driving. I was doing about 30 MPH and felt like there was a flat tire so I was in the process of pulling over when the whole rear assembly... Read more

Incident date: Feb 1, 2022

component: transmission. Not available for inspection - has since been rebuilt. Rebuilder noted leaking 3rd gear clutch seal + failed valve body. safety risk: suddenly unable to accelerate or maintain speed until the vehicle is stopped and restarted. problem recreation: by independent servi... Read more

Incident date: Nov 20, 2024

coolant is leaking into the cylinders and causing misfires and shuttering of the car, the engine temperature spikes and warnings go off. this is happening in my 2.0L engine. this is the same problem as the 1.5L engine problem that Ford has recalled, but Ford is refusing to recall the 2.0L engine wi... Read more

Incident date: Nov 20, 2024

My Balmar 2nd alternator on my Winnebago Ekko has just failed. This is a Winnebago installed electrical system component mounted in the Ford Transit chassis engine bay that provides electrical charging to the RV coach batteries. There was an initial NHTSA Safety Recall 23V-234 issued in 2023 after... Read more

Incident date: Nov 20, 2024

My 2008 jeep grand cheroke has caught on fire multiple times & started smoking. The rpms would always jump High and one day I went to go leave and it went real high causing it to accelerate on its own and went I went to go try to stop it my breaks failed and emergency brake would not work.

Crash Fire

Incident date: Feb 1, 2024

I have had multiple incidents of my 2022 Ram 1500 ETorque, when coming to a stop the auto start stop system engages and when I let my foot off the brake to take off the truck will not start the engine back. It will engage the parking brake and shift into park, sometimes will start back with the star... Read more

Incident date: Feb 1, 2024

Incident date: Apr 12, 2024

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, there was a notchy feel in the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the failure was linked to TSB Number: CHA060. The mechanic determined that the steering coupler ne... Read more

Incident date: Apr 12, 2024

Where to begin... As I bought my first truck, literally within 10 days after buying the GMC Canyon 2024, the car is shaking uncontrollably on the highway... 35 MPH max speed, extremely dangerous situation, 8 AM on a busy Watterson Expressway in Louisville, KY. I was so scared I was going to crash a... Read more

Incident date: Sep 7, 2022

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota RAV4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 7, 2022

I was driving with cruise control on and a car pulled in front of me and hit the brakes. My car reacted by hitting the brakes hard and the engine tried to recover but hiccupped and lost power and engine light flashed at me. I pulled over and when I started the car again there was a rattle that woul... Read more

Incident date: Jan 24, 2024

Gem module water intrusion has caused 4x4 system to malfunction, drivers side window inoperable, electric door locks including key fob inoperable, interior dome lights flicker randomly, windshield washer wipers quit randomly, popping and cracking noise coming from gem module/fuse box location. The s... Read more

Incident date: Jun 20, 2024

The new Tesla 3 Highland has eliminated the driving wheel stalks and in order to signal a turn, one has to press on one of two side-by-side areas of the steering wheel. After many years of pushing the stalks to indicate a turn, it's not easy to determine which part of the wheel to press to signal a ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 22, 2021

I've been into automobile accidents and the passenger airbag never deployed. Few years back I took my vehicle for the sticky dashboard recall, Toyota replaced it. Few years later the dashboard is sticky and shiny worst than the first time, I called Toyota to get it replaced free of charge and they ... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Jun 22, 2021

Crash

Incident date: Mar 2, 2024

Anti-lockout mechanism failed to prevent telematics-initiated lockout. 1) Driver placed live child , keys, phone into car 2) Driver closed door with keys inside. The car normally refuses to lock under these conditions, detecting key inside, and preventing a hazard to infant who is unable to unl... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2024

This air bag and seatbelt both malfunctioned clearly the air bag malfunctioned while I was about to cross over a bridge on an interstate .. Ciasing a projectile to shoot me in my eye knocking me unconcouiss and I wasn’t sure wht happened until hind sight and clearly the foremsic evidence support... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Feb 3, 2024

The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that while driving he observed a rattling noise emanating from the engine compartment. The vehicle was not... Read more

Incident date: Dec 26, 2023

The engine stopped working. Happened already 4th time and on the fourth time I was reversing to park in the parking garage and engine suddenly stopped. Dashboard lights are on but couldn’t start the car. After two minutes and fourth attempt it did start. The third repair toyota mentioned they coul... Read more

Incident date: Dec 22, 2023

300 FCA case [XXX] - FCA Replacement / Repurchase - [XXX] [XXX] RAM 1500 CREW CAB 2022 Please be advised this vehicle was lemon lawed and replaced on 11/27/24. FCA reclaimed possession of this vehicle at that time. Per Statutes for WI. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFOR... Read more

Incident date: Dec 22, 2023

The contact owns a 2007 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that after having the rotors replaced, while driving approximately 30 MPH and attempting to stop the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The vehicle coasted before coming to a complete stop. There were no warning ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 8, 2023

June 2022, approx. 53000 miles, misfire codes. Replaced spark plugs. Codes continued intermittently. January 2023 car was inspected due to heater inop at 61228 miles. Coolant low and misfires. No repairs, just coolant added. I topped off coolant 3X until April of 2023 at 61631 miles, white smoke and... Read more

Incident date: Sep 8, 2023

Incident date: Jun 1, 2023

Complaint: Speedometer is not working, loss of function of speedometer while driving and Downshifting of the gear. The instrumental cluster showed a maintenance warning while driving in which will cause the speedometer to stop working. When trying to drive the vehicle on a stop position, there is ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2023

I was opening the front driver’s side door, the door failed to open completely. I had to forcefully pull the door handle for the door to open and heard a loud clicking noise. Took car to dealer and became aware that the latch was welded incorrectly and welded area broke. The dealer stated that t... Read more

Incident date: Apr 20, 2023

A couple of issues are occurring and this is all over the internet as well and I have decided to file a complaint as this vehicle should be recalled. Most recently the car shuts off while driving and need to coast into the breakdown lane. The transmission shifts very rough as well as this model in a... Read more

Incident date: Apr 20, 2023

Two issues that are concerning and I have told Tesla: 1. The car will be on cruise control and I will be relaxed and all of a sudden it will just brake for no reason. Praise God I am aware of it now and prepared so I have to compensate, but it is very dangerous and made the cruise control useless. ... Read more

Incident date: May 4, 2023

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal went to the floorboard while depressed and failed to stop the vehicle immediately. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the brake pedal bumper. The manufacturer... Read more

Showing 50 of 95 complaints.

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2021 KIA FORTE

2021 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD

Category	Rating
Overall Rating	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash, Driver	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash, Passenger	3 / 5 ★★★☆☆
Side Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Rollover Risk	10.7%

Safety Technology

Feature	Status
Electronic Stability Control	Standard
Forward Collision Warning	Optional
Lane Departure Warning	Standard

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Ratings are based on crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

EPA Fuel Economy, 2021 KIA FORTE

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
1.6L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM-S7) (Front-Wheel Drive)	27.0	35.0	30.0	Regular	$2,050
1.6L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	25.0	32.0	28.0	Regular	$2,200
2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios) (Front-Wheel Drive)	29.0	40.0	33.0	Regular	$1,850
2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	27.0	37.0	31.0	Regular	$2,000

CO2 Emissions: 296.0 g/mile (Midsize Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2021 KIA FORTE

90 manufacturer communications from 56 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	29
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	8
350000 EQUIPMENT	4
260000 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	4
160000 STRUCTURE	4
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY	3
130000 VISIBILITY	3
010000 STEERING	3

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: AVN 5.0 WIDE NON-RESPONSIVE RADIO ICON (AM, FM, SXM) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. Th

160000 STRUCTURE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: FRONT STRUT BEARING & SPRING PAD REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information to replace the front strut bearing and upper spring pad on both front (LH and RH) strut assemblies on certain 2019-2024MY Forte (B

020000 SUSPENSION

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2305) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black

116300 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

160000 STRUCTURE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL SEAT TRACK REPLACEMENT FOR INOPERATIVE FRONT SEAT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.

220000 SEATS

130000 VISIBILITY

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HVAC BLOWER MOTOR CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin pr

138000 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: AVN 5.0 WIDE NON-RESPONSIVE RADIO ICON (AM, FM, SXM) - This bulletin provides information to update the software on 5th Generation AVN wide on certain 2020-2023MY Kia vehicles to remedy a 'non-responsive'

350000 EQUIPMENT

130000 VISIBILITY

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HVAC BLOWER MOTOR CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information to replace the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) blower motor connector on some 2019-2023MY Forte (BDm) vehicles produc

138000 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE REMINDER SETTING RESET PROCEDURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin pr

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER RE-NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner re-notification advising that Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition s

116300 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: KIA GENUINE REMOTE START CONTROL MODULE UPGRADE FOR ANTI-THEFT LOGIC COMPATIBILITY (CS2310) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: KIA GENUINE REMOTE START CONTROL MODULE UPGRADE FOR ANTI-THEFT LOGIC COMPATIBILITY (CS2310) - This bulletin provides information to update the software logic in the Kia Genuine Remote Start

100000 POWER TRAIN

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: IVT SOFTWARE LOGIC IMPROVEMENT AND/OR IVT REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to update the Transmission Control Module (TCM) software logic and, if necessary, replace the Intelligent Variable Tran

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: LOOSE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY PARTIAL REPAIR - This bulletin provides information regarding a loose crankshaft pulley condition on certain 2020-2023MY Forte (BDm) vehicles equipped with a 1.6L T-GDI and 6-speed manual

061110 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS

171200 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LOCK

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: OVERHEAD CONSOLE SUNGLASS DOOR-LATCH REPAIR - This bulletin provides information to repair the overhead console lamp assembly and sunglass door latch on some 2012-2023MY model vehicles listed in the table below,

160000 STRUCTURE

163400 STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:SUN VISOR

330000 INTERIOR LIGHTING

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2305) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition system

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2305) - This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Mod

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

PIT STOP: LOG FILE COLLECTION FOR AVN 5.0/W AND DISPLAY AUDIO 2.0 - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This Pitstop contai

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CLOSED: FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE (ICV) MODIFICATION - FUE052 Superseded by FUE056

138000 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR: COMPRESSOR FIELD COIL ASSEMBLY INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in

100000 POWER TRAIN

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmis

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: MAINTENANCE REMINDER FEATURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.This bulletin provides inform

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE REMINDER SETTING RESET PROCEDURE - This bulletin provides the procedure to turn OFF the service reminder lamp, at the first service interval reminder alert that will display on the instrument cluster. The

220000 SEATS

PITSTOP: REAR OCCUPANT ALERT (ROA) W/REAR DOOR LOGIC - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This Pitstop provides informatio

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

100000 POWER TRAIN

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

PITSTOP: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER REPLACEMENT AND MILEAGE SETTING WITH KDS - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This pitstop pro

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. Th

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

PITSTOP: BATTERY DEALER (SHIPPING)/CUSTOMER MODE SWITCH - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This Pitstop provides informa

350000 EQUIPMENT

061500 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

350000 EQUIPMENT

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: FRONT VIEW CAMERA REPLACEMENT FOR DTC C160449 & C160649 - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. T

180000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

260000 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

270000 LANE DEPARTURE

103110 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: IVT SOFTWARE LOGIC IMPROVEMENT AND/OR IVT REPLACEMENT (SC199) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in th

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

103100 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

010000 STEERING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: REPLACEMENT OF MOBIS C-MDPS SMALL BEARING - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the small bearing of the Column Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) unit on the vehicles listed below, which may exhibi

010000 STEERING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar

160000 STRUCTURE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This b

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

180000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

260000 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

270000 LANE DEPARTURE

260000 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

PITSTOP: FRONT RADAR SENSOR MOUNTING INSPECTION (PS704) - This pitstop provides information regarding front radar sensor alignment on 2014MY and later vehicles that may exhibit a warning light ON related to radar sensor alignment errors in

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

260000 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE (ICV) MODIFICATION - This bulletin provides information on the modification of the fuel tank Inlet Check Valve (ICV) on some 2019-2021MY Forte (BDm) vehicles produced from July 9, 2018

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

010000 STEERING

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

PITSTOP: BATTERY DEALER / CUSTOMER MODE SWITCH - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This Pitstop provides information rega

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

PITSTOP: LOG FILE COLLECTION FOR AVN 5.0/W & DISPLAY AUDIO 2.0 - This Pitstop contains information regarding the log file collection procedure for 2020MY~ models equipped with AVN 5.0/W or Display Audio 2.0 head units.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: DATA COLLECTION: EXTRACT CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS DATA FROM ECU (DC21) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the mar

121400 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:BULBS

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: LED HEADLAMP REPLACEMENT (SA455) - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the LED headlamp(s) on certain 2021MY Kia Forte (BDm) vehicles produced from October 28, 2020 through November 2

121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TSB - DATA COLLECTION: EXTRACT CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS DATA FROM ECU (DC21) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulleti

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

PITSTOP: MFC, CONCERNS FOR DISABLED OPERATION - This Pitstop provides information regarding concerns with disabled operation of Multi-Function Camera (MFC) on some Kia vehicles. When normal operation is not possible due to certain outside e

136000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

PITSTOP: CORRECT PROCEDURE FOR RAISING WINDSHIELD WIPERS - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. When servicing windshield wi

130000 VISIBILITY

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

034510 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

PITSTOP - BRAKE CALIPER LEAK INSPECTION - This PITSTOP provides information related to a brake caliper fluid/oil substance found on some Kia vehicles, due to possible excess assembly oil applied during assembly.

350000 EQUIPMENT

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: MAINTENANCE REMINDER FEATURE - This bulletin provides information on setting the "Service Interval Reminder" feature available on most Kia vehicles. If the service interval reminder is set, the customer will be i

KIA FORTE - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the KIA FORTE across all model years (2010, 2023).

34 Total Recalls

3,615 Total Complaints

0 Investigations

362 Reported Crashes

169 Reported Fires

21 Reported Deaths

KIA FORTE - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2024	0	46	View
2023	3	102	View
2022	1	43	View
2021 (current)	2	95
2020	0	103	View
2019	2	217	View
2018	3	190	View
2017	3	432	View
2016	1	203	View
2015	1	326	View
2014	3	648	View
2013	5	272	View
2012	4	406	View
2011	3	214	View
2010	3	317	View
2009	0	1	View

Other KIA Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
SORENTO	188	13,593	View
SPORTAGE	165	6,601	View
SEDONA	118	3,350	View
OPTIMA	100	10,128	View
TELLURIDE	70	2,186	View
SOUL	66	7,233	View
SORENTO HYBRID	62	159	View
SOUL EV	62	50	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2021 KIA FORTE

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2021 KIA FORTE

Safety Technology

EPA Fuel Economy, 2021 KIA FORTE

Technical Service Bulletins, 2021 KIA FORTE

Most Affected Components

KIA FORTE - All Years Overview

KIA FORTE - Year by Year

Other KIA Models