2021 Kia Forte
2 recalls · 64 complaints · Safety Score D
Recall History
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 ...
Consequence & Remedy
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.
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 & Remedy
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.
Recent Complaints
| Date | Component | Description | Crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03/10/2026 | Engine | Oil is burning out quickly causing the car to stop abruptly without any warning and caused damages to the engine. | No | No |
| 03/03/2026 | Engine | The contact owns a 2021 Kia Forte. While driving at various speeds, the check engine warning illuminated. The vehicle wo... | No | No |
| 01/26/2026 | Exterior Lighting,air Bags,structure | On May 13, 2023, I was involved in a severe frontal collision on the passenger side while driving my 2021 Kia Forte. The... | Yes | No |
| 01/22/2026 | Engine | Was currently stuck in slow walking traffic and once traffic began to progress the car overheated engine notice appeared... | No | No |
| 11/01/2025 | Engine | I am writing to report a serious safety concern involving my Kia vehicle. Shortly after getting an oil change, my car be... | No | No |
| 10/02/2025 | Seat Belts | So i took my car to sands kia in surprise az about my seat belts. Both the front driver and passenger belts come unlatch... | No | No |
| 08/12/2025 | Engine | 2021 Kia Forte VIN# [XXX] 107,000 miles While driving my Kia Forte on [XXX] i experienced a sudden noise without warnin... | No | No |
| 07/09/2025 | Engine | My 2021 Kia forte GT is currently sitting in my driveway, undriveable. It started about 3months or so ago I had realized... | No | No |
| 06/27/2025 | Electrical System | HVAC blower motor connector got so hot it has melted the plactic | No | No |
| 06/10/2025 | Engine | The contact owns a 2021 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming ... | No | No |
Most Complained-About Components
Frequently Asked Questions
The 2021 Kia Forte has 2 recall campaigns on record with NHTSA. Total complaints filed: 64.
The 2021 Kia Forte has a Safety Score of 36/100 (Grade D). This score factors in recall severity (40%), complaint frequency (30%), crash and fire reports (20%), and trend direction (10%).
The 2021 Kia Forte received a Safety Score of D. This vehicle has a below-average safety record — review the specific recalls and complaints below. There are 9 crash reports on file.
Contact your nearest Kia dealership to schedule a free recall repair. You can also check your specific vehicle by VIN at NHTSA.gov. Manufacturers are required by law to fix recall-related defects at no cost.
Safety Score is calculated from recall severity (40%), complaint frequency (30%), crash/fire reports (20%), and safety trend (10%).