2021 Kia Forte

2021 Kia Forte recalls (2)

• AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

  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."

  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.

• STEERING:COLUMN

  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.

  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.

2021 Kia Forte safety ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP ratings.

2021 Kia Forte owner complaints (15)

• 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 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 occurred at freeway speeds, it could have caused serious injury to the driver and other motorists on the roadway at that time. It appears that the drain plug fell out since there was no other additional or noticeable damage to the oil pan or surrounding the drain plug itself. This information was confirmed by a photograph taken by the dealership conducting the repairs.

• STEERING

  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.

• 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 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 restarting, the engine produced a loud knocking noise that had not been present before. Since this incident, the vehicle has been unable to operate reliably. It will start and run briefly but stalls again after a short distance. The knocking noise persists, suggesting a serious internal engine issue. The vehicle remains in my possession and is available for inspection. Component/System Involved: The failure appears to involve the engine and/or internal engine components. The exact cause has not yet been diagnosed by a professional. Safety Risk: This failure posed a significant safety hazard, as the sudden loss of power occurred while traveling on a highway. This could have resulted in a serious accident, particularly if surrounding traffic had been heavier or less responsive. Inspection and Diagnosis: The issue has not yet been formally diagnosed or confirmed by a dealership or independent repair facility. Additionally, the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, law enforcement, insurance representatives, or other entities. Warning Indicators: There were no warning lights, messages, or other indicators prior to or during the initial failure. The only symptom Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

• ENGINE

  Oil is burning out quickly causing the car to stop abruptly without any warning and caused damages to the engine.

• ENGINE

  The contact owns a 2021 Kia Forte. While driving at various speeds, the check engine warning illuminated. The vehicle would start to vibrate. The vibration was more evident while slowing down or stopping at traffic lights. The vibration and the warning light had become a recurring failure. After turning off and restarting the vehicle, the check engine warning light was cleared. However, lately, turning on and restarting the vehicle failed to clear the warning light. Additionally, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled several times. While the vehicle was stopped and idling, the RPM was fluctuating as if the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer several times; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact was advised that the vehicle was in good working order. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

• 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 impact caused significant damage, and my insurance company declared the vehicle a total loss. Despite the severity of the crash, none of the airbags deployed. I experienced body pain for several days following the accident. Given the nature of the collision and the damage sustained, the airbags should have deployed to protect the occupants. This raises serious concerns about the reliability of the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS).

• ENGINE

  Was currently stuck in slow walking traffic and once traffic began to progress the car overheated engine notice appeared. Pulled into a parking lot as soon as car was parked the vehicle turned off. This happened during the night and was an extremely traumatic experience! Car does have a diagnosis about the engine been blown. Still in the works of being fixed by the dealership. Very long process!

• ENGINE

  I am writing to report a serious safety concern involving my Kia vehicle. Shortly after getting an oil change, my car began making unusual noises and then suddenly stopped working in the middle of a busy intersection. This unexpected stall created a dangerous situation for both myself and other drivers. After having it towed to the dealership, it comes down to an engine malfunction which was not covered by my warranty since it just hit 70,000 miles. I have since learned that other Kia owners have experienced similar issues, and I am concerned this may be related to a larger defect or recall issue. I wanted to report this incident to ensure it is properly documented and investigated.

• 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 unlatched while driving. They said out of warranty so i would have to pay or they will do nothing. This should be a Kia issue. Obviously a defect in the seat belts. I can be driving on freeway and multiple times they will come unlatched while driving. So instead of having both hands on the steering will. I have to fiddle around to get it to latch again. It is a legal requirement to have working seat belts and u feel kia should fix this issue. I told them this and that i didn't feel this was something i should have to pay for and the service writer just asked me if i was leaving then. Hope there is no accident because seat belts won't work and there will be a lawsuit.

• ENGINE

  2021 Kia Forte VIN# [XXX] 107,000 miles While driving my Kia Forte on [XXX] i experienced a sudden noise without warning just 2 months to the exact date after an oil change. The vehicle became unsafe to operate and could not accelerate properly. In some cases it would no have it would feel like it was losing power and creating a scary and dangerous situation. A certified mechanic diagnosed there was no oil in my vehicle which matches the oil consumption defect identified in Kia's Theta II GDI engine recalls and nationwide class action settlement. Kia has acknowledged in public filing that is defect poses a risk of engine seizing and fire. Although my VIN is not currently listed under any active recall, my vehicle exhibits the exact same defect pattern as recalled vehicles, including sudden loss of power at highway speeds which is a significant safety hazard. Manufactures Response: I contacted Kia Corporate to request an engine replacement consistent with the recall and the settlement remedies and they refused to cover the repair solely because my VIN is not included in the recall list despite the defect being identical. Safety Concern: The sudden loss of power creates a risk of rear-end collisions, loss of control and potential fire. This defect can be life threatening and should not be excluded from recall coverage simply due to VIN range. Requested Action: I am requesting that NHTSA investigate why vehicles with identical engine defects, including mine have been excluded from recall coverage and compel Kia to provide a no-cost repair. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

• ENGINE

  My 2021 Kia forte GT is currently sitting in my driveway, undriveable. It started about 3months or so ago I had realized I was getting more and more frequent oil changes to the point where the car would be consuming a quart of oil in at least a week or less. Fast forward to this previous week, I now had a hard knock/rattle within my engine. The engine gave way on my way home which is a significant safety issue to myself and those who were driving around me. I have contacted Kia customer as they have had previous complaints as well as a lawsuit on the engine for the excessive engine oil consumption leading to possible engine failure. There’s no reason why an only 4 year old car should have a blown motor. I am thankful that I am personally ok and didn’t hurt anyone else while in the midst of driving my vehicle home.

• ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  HVAC blower motor connector got so hot it has melted the plactic

• ENGINE

  The contact owns a 2021 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the cylinders and pistons had failed, and the engine needed to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 93,532.

• POWER TRAIN

  Transmission, yes it’s available. I was driving on the highway and the vehicle began jerking and revving, slowing down and then speeding up. It is at a service center now. Now lamps

• STEERING

  Component/System Involved: Electric Power Steering (EPS) – specifically, a potential malfunction with the assist motor response timing. Description of Incident: While driving, primarily on the highway, I have experienced a recurring issue with the power steering system. The steering assist appears to delay activation after periods of inactivity—such as when driving straight. When I attempt a small correction (even a movement as small as 1/16 of an inch), there is unusually high resistance, followed by a sudden release. This results in an overcorrection and can create a cycle of steering instability as the same pattern repeats with each correction. Safety Risk: This malfunction poses a safety risk because the delay in steering assist and sudden release can lead to unintended sharp corrections or lane drifting, especially at highway speeds. The issue requires both hands on the wheel to maintain control, and the unpredictable nature of the steering increases the chance of losing control or colliding with another vehicle. Warning Lamps/Symptoms Prior to Failure: There are no warning lights, error messages, or chimes preceding or accompanying the issue. Mileage & Vehicle Info: Several people seem to be having the same issue and it happens at different stages of the vehicles life, but no one seems to have found a solution or source of the problem.