Worst 2021 Kia Forte Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Steering Defects
Electrical Faults
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2021 Kia Forte.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 20 | — | — | 79,922 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Airbags | 6 | 5 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Body Structure | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Defects | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tires:Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Ignition:Anti-Theft:Control Module | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Ignition:Anti-Theft:Immobilizer/Proximity:Key/Sender | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment:Electrical:Anti-Theft Devices | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment:Mechanical:Boom/Crane/Ladder:Hoses/Cables/Rods/Gears/Strut/Cylinder | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Assist | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Automatic Transmission | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Caliper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Kia Forte. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2021 Kia Forte
2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~172 vehicles.
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.
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."
Other Kia Forte Years
2021 Kia Forte — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2021 Kia Forte reliable?
What are common problems with the 2021 Kia Forte?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Kia Forte?
How safe is the 2021 Kia Forte?
Does the 2021 Kia Forte have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2021 Kia Forte?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Kia Forte reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2021 Kia Forte
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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