NHTSA has received 67 owner complaints about the 2021 Kia Forte, or 11.8 per year on the road — far fewer complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.28, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 85 model-year 2021 vehicles we track, it ranks #22 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Kia models its rate is 67% lower; against other Compact cars it is 49% lower.
Counts are normalized by time on the road, not by sales volume: a popular model generates more reports than a rare one, and complaints are not verified individually. How we count
Complaints filed between 2021-02-20 and 2026-04-24. Median delay from incident to filing: 14 days.
67Complaints
11.8Complaints per year on the road
0.28Complaint index vs. all tracked vehicles
2Recalls
14.9%Share involving a crash or fire
9Last 12 months
Analysis
The previous model year (2020) drew 11.1 complaints per year, fewer than this one. The following model year (2022) drew 5.6 per year, fewer than this one. In its first two years on the road the 2021 model collected 31 complaints, 49% lower than the average vehicle of the same model year.
The most common problem area is Engine (32.8% of complaints), followed by Interior & equipment (14.9%) and Transmission / powertrain (10.4%). Within Engine reports, owners most often mention “engine”, “oil”, “settlement”, “theft” and “noise”. 10 reports (14.9%) describe a crash or fire; owners mention 6 injuries and 0 deaths.
Half of the reported incidents happened within 22 months of the model year's start; the busiest period was the second year (28% of incidents). In the last 12 months 9 new complaints were filed, versus 14 in the 12 months before — the pace is falling.
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for this model year. 19% of the complaints fall in component areas that a recall addresses.
Complaint index
vs. all tracked vehicles0.28
vs. other Kia models0.33
vs. other 2021 models0.31
vs. other Compact cars0.51
Complaints in first 2 years on the road · vs. same-year average (31)0.51
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.
Steering · 2026-04-24 · ODI 11733681 · Crash
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.
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.
Engine · 2026-04-24 · ODI 11733651
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.
Engine · 2026-04-18 · ODI 11731999
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.
Airbags & seat belts · 2025-10-02 · ODI 11691058
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
Summary: 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.
Risk: 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.
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE Campaign 21V164000 · 2021-03-11
Summary: 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."
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.
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.
No NHTSA investigation covers the tracked model years.
Frequently asked questions
How many complaints were filed for the 2021 Kia Forte?
67 complaints were filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Kia Forte, or about 11.8 per year on the road.
What is the most common problem reported for the 2021 Kia Forte?
The most common category is Engine, accounting for 32.8% of complaints.
Does the 2021 Kia Forte have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 safety recall(s) for this model year.
Is the 2021 Kia Forte still generating complaints?
In the last 12 months 9 new complaints were filed, versus 14 in the 12 months before — the pace is falling.
How does the 2021 Kia Forte compare with similar vehicles?
NHTSA has received 67 owner complaints about the 2021 Kia Forte, or 11.8 per year on the road — far fewer complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.28, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 85 model-year 2021 vehicles we track, it ranks #22 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Kia models its rate is 67% lower; against other Compact cars it is 49% lower.