NHTSA has received 60 owner complaints about the 2023 Kia Forte, or 16.3 per year on the road — far fewer complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.39, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 92 model-year 2023 vehicles we track, it ranks #36 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Kia models its rate is 54% lower; against other Compact cars it is 29% 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 2022-12-20 and 2026-08-24. Median delay from incident to filing: 16 days.
60Complaints
16.3Complaints per year on the road
0.39Complaint index vs. all tracked vehicles
3Recalls · ⚠ 2
21.7%Share involving a crash or fire
16Last 12 months
Analysis
The previous model year (2022) drew 5.6 complaints per year, fewer than this one. The following model year (2024) drew 9.0 per year, fewer than this one. In its first two years on the road the 2023 model collected 33 complaints, 60% lower than the average vehicle of the same model year.
The most common problem area is Steering (18.3% of complaints), followed by Engine (15.0%) and Electrical (13.3%). Steering complaints are 2.8 times as common here as across all tracked vehicles. Within Steering reports, owners most often mention “steering”, “alignment”, “right”, “wheel” and “flat”. 13 reports (21.7%) describe a crash or fire; owners mention 5 injuries and 1 death.
Half of the reported incidents happened within 14 months of the model year's start; the busiest period was the first year (45% of incidents). In the last 12 months 16 new complaints were filed, versus 12 in the 12 months before — the pace is rising.
NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for this model year, 2 with a do-not-drive or park-outside warning. 23% of the complaints fall in component areas that a recall addresses.
Complaint index
vs. all tracked vehicles0.39
vs. other Kia models0.46
vs. other 2023 models0.39
vs. other Compact cars0.71
Complaints in first 2 years on the road · vs. same-year average (33)0.4
I was driving home, on my way while driving I approached a curve on my way around the curve my vehicle continued to accelerate to the right as I was going around the curve.
Steering · 2026-05-29 · ODI 11740816 · Crash
I was driving in a road, when a female deer appeared out of the trees and bushes from the right shoulder of the road. I tried not to hit it but but the deer got in my way. I hit the deer and quickly moved over to the right shoulder.
Electrical system failed while operating vehicle on major highway. All lights flashed, system shut off, power steering locked up.
Electrical · 2026-08-24 · ODI 11759219
The right front lower control arm has completely broken/fractured during operation. Kia has previously issued safety recalls SC283 (NHTSA 23V649) and SC306 (NHTSA 24V244) for this exact vehicle model year due to improperly manufactured right front lower…
Wheels, tires & suspension · 2026-08-09 · ODI 11755764
The A/C compressor field coil assembly failed on my 2023 Kia Forte. The air conditioning system is completely inoperative.
Interior & equipment · 2026-08-06 · ODI 11755162
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM Campaign 24V244000 · 2024-04-01
⚠ Park-outside / do-not-drive warning
Summary: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Forte vehicles. The right front lower control arm may have been improperly welded, which can cause it to fail.
Risk: Front lower control arm failure can cause a sudden loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will replace the right front lower control arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 17, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC306. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 23V-649.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM Campaign 23V649000 · 2023-09-22
⚠ Park-outside / do-not-drive warning
Summary: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Forte vehicles. The right front lower control arm may have been improperly welded, which can cause it to fail.
Risk: Front lower control arm failure can cause a sudden loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will replace the right front lower control arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 27, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC283.
Summary: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Forte vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the front left steering knuckle may crack, which can result in a loss of steering control.
Risk: A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front left steering knuckle, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 12, 2023. Owner may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC259.
No NHTSA investigation covers the tracked model years.
Frequently asked questions
How many complaints were filed for the 2023 Kia Forte?
60 complaints were filed with NHTSA for the 2023 Kia Forte, or about 16.3 per year on the road.
What is the most common problem reported for the 2023 Kia Forte?
The most common category is Steering, accounting for 18.3% of complaints.
Does the 2023 Kia Forte have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall(s) for this model year.
Is the 2023 Kia Forte still generating complaints?
In the last 12 months 16 new complaints were filed, versus 12 in the 12 months before — the pace is rising.
How does the 2023 Kia Forte compare with similar vehicles?
NHTSA has received 60 owner complaints about the 2023 Kia Forte, or 16.3 per year on the road — far fewer complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.39, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 92 model-year 2023 vehicles we track, it ranks #36 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Kia models its rate is 54% lower; against other Compact cars it is 29% lower.