The 2021 Kia Forte has 67 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and steering. Owners most often flag cvt/ivt transmission reliability concerns: noted for premature failure, especially in belt-driven units from 2019 to mid-2021; design updated to chain-driven in 2021+ models. frequency: recurrent.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Kia Forte vehicles (US, public record).
Across the 6 Forte model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2009) to 601 (2013). With 67 complaints, the 2021 Forte sits belowthe model's median of 232.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
air bags: air bag/restraint control module
Campaign 21V164000Kia 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 p…
steering:column
Campaign 22V304000Kia 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 i…
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on model year and powertrain. The Forte is widely regarded as a solid value proposition, offering good features, technology, and interior space for the money, particularly when purchased new or…
Owner insights cover all generations of the Forte. See the full Forte owner picture and every model year.
Used Forte listings typically run $12,994–$19,170 across 2013 to 2024 model years.
Compare every Forte year side by side to see how 2021 ranks against the rest.