2021 KIA FORTE Problems & Recalls
Detailed safety information and owner complaints
Problem Breakdown
Compare to Other Years
Common Problems
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 steer...
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 s...
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 driv...
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 fr...
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 i...
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...
HVAC blower motor connector got so hot it has melted the plactic
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...
Mileage: 93,532
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
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 appear...
On Saturday, March 1, 2025, I took my 2021 Kia Forte LXS for a routine oil change. I had NO PRIOR issues, warning lights or anything with my vehicle. The oil change was performed. I then drove my vehicle less than 20 miles, the vehicle would then not accelerate and started to bog down. I was able to...
The transmission went out while driving, entering the highway. It was intermittently missing a gear or slipping in about 2nd or 3rd gear. I first noticed it going about 40 mph and trying to accelerate to highway speeds. It was during a winter storm and other vehicles behind me had to brake unexpe...
Passenger air bag/seat belt goes off like someone is sitting in passenger seat but no one is. Have to do seat belt for the alert stops
Passenger air bag/seat belt goes off like someone is sitting in passenger seat but no one is. Have to do seat belt for the alert stops
The car is making a noise that we finally found out it was the hood rattling. Took it to the shop and the hood latch looks to be secure, and non=adjustable. Was told that the rubber adjustable hood bumpers are too short, however the dealer said that they are correct, but agreed they can't be adjus...
This car was sold to me without disclosing that the manufacture failed to have a engine security system on the car to at least "deter" auto theft.If the key to the car was programmed/chipped like other cars, it would provide at least some level of protection. I've already stopped car thieves from t...
This car was sold to me without disclosing that the manufacture failed to have a engine security system on the car to at least "deter" auto theft.If the key to the car was programmed/chipped like other cars, it would provide at least some level of protection. I've already stopped car thieves from t...
This car was sold to me without disclosing that the manufacture failed to have a engine security system on the car to at least "deter" auto theft.If the key to the car was programmed/chipped like other cars, it would provide at least some level of protection. I've already stopped car thieves from t...
The issue I’m having was confirmed by the dealership so when I drive on the highway, there’s a specific patch of highway that zigzags the car will follow that zigzag after getting off of the highway onto regular road. The car computer system will start a down shift erratically and feel like the ...
The issue I’m having was confirmed by the dealership so when I drive on the highway, there’s a specific patch of highway that zigzags the car will follow that zigzag after getting off of the highway onto regular road. The car computer system will start a down shift erratically and feel like the ...
The issue I’m having was confirmed by the dealership so when I drive on the highway, there’s a specific patch of highway that zigzags the car will follow that zigzag after getting off of the highway onto regular road. The car computer system will start a down shift erratically and feel like the ...
The rental vehicle, a Kia Forte, was provided by a major rental company without addressing the critical anti-theft system vulnerability identified in manufacturer recall CS2305C. This recall was issued in early 2023, approximately one year before the rental date. The vehicle was stolen on April 11,...
The rental vehicle, a Kia Forte, was provided by a major rental company without addressing the critical anti-theft system vulnerability identified in manufacturer recall CS2305C. This recall was issued in early 2023, approximately one year before the rental date. The vehicle was stolen on April 11,...
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while his mother was driving at 20 MPH and attempting to complete a left turn. another driver failed to stop at a red light, as a result, the contact's mother was struck by the other vehicle on the passenger's side; however, the air bags did...
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while his mother was driving at 20 MPH and attempting to complete a left turn. another driver failed to stop at a red light, as a result, the contact's mother was struck by the other vehicle on the passenger's side; however, the air bags did...
There is loud sound associated with the steering column! It has locked on me before and wouldn’t allow me to turn the vehicle. It has been to the dealership several times only for them to not be able to pinpoint the issue.i have a video but no pictures.
I get regularly scheduled oil changes but the car is making a noise like a rod knock
I purchased this care new, and the manufacture did not disclose that the vehicle was NOT made with an engine immobilizer, or any theft prevention outside a basic door lock. (Kia Hyundai Vehicle Theft Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation, No. 8:22-ML-3052 JVS(KESx) (C.D. Cal...
I purchased this care new, and the manufacture did not disclose that the vehicle was NOT made with an engine immobilizer, or any theft prevention outside a basic door lock. (Kia Hyundai Vehicle Theft Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation, No. 8:22-ML-3052 JVS(KESx) (C.D. Cal...
The hood on my car seems to be loose as it rattles when closed and driving. It does appear to be latched, however I'm concerned that the hood will come loose and blow up in front of the windshield while driving causing a life threatening accident. The hood bumpers on the inside of the hood are not...
Driving down the highway and sunroof exploded. Sounded like a gun shot
The electric steering column motor has worn parts causing the steering wheel to make a rubbing noise. There is a TSB out for this problem but for cars only manufactured in certain plants. My car was not manufactured in one of the plants that generated the TSB but I have that problem and Kia will not...
While driving on the interstate, multiple dash lights came on, the engine started knocking and shutting down. The vehicle was towed to the dealership and was found that the oil plug had fallen out, causing the oil to drain out and ruin the motor.
Transmission overheating and dragging… weird smell and noise and scrubbing sound when turning the steering wheel. Only 50k miles on car
Transmission overheating and dragging… weird smell and noise and scrubbing sound when turning the steering wheel. Only 50k miles on car
Service engine light turns off then comes back on. Get message engine failure. Scanner at dealership scanned 15 codes relating to misfires on all cylinders. Positive battery terminal caked up real bad causing arcing and melting plastic. Last I heard from dealership was possibly a engine replacement.
Service engine light turns off then comes back on. Get message engine failure. Scanner at dealership scanned 15 codes relating to misfires on all cylinders. Positive battery terminal caked up real bad causing arcing and melting plastic. Last I heard from dealership was possibly a engine replacement.
I am so sadden and broke. My Kia 2021 Forte was stollen.The car has just about 8k miles. The thieves had busted rear passenger side glass, torn down steering column, opened electric wiring Skelton and taken away the car. Police said they found my damaged car. I was also told that my damaged car was ...
I am so sadden and broke. My Kia 2021 Forte was stollen.The car has just about 8k miles. The thieves had busted rear passenger side glass, torn down steering column, opened electric wiring Skelton and taken away the car. Police said they found my damaged car. I was also told that my damaged car was ...
I am so sadden and broke. My Kia 2021 Forte was stollen.The car has just about 8k miles. The thieves had busted rear passenger side glass, torn down steering column, opened electric wiring Skelton and taken away the car. Police said they found my damaged car. I was also told that my damaged car was ...
My Kia forte 21 that I owned for less than 2 years, stalled out while driving on 20 April 23. The engine light came on. I checked the oil and there was none , despite having regular maintenance being performed. No light indicators appeared informing me that my vehicle had no oil left. My vehicle ha...
Mileage: 21,234
My Kia forte 21 that I owned for less than 2 years, stalled out while driving on 20 April 23. The engine light came on. I checked the oil and there was none , despite having regular maintenance being performed. No light indicators appeared informing me that my vehicle had no oil left. My vehicle ha...
Mileage: 21,234
I was driving down a highway with no other cars near me and heard a loud noise (sounded like a gunshot). I pulled over and my sunroof had exploded. The glass was facing upwards not downwards. It appears it exploded from the inside not by a foreign object.
Engine is very noisy for quite some time before getting quiet. 40000 miles. Lifters making a lot of noise. Possibly a failing oil pump.
My vehicle was stolen and recovered a couple of days later. The only damage to the vehicle is a broken window and broken ignition dash Currently trending is the Kia challenge where vehicles from 2011-2021 are missing tan anti-theft feature that makes it an easier target to steal. Kia is aware of thi...
It seems the car may have a defect in the transmission(Dual Clutch). The car makes at times an abrupt stop, for like a second or two, after I press on the gas. When I'm driving, especially at low speeds I can hear the transmission's parts make a grinding sounds, loud clicks. When I'm breaking, it's ...
1.Vehicle on spots of highway will apply the forward collision warning system and suddenly brake that may cause a collision with vehicle behind it. 2. Theft is sweeping the nation for Kia/Hyundai vehicles and this vehicle is a target. Hyundai/Kia need to install security protocols on their product a...
1.Vehicle on spots of highway will apply the forward collision warning system and suddenly brake that may cause a collision with vehicle behind it. 2. Theft is sweeping the nation for Kia/Hyundai vehicles and this vehicle is a target. Hyundai/Kia need to install security protocols on their product a...
My car was stolen. Steering column busted ignition switch taken out. Passenger side window busted.
My car was stolen from in front of my home, they were able to steal my brand new car because they popped off the bottom steering wheel cover and used an iphone charger to start the ignition and drive away.
My main issue is concerning a critical design flaw that has been found due to a social media challenge called the Kia Challenge where people are able to start up and steal a Kia after only using a USB cord adapter (found near the key start on the steering wheel) without needing a key. This has cause...
My main issue is concerning a critical design flaw that has been found due to a social media challenge called the Kia Challenge where people are able to start up and steal a Kia after only using a USB cord adapter (found near the key start on the steering wheel) without needing a key. This has cause...
My main issue is concerning a critical design flaw that has been found due to a social media challenge called the Kia Challenge where people are able to start up and steal a Kia after only using a USB cord adapter (found near the key start on the steering wheel) without needing a key. This has cause...
While driving down the highway, the entire crank pulley system fell out from under the car and onto the highway.
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle started to decelerate while the RPM increased. The contact pulled over to the side and notice the vehicle smoking but there was no fire. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact towed the vehicle to ...
Mileage: 35,642
Ticking sound under hood at 35000 miles
Ticking sound under hood at 35000 miles
When I abruptly have to step on the brakes to stop the vehicle, the backseat behind the driver and the middle seat fall forward. This has happened multiple times.
Recall
Recall
Vehicle has issues where transmission actuator will stop functioning causing sudden loss of acceleration. Was doing 70 MPH in expressway and vehicle stopped accelerating. Issue has occurred two times, both times being serviced by Dealership, after receiving the vehicle back, issue still persists, ve...
Vehicle has issues where transmission actuator will stop functioning causing sudden loss of acceleration. Was doing 70 MPH in expressway and vehicle stopped accelerating. Issue has occurred two times, both times being serviced by Dealership, after receiving the vehicle back, issue still persists, ve...
A defect in 2021 Kia Forte vehicle engine start and security systems allows for the rear window to be broken without an alarm activation and the car to be started without a key or key-like device. The vehicle can be started with something as simple as a screwdriver. Vehicles of this make and model a...
A defect in 2021 Kia Forte vehicle engine start and security systems allows for the rear window to be broken without an alarm activation and the car to be started without a key or key-like device. The vehicle can be started with something as simple as a screwdriver. Vehicles of this make and model a...
I was struck by lightning and totaled my car. My airbags didn’t deploy. I’ve reported this to Kia. They are yet to respond
Car completely shut down while in drive on 2 separate occasions leading it to be towed to dealership.
Car completely shut down while in drive on 2 separate occasions leading it to be towed to dealership.
Car completely shut down while in drive on 2 separate occasions leading it to be towed to dealership.
Car stalled and shut off while in drive leading it to be towed.
Car stalled and shut off while in drive leading it to be towed.
Car stalled and shut off while in drive leading it to be towed.
I got into an accident by being struck by lightning. I lost consciousness when I came to I was very confuse. I was in the side of a bridge with my foot on the brake looking at a river. My car was totally! My airbags didn’t even deploy. I’ve been paying the price for this with higher insurance r...
I was in a head on accident at 45mph air bags did not deploy . was wearing my seatbelt and had a head injury due to hit the steering wheel with my head
It’s been flashing for no reason. I literally just turned on my car. I did get an oil change earlier today
There is no kill switch. this is a new car but doesn't have the push start. So, I have gotten it stolen twice. It's still at body shop. I had to pay 500 twice for detectible and I asked while they have car if Kia could put a safety feature, so it doesn't happen again they told me Kia is doing nothin...
I have noticed recently that the car keeps all of a sudden pulling to the right and I have not had the lane assistance on since a week after I bought the car. It is at 4000 miles right now and this problem began at approximately 3000 miles. Not sure if anyone else has noticed this but if it is just ...
I have noticed recently that the car keeps all of a sudden pulling to the right and I have not had the lane assistance on since a week after I bought the car. It is at 4000 miles right now and this problem began at approximately 3000 miles. Not sure if anyone else has noticed this but if it is just ...
I got my car April 18 2021. It is a 2021 car and i got it off the lot with only 30 miles. I had the car for only 2 months and my breaks were already making a squeaky noise. I took it in to get them replaced I asked why i needed new ones sooo quick and i was told that maybe the manufacturer breaks we...
The contact owns 2021 Kia Forte. The contact stated the brakes would constantly squeak when making a stop. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that it was not a failure. The contact stated while she was parking the vehicle in a par...
Mileage: 3,000
while coming to a stop, the passenger side front wheel locked up forcing the car into a sharp right had turn which put the car into a ditch, striking cement barrier at bottom of ditch. car likely totalled
I bought a brand new Kia Forte with 30 miles on it in February. In April I took it to the dealership for the breaks squeaking. The dealership stated they put conditioner on my breaks. Took the car back again in may for the breaks still squeaking. The dealership changed my oil when that was not what...
Bought the KIA 4/192021 from Camelback KIA - Phoenix, AZ. Drove the car home to Green Valley. Approximately 2 months later checked the tires air pressure and discovered that 3 of the tires were at 52 PSI and 1 was at 51 PSI. After checking with a neighbor who owns 2 KIA Fortes with KUMHO tires about...
Bought the KIA 4/192021 from Camelback KIA - Phoenix, AZ. Drove the car home to Green Valley. Approximately 2 months later checked the tires air pressure and discovered that 3 of the tires were at 52 PSI and 1 was at 51 PSI. After checking with a neighbor who owns 2 KIA Fortes with KUMHO tires about...
I purchased my 2021 Kia Forte and have had it for only 6 months. The tires are new and the size are 225/45/R17 Majestic Solus tires both tires front driver side and Back driver side exploded at the same time. I was driving when both tires went exploded at the same time. I thought at first maybe I we...
6/20/2021 Miles when purchased: 18. I bought my Kia Forte and drove it home to Livermore from San Jose without any problem. 6/21/2021 & 6/22/2021 I did not drive anywhere. 6/23/2021 I drove to Dublin Bowl from Livermore. When I returned home (Livermore) and was pulling into my driveway, as I pres...
ENGINE CONSUMING TOO MUCH OIL. DEVELOPED WHAT WAS THOUGHT TO BE A "LIFTER TAP". AFTER FURTHER DIAGNOSIS, PARAMOUNT KIA DETERMINED LOWER ENGINE NEEDS REPAIR. CYLINDERS ONE AND 3 ARE ISSUES. PARAMOUNT KIA CLAIM THEY ONLY WANT TO REPLACE LOWER ENGINE. 2021 KIA FORTE LXS 11K MILES.
IN NORMAL DRIVING AND LIGHTING CONDITIONS MY AUTO GLASS APPEARS CLEAR AND NO VISIBLE ISSUES. HOWEVER, AS SOON AS THE SUN IS SHINING DIRECTLY THROUGH THE GLASS, THEN THOUSANDS OF WHAT APPEAR TO BE MICRO BUBBLES APPEAR AND SEVERELY IMPACTS THE DRIVERS VISION ESPECIALLY THROUGH THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. ...
Mileage: 2,100
DECEMBER 2,2020 I WAS DRIVING ON ROUTE 33 WEST AND EXITED THE EXIT AT CANAL WINCHESTER. I WAS DRIVING TOWARDS THE LEFT SIDE OF RAMP AND THE STEERING WHEEL TOOK CONTROL AND SLAMMED ME INTO A CEMENT BARRIER. WEATHER WAS 44 DEGREES AND AT 4 PM IN THE EVENING.*DT*JB*JB*DT*DT*JB*JB*DT*JB*JB
Mileage: 1,500