Before buying a used 2021 Kia Forte, check whether recall repairs were completed, how it scored in crash tests and what owners report most often. Ask the seller for service records covering any recall listed below.
2021 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program.
A 0–100 grade from public NHTSA data — higher means fewer reported problems. How it's calculated
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69 complaints filed with NHTSA (11 involving a crash, 0 a fire). Most-reported areas:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints. Complaints are unverified reports, not confirmed defects.
| Version | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forte — Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo | 8.7 L/100 km (27 mpg) | 6.7 L/100 km (35 mpg) | 7.8 L/100 km (30 mpg) |
| Forte — Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 8.1 L/100 km (29 mpg) | 5.9 L/100 km (40 mpg) | 7.1 L/100 km (33 mpg) |
| Forte — Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo | 9.4 L/100 km (25 mpg) | 7.4 L/100 km (32 mpg) | 8.4 L/100 km (28 mpg) |
| Forte — Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 8.7 L/100 km (27 mpg) | 6.4 L/100 km (37 mpg) | 7.6 L/100 km (31 mpg) |
| Forte FE — Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 7.6 L/100 km (31 mpg) | 5.7 L/100 km (41 mpg) | 6.7 L/100 km (35 mpg) |
Source: U.S. EPA / fueleconomy.gov. Converted to L/100 km for Canadian buyers.
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."
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.
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.
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.
Source: U.S. NHTSA. Canadian-market vehicles can have different recalls — check Transport Canada's recall database. Always confirm recall status for a specific VIN with a dealer.