2021 Kia Forte Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 22

“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. Vehicle was towed to Kia dealership and they found that there was no oil in the engine and that the oil drain plug was completely missing. This problem caused catastrophic engine failure resulting in the need for a full engine replacement. A routine oil change had been conducted approx. 2,000 miles prior to this on January 12, 2026. The vehicle had been driven daily s…”
NHTSA complaint #11733651, 2026

“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. I have owned the vehicle for nearly a year without prior incident until a recent and significant failure occurred. While driving on a highway after work, the vehicle suddenly lost engine power. The RPMs dropped abruptly, and the vehicle began decelerating rapidly before completely shutting off. This occurred without any prior warning indicators, such as dashboard warning lights or mes…”
NHTSA complaint #11731999, 2026

“Oil is burning out quickly causing the car to stop abruptly without any warning and caused damages to the engine.”
NHTSA complaint #11723359, 2026

Unknown Or Other 17 3 crash 2 injury

“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 parking lot, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond. The contact stated the vehicle inadvertently accelerated on its own and crashed into a building. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact sustained injuries on the chest but she did not seek medical assistance. A police repo…”
NHTSA complaint #11433195, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11397070, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 are being targeted by criminal activity and it is a safety concern for Kia consumers and drivers. Kia is aware of this defect and has issued a statement that all future vehicles will come with improved safety systems and an engine immobilizer, but no recall on vehicles before the 2022 model year have…”
NHTSA complaint #11460437, 2022 · crash

Steering 9 2 crash

“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. The contact stated that she sustained noise and neck injuries, including placenta rupture, causing early labor. Medical attention was required. The contact stated that a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage w…”
NHTSA complaint #11733681, 2026 · crash

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11432804, 2021 · crash

“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 appears to delay activation after periods of inactivity—such as when driving straight. When I attempt a small correction (even a movement as small as 1/16 of an inch), there is unusually high resistance, followed by a sudden release. This results in an overcorrection and can create a cycle of steering insta…”
NHTSA complaint #11653119, 2025

Electrical System 8 1 crash

“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 are being targeted by criminal activity and it is a safety concern for Kia consumers and drivers. Kia is aware of this defect and has issued a statement that all future vehicles will come with improved safety systems and an engine immobilizer, but no recall on vehicles before the 2022 model year have…”
NHTSA complaint #11460437, 2022 · crash

“HVAC blower motor connector got so hot it has melted the plactic”
NHTSA complaint #11669685, 2025

“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 car is pulling backwards. Also there is a lack of acceleration and it feels like the transmission is slipping, but I have confirmed with the dealership that the transmission was not slipping that the computer was shifting erratically. They would reset the computer and the car would would begin driving i…”
NHTSA complaint #11623941, 2024

Power Train 7

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11655387, 2025

“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 unexpectedly. I wasn't sure if I felt for sure, so I continued to drive through many inclines and declines. The inclines became more difficult and the inability to maintain consistent speeds. I drove gently to the nearest Kia dealership which was in Salt Lake City about 60 miles away, where they inform…”
NHTSA complaint #11643881, 2025

“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 car is pulling backwards. Also there is a lack of acceleration and it feels like the transmission is slipping, but I have confirmed with the dealership that the transmission was not slipping that the computer was shifting erratically. They would reset the computer and the car would would begin driving i…”
NHTSA complaint #11623941, 2024

Air Bags 6 5 crash 4 injury

“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. Despite the severity of the crash, none of the airbags deployed. I experienced body pain for several days following the accident. Given the nature of the collision and the damage sustained, the airbags should have deployed to protect the occupants. This raises serious concerns about the reliability of the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS).”
NHTSA complaint #11713406, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 not deploy. In addition, the seat belt failed to retract. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop for body repair but was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to determine why the air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed and injuries were r…”
NHTSA complaint #11622287, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 rates with an accident on my record. No police report was filed or called because I was fine just confused. Even with it being an act of god, I’m paying for it”
NHTSA complaint #11455458, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Fuel/Propulsion System 3

“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 trying to steal it once by pure luck, but I'm like the thousands out there constantly worried that someone's going to try to take it in lieu of the social media challenges.The horrible settlement that out government gave us was to upgrade the software which provides NO help with deterring thieves fro…”
NHTSA complaint #11626477, 2024

“Car completely shut down while in drive on 2 separate occasions leading it to be towed to dealership.”
NHTSA complaint #11456501, 2022

“Car stalled and shut off while in drive leading it to be towed.”
NHTSA complaint #11456502, 2022

Seat Belts 3 1 crash 1 injury

“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 not deploy. In addition, the seat belt failed to retract. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop for body repair but was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to determine why the air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed and injuries were r…”
NHTSA complaint #11622287, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 freeway and multiple times they will come unlatched while driving. So instead of having both hands on the steering will. I have to fiddle around to get it to latch again. It is a legal requirement to have working seat belts and u feel kia should fix this issue. I told them this and that i didn't feel…”
NHTSA complaint #11691058, 2025

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11634154, 2024

Structure 3 1 crash 1 injury

“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. Despite the severity of the crash, none of the airbags deployed. I experienced body pain for several days following the accident. Given the nature of the collision and the damage sustained, the airbags should have deployed to protect the occupants. This raises serious concerns about the reliability of the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS).”
NHTSA complaint #11713406, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 adjustable, and/or long enough to cushion the hood to stop the rattling either.”
NHTSA complaint #11588578, 2024

“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 adjusted anymore to eliminate the noise. This gives us great safety concern that the hood is not property secured, or has a defective latch, in addition to the constant noise that the dealer said they will only address within the first 12 months or 12K miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11626428, 2022

Tires 3

“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 the PSI (which is the max PSI located on the sidewall) he said he thought that was wrong. I called Camelback to confirm if that was what they should be kept at - left a message. After 3 failed attempts getting a call back from Camelback and 3 contacts with KIA via their website (no return contacts)…”
NHTSA complaint #11428741, 2021

“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 went over a nail, then when I pulled over I saw both tires had torn in half, the tires looked like they are shredded. I have taken a picture of the road and direction and the street was cleared. I had to take to the kia dealership to have them both replaced. Very upset had to pay for 2 tires. At first…”
NHTSA complaint #11427781, 2021

Equipment 2

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11477635, 2022

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11422676, 2021

Forward Collision Avoidance 2

“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 as this should have been on the product since purchase.”
NHTSA complaint #11490373, 2022

“It’s been flashing for no reason. I literally just turned on my car. I did get an oil change earlier today”
NHTSA complaint #11449015, 2022

Service Brakes 2

“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 weren’t good. I took my car in again December 28 2021 because the breaks are making a squeaky noise AGAIN and my car is only at 7k miles. I’ve had my car for 8 months and have had my breaks changed twice when I shouldn’t of even had to get them changed because my car hasn’t even reached the mile li mi…”
NHTSA complaint #11445263, 2021

“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 I called and asked for. Had to wait another hour for the dealership to look over the breaks. They stated they put conditioner on the rotors. Brought the car back again in July for breaks squeaking still. They replaced the front end breaking system. August 25, 2021. Was driving and heard a clanking…”
NHTSA complaint #11431600, 2021

Exterior Lighting 1 1 crash 1 injury

“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. Despite the severity of the crash, none of the airbags deployed. I experienced body pain for several days following the accident. Given the nature of the collision and the damage sustained, the airbags should have deployed to protect the occupants. This raises serious concerns about the reliability of the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS).”
NHTSA complaint #11713406, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Lane Departure 1

“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 as if the lane assistance was turned on. I have also noticed that when I have my work bag which is approximately 40 pounds in my lunchbox in the front seat without the seatbelt connected the seatbelt warning does not come on like it did in my last car with the same items on the seat. Not sure if th…”
NHTSA complaint #11445798, 2021

Seats 1

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11465529, 2022

Vehicle Speed Control 1

“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, vehicle lost acceleration suddenly when turning into a intersection.”
NHTSA complaint #11464701, 2022

Visibility/Wiper 1

“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. THIS IS VERY DISTRACTING AND MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO FOCUS ON THE ROAD AHEAD.”
NHTSA complaint #11403077, 2020