2021 KIA FORTE Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2021 Kia Forte. This model year has 67 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2021 Kia Forte Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Steering Defects
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2021 Kia Forte. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 22 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 17 | 3 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 9 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 6 | 5 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Kia Forte. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 67 most recent complaints
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 t…
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 …
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 u…
Oil is burning out quickly causing the car to stop abruptly without any warning and caused damages to the engine.
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Forte. While driving at various speeds, the check engine warning illuminated. The vehicle would start to vibrate. The vibration was more evident while slowing down or stopping at traffic lights. The vibration and the warning light had become a recurrin…
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. …
Was currently stuck in slow walking traffic and once traffic began to progress the car overheated engine notice appeared. Pulled into a parking lot as soon as car was parked the vehicle turned off. This happened during the night and was an extremely traumatic experience! Car does…
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 m…
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 diag…
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 stee…
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…
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…
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…
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 stoppe…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Kia Forte.
Recalls for 2021 Kia Forte
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Kia Forte. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2021 Kia Forte — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2021 Kia Forte reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2021 Kia Forte has 67 NHTSA owner complaints, 10 crash-related, and 2 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Engine Problems (22 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia Forte?▾
#1: Engine Problems (22 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (17 complaints). #3: Steering Defects (9 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Kia Forte?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Kia Forte?▾
The 2021 Kia Forte has 10 crash-related complaints and 0 fire reports out of 67 total NHTSA complaints. 6 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Kia Forte have any recalls?▾
Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Kia Forte. The largest issue: AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2021 Kia Forte?▾
The 2021 Kia Forte has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Engine Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Kia Forte reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2021 Kia Forte
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.