2021 Kia Forte: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2021 Kia Forte: 2 recalls, 69 owner complaints and up to 33 mpg combined.
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Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags, Airbags Vehicle recall #21V164000 · 2021 · 142 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: In the event of a crash, deployment of the front passenger air bag, with a child in that seat, can increase the risk of injury to the child.
The fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ocs/ods unit, free of charge. The recall began March 18, 2021.
Steering Vehicle recall #22V304000 · 2022 · 30 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the lower steering column u-joint retention bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 7 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (22): the most common themes are noise or vibration (11), stalls / loses power (6), warning light on (6).
- Other / unknown (18): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (4).
- Steering (9): the most common themes are steering problems (7), noise or vibration (3).
- Electrical (8): the most common themes are electrical failure (2).
The 2021 Kia Forte has 69 owner complaints, ranking #12 of 16 Forte model years for complaints (well below the 160 average). Complaints peaked in 2022 (21 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 28,438 miles. Neighboring years: 2020 (78 complaints, 0 recalls), 2022 (28 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 40 | 33 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 37 | 31 | Regular |
| 1.6 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 35 | 30 | Regular |
| 1.6 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 32 | 28 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2021 Kia Forte.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2021 Kia Forte have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2021 Kia Forte. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2021 Kia Forte problems?
Owners have filed 69 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (22), other / unknown (18), steering (9).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Kia Forte get?
EPA ratings run up to 33 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios)), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2021 Kia Forte repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.