Owners have reported 9 crashes and 6 injuries to NHTSA for the 2021 KIA Forte. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints13
ENGINE
Owners report significant engine issues with the 2021 Kia Forte, often related to oil consumption and engine noise. Complaints frequently mention excessive oil burning leading to engine damage, stalling, and in some cases, engine failure. Symptoms such as knocking sounds, ticking noises, and engine vibrations are common, with some issues emerging around 35,000 to 125,000 miles. Several reports describe sudden loss of power or engine shutdowns at high speeds, posing potential safety risks such as loss of control. Buyers should be aware that some owners have encountered difficulties obtaining repairs under warranty or recall coverage, despite experiencing problems similar to known issues in other Kia models.
Owner complaints13
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2021 Kia Forte frequently report issues related to theft vulnerability due to the absence of an engine immobilizer, with multiple reports of vehicles being stolen or attempted thefts. Complaints also describe sudden and unexplained power loss while driving, with occurrences at both low and freeway speeds, and some owners mention the vehicle stalling completely. Additionally, two reports involve the sunroof exploding while driving, creating a loud noise akin to a gunshot. Safety concerns are highlighted by three complaints involving crashes, with two reporting injuries; incidents include unintended acceleration and loss of steering control. These issues are noted at varying mileages, with some occurring shortly after purchase, such as within the first 3000 miles.
Severity signals: 3 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints8
STEERING
Owners report several steering-related issues with the 2021 KIA Forte. Complaints frequently mention a malfunction in the Electric Power Steering (EPS), characterized by delayed assist and sudden release, leading to overcorrection and potential loss of control, particularly at highway speeds. Additionally, some owners describe loud noises and rubbing sounds from the steering column, with one citing a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) relevant to similar issues. Mileage at which these problems occur varies, with reports as early as 4,000 miles. Safety implications are present, including one crash incident where a wheel lockup caused a loss of vehicle control. These patterns suggest potential risks for used car buyers to consider.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints7
POWER TRAIN
Owners report several issues with the 2021 Kia Forte's power train, primarily involving transmission malfunctions. Complaints frequently mention erratic shifting, loss of acceleration, and transmission slipping, often at highway speeds. These issues occur at various mileages, with some reported as early as 35,642 miles. Safety implications are noted, including sudden deceleration and unexpected stops, which could pose a risk in traffic. Additionally, multiple owners describe instances where the car stalled or required towing, with some cases involving the need for transmission replacement.
Owner complaints5
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2021 Kia Forte frequently report issues with air bag non-deployment during crashes. Four out of five complaints involve crashes where the air bags did not deploy, with three incidents resulting in injuries. Typical symptoms described include the air bags failing to deploy in head-on and side-impact collisions, even at speeds up to 45 mph. Additionally, one report mentions a passenger air bag alert activating without a passenger present. The complaints do not consistently mention specific mileage, but they suggest potential safety implications due to the repeated non-deployment of air bags in crash scenarios. This information may be relevant for prospective buyers considering the safety performance of this vehicle model.
Severity signals: 4 crash, 0 fire, 3 injury reports
Owner complaints4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2021 KIA Forte report issues with the electrical system, including the vehicle shutting down unexpectedly while in drive, and significant engine-related warnings such as persistent service engine lights and multiple engine misfire codes. Some complaints highlight severe battery terminal corrosion leading to arcing and potential engine replacement. Additionally, there is mention of an HVAC blower motor connector overheating and melting. A separate complaint details a theft incident linked to an unresolved anti-theft system vulnerability, which had been subject to a recall. These issues appear to occur across various timelines, with some potentially posing safety risks, such as loss of vehicle control and increased theft susceptibility.
Owner complaints3
TIRES
Owners of the 2021 Kia Forte report issues related to tire pressure and sudden tire failure. A common pattern involves tires being inflated to the maximum PSI as indicated on the sidewall, with one owner noting pressures of 51-52 PSI instead of the recommended 33 PSI on the door placard, raising concerns about potential tire damage after approximately 3,000 miles. Another owner describes a simultaneous blowout of two tires on the driver's side, with the tires appearing shredded, occurring after six months of ownership. These issues suggest potential safety risks, such as loss of control, particularly in hot climates like Arizona. Buyers should be aware of these reports and consider checking tire conditions and pressure settings when evaluating this vehicle.
Owner complaints2
STRUCTURE
Owners of the 2021 KIA Forte report issues with the hood rattling while driving, despite the hood latch appearing to be secure. Complaints frequently mention that the noise is attributed to the hood bumpers, which are described as non-adjustable and too short to effectively cushion the hood. There are safety concerns expressed by owners about the potential for the hood to become unsecured while driving. These issues are noted regardless of mileage, though one owner mentions dealership willingness to address the problem only within the first 12 months or 12,000 miles. Used car buyers should be aware of this persistent structural noise and the associated safety concerns.
Owner complaints2
EQUIPMENT
Owners of the 2021 KIA Forte report issues related to vehicle theft and engine performance. One complaint describes a theft incident where the vehicle was easily started using an iPhone charger after removing the steering wheel cover, indicating a potential vulnerability in the ignition system. Another complaint highlights excessive oil consumption and engine noise, diagnosed as a "lifter tap," with necessary repairs to the lower engine at approximately 11,000 miles. These reports suggest potential security and mechanical issues that buyers should consider, particularly at lower mileages.
Owner complaints2
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2021 KIA Forte report recurring issues with the vehicle's brakes, primarily characterized by a persistent squeaking noise. Complaints frequently mention that these noises appear within the first few months of ownership, with some vehicles having as little as 30 miles initially and experiencing issues by 7,000 miles. Multiple owners describe needing multiple visits to dealerships for brake-related concerns, including the application of conditioners and replacement of braking components. In one instance, a brake caliper broke, requiring towing, but no crashes or loss of control are reported. Prospective buyers should be aware of these early brake issues and ensure any used vehicle has been adequately serviced.
