2021 Kia Forte
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2021 Kia Forte is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 4 on record.
2021 Kia Forte at a glance
Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.
2021 Kia Forte recalls 2
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."
Fix: 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.
Fix: 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. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.
2021 Kia Forte common problems
The most-reported problem areas from 67 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
2021 Kia Forte MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 2021 Kia Forte costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
2021 Kia Forte trims & engines on record
2021 Kia Forte vehicles on record
Other Kia Forte model years
2021 Kia Forte — frequently asked questions
Does the 2021 Kia Forte have any safety recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2021 Kia Forte. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia Forte?
Based on 67 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, steering, exterior lighting.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Kia Forte get?
The U.S. EPA rates the 2021 Kia Forte at about 31 mpg combined (27 city / 36 highway).
Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.