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ProblemsByVin Index / 2021-KIA-FORTE / COMPLAINTS
Full complaint record · NHTSA

2021 Kia Forte owner complaints

67 complaints filed with NHTSA on this vehicle , including 3 reporting a crash, fire, injury, or fatality. Showing the 300 most recent — grouped by category for scanning.

other 5 complaints shown

11/20/2024 ODI #11626477.0

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 from breaking in and trying to steal it.The reimbursement provided in the settlement is complete joke, and doesn't offer to properly repair or reimburse for after-market security systems.This is evident

10/27/2022 ODI #11491188.0

My vehicle was stolen and recovered a couple of days later. The only damage to the vehicle is a broken window and broken ignition dash Currently trending is the Kia challenge where vehicles from 2011-2021 are missing tan anti-theft feature that makes it an easier target to steal. Kia is aware of this and not doing anything about this, not even sending a letter advising their customer of this trend and how we can protect our vehicles. The vehicles need to be recalled because currently millions of customers are driving a vehicle that can be stolen at any time with something as basic as a USB cable. Kia needs to take responsibility and accountability for this major flaw. Now customers have to be left dealing with the insurance and proving to them they are not involved in their own vehicle the

10/21/2022 ODI #11490373.0

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.

09/16/2021 3,000 mi Crash ODI #11433195.0

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 report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The dealer was made aware of the failure and did not provide any assistance. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not

08/19/2022 ODI #11480167.0

My car was stolen. Steering column busted ignition switch taken out. Passenger side window busted.

brakes 2 complaints shown

12/28/2021 ODI #11445263.0

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 mit for new break pads. This is absurd.

09/03/2021 ODI #11431600.0

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 noise under my car. Pulled over. The break caliper on the driver side back end was broken. Had to get the car towed to the dealership.

powertrain 2 complaints shown

7 total in this category · moderate · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain cluster analysis →
11/07/2024 ODI #11623941.0

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 in a more normal state shifting correctly. I get on the highway again. The car once again will start shifting erratic. When you let go of the gas, the car downshift so many times that the car almost co

10/24/2022 ODI #11490568.0

It seems the car may have a defect in the transmission(Dual Clutch). The car makes at times an abrupt stop, for like a second or two, after I press on the gas. When I'm driving, especially at low speeds I can hear the transmission's parts make a grinding sounds, loud clicks. When I'm breaking, it's not smooth at all; I feel the car pulling a bit when switching to lower gears during the breaking process. When I have the car on and not moving (i.e parked), I can hear sounds emanating from the bottom of the car, like parts grinding against other parts. I have not seen any indicator light turn on from the vehicle, to this day. I have taken it to the dealership before, more than once, but they haven't found any issues with it. Still I feel they have not done a full inspection of the car, and

engine 2 complaints shown

15 total in this category · moderate · avg repair $3,100 · see engine cluster analysis →
11/01/2025 ODI #11696940.0

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 myself and other drivers. After having it towed to the dealership, it comes down to an engine malfunction which was not covered by my warranty since it just hit 70,000 miles. I have since learned that other Kia owners have experienced similar issues, and I am concerned this may be related to a larger defect or recall issue. I wanted to report this incident to ensure it is properly documented and investigated.

08/12/2025 ODI #11680039.0

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 it would feel like it was losing power and creating a scary and dangerous situation. A certified mechanic diagnosed there was no oil in my vehicle which matches the oil consumption defect identified in Kia's Theta II GDI engine recalls and nationwide class action settlement. Kia has acknowledged in public filing that is defect poses a risk of engine seizing and fire. Although my VIN is not currently listed under any active recall, my vehicle exhibits the exact same defect pattern as recalled vehicles, including

electrical 2 complaints shown

4 total in this category · moderate · avg repair $850 · see electrical cluster analysis →
10/30/2024 ODI #11622768.0

The rental vehicle, a Kia Forte, was provided by a major rental company without addressing the critical anti-theft system vulnerability identified in manufacturer recall CS2305C. This recall was issued in early 2023, approximately one year before the rental date. The vehicle was stolen on April 11, 2024, using the known vulnerability method affecting the steering column and ignition system. The theft occurred despite normal security measures, demonstrating the effectiveness of the exploit that the recall was designed to prevent. Safety Concerns: Rental company knowingly provided vehicle without performing mandatory safety recall service Anti-theft system vulnerability made vehicle susceptible to theft without traditional forced entry Steering column security system failed to prevent una

10/07/2023 ODI #11548829.0

Service engine light turns off then comes back on. Get message engine failure. Scanner at dealership scanned 15 codes relating to misfires on all cylinders. Positive battery terminal caked up real bad causing arcing and melting plastic. Last I heard from dealership was possibly a engine replacement.

steering 2 complaints shown

9 total in this category · severe · avg repair $700 · see steering cluster analysis →
09/13/2021 Crash ODI #11432804.0

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

08/10/2024 ODI #11607671.0

There is loud sound associated with the steering column! It has locked on me before and wouldn’t allow me to turn the vehicle. It has been to the dealership several times only for them to not be able to pinpoint the issue.i have a video but no pictures.

body 1 complaint shown

11/20/2024 ODI #11626428.0

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.

airbags 1 complaint shown

5 total in this category · severe · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags cluster analysis →
10/28/2024 Crash ODI #11622287.0

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 reported. The contact's mother did not initially seek medical treatment but was later treated by a chiropractor for back pain resulting from non-descript injuries sustained during the accident. The con

seatbelts 1 complaint shown

10/02/2025 ODI #11691058.0

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 this was something i should have to pay for and the service writer just asked me if i was leaving then. Hope there is no accident because seat belts won't work and there will be a lawsuit.

tires 1 complaint shown

3 total in this category · moderate · avg repair $150 · see tires cluster analysis →
08/11/2021 ODI #11428741.0

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). I finally contacted KUMHO who emailed me that I should follow the recommendations listed on the car door - 33PSI. My concern is are the tires now dangerous after nearly 3000 miles at 51 - 52 PSI? I

equipment 1 complaint shown

08/04/2022 ODI #11477635.0

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.

Showing 300 of 67 total complaints. The full federal record is available at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/Kia/Forte#complaints.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaint database. Last synced 2026-06-14. Complaints are owner-submitted and unverified — the existence of a complaint is not proof of a defect, but a pattern of complaints around the same component is a signal worth weighing. Verify any specific filing at nhtsa.gov.
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