Skip to content
SteeringPart report

2011 Kia Forte Steering Problems

Complaints
5about this part
Share
3%of 154 total for the year
Median mileage
85,500miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the steering of the 2011 Kia Forte, 3% of the 154 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,500 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“My son was driving the car at the time and the steering locked up on him taking him to the left and he had to jerk it back very hard to unlock it to stay on the road, thank goodness there was no on coming traffic. This has happened several times and it also locks when put in park and I can't get it to start or get steering wheel to move.”

NHTSA complaint #10743728, filed 2015-07, 96,000 miles

“When turning the steering wheel, there is a clicking noise and a slight looseness to it. Also at some speeds or on bumpier roads, there is a vibration, which is not due to any other mechanical issues since I have had it looked at. Upon calling the dealer, they explained that it is the same steering coupling problem they are having with the optima, but there is no recall on the Kia Forte. The part is less than $5.00, but the labor is $440 because it takes 4 hours to replace a rubber coupling. This problem should be covered as it is with the optima, since it is the same issue.”

NHTSA complaint #11113101, filed 2018-07, 75,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact heard a noise from the steering wheel column. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who diagnosed that the steering wheel column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000. Updated 01/04/17”

NHTSA complaint #10926391, filed 2016-11, 50,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. While driving at various speeds and making a left turn, the vehicle suddenly decelerated and continued to drive straight although the steering wheel was turned to the left. The contact indicated once the steering wheel was turned back to the right, the steering would operate as normal. The contact indicated that the failure occurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and to an independent mechanic who was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000. …”

NHTSA complaint #10714583, filed 2015-05, 100,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Steering: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202414%
20231523%
2022414%
2021913%
202034%
201996%
201854%
201793%
201654%
201542%
20146414%
2013137%
201293%
201153%
2010115%

Other parts of the 2011 Kia Forte

Engine
45 complaintsAir bags
35 complaintsBrakes
29 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
18 complaintsElectrical system
16 complaintsOther or unknown
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaintsExterior lighting
8 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaintsElectronic stability control
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2011 Kia Forte

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology