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Electrical systemPart report

2021 Kia Forte Electrical system Problems

Complaints
8about this part
Share
12%of 69 total for the year
Median mileage
—not reported
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the electrical system of the 2021 Kia Forte, 12% of the 69 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

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.

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #11623941, filed 2024-11

“I am so sadden and broke. My Kia 2021 Forte was stollen.The car has just about 8k miles. The thieves had busted rear passenger side glass, torn down steering column, opened electric wiring Skelton and taken away the car. Police said they found my damaged car. I was also told that my damaged car was towed and was kept at auto body shop. I'm so depressed, upset. Its difficult to express in words how saddened I'm at loss in all aspects - physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially since the vehicle was stolen.”

NHTSA complaint #11525170, filed 2023-06

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #11548829, filed 2023-10

“A defect in 2021 Kia Forte vehicle engine start and security systems allows for the rear window to be broken without an alarm activation and the car to be started without a key or key-like device. The vehicle can be started with something as simple as a screwdriver. Vehicles of this make and model are being targeted by criminal activity and it is a safety concern for Kia consumers and drivers. …”

NHTSA complaint #11460437, filed 2022-04

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #11622768, filed 2024-10

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2024623%
20231117%
2022311%
2021812%
20201114%
20192315%
20181612%
20174715%
20162216%
20152911%
20145713%
20132513%
20123211%
20111610%
2010199%

Other parts of the 2021 Kia Forte

Engine
22 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsAir bags
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsForward collision avoidance
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2021 Kia Forte

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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