2021 Kia Forte Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 32%of 69 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 93,532miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the engine of the 2021 Kia Forte, 32% of the 69 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 93,532 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My Kia forte 21 that I owned for less than 2 years, stalled out while driving on 20 April 23. The engine light came on. I checked the oil and there was none , despite having regular maintenance being performed. No light indicators appeared informing me that my vehicle had no oil left. My vehicle had 21,234 miles when the engine failed. Kia has yet to contact me or assist me with this matter. I could’ve possibly died while driving on the highway and my car randomly stalling out.”
NHTSA complaint #11524584, filed 2023-05, 21,234 miles“My main issue is concerning a critical design flaw that has been found due to a social media challenge called the Kia Challenge where people are able to start up and steal a Kia after only using a USB cord adapter (found near the key start on the steering wheel) without needing a key. This has caused a concerning increase in the theft of Kias across the country which has also affected my insurance rates. …”
NHTSA complaint #11477416, filed 2022-08“My 2021 Kia forte GT is currently sitting in my driveway, undriveable. It started about 3months or so ago I had realized I was getting more and more frequent oil changes to the point where the car would be consuming a quart of oil in at least a week or less. Fast forward to this previous week, I now had a hard knock/rattle within my engine. The engine gave way on my way home which is a significant safety issue to myself and those who were driving around me. …”
NHTSA complaint #11672183, filed 2025-07“On Saturday, March 1, 2025, I took my 2021 Kia Forte LXS for a routine oil change. I had NO PRIOR issues, warning lights or anything with my vehicle. The oil change was performed. I then drove my vehicle less than 20 miles, the vehicle would then not accelerate and started to bog down. I was able to get my vehicle off the major I-4 interstate, however eventually the vehicle then shut down. The vehicle now will still start however is making this terrible clicking noise. I have had video of the engine running looked at by several mechanics who states the engine is blown. …”
NHTSA complaint #11647666, filed 2025-03“I purchased this care new, and the manufacture did not disclose that the vehicle was NOT made with an engine immobilizer, or any theft prevention outside a basic door lock. (Kia Hyundai Vehicle Theft Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation, No. 8:22-ML-3052 JVS(KESx) (C.D. Cal.). I've already stopped the theft once and scared away the thief's, but now I can't find insurance companies to insure the vehicle. The 2 companies that I did find for insurance, charge 15% of the value of the vehicle for comprehensive and collision coverage. …”
NHTSA complaint #11593565, filed 2024-06Related service bulletins
- 11036452Aug 5, 2026TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: MISFIRE CONCERN DUE TO OVERRUNNING ALTERNATOR DECOUPLER - This bulletin provides information to address unresolved misfire events on some 2020–2024MY…
- 11017109Apr 3, 2025TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of…
- 11014912Feb 28, 2025TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of…
- 10206642Jan 6, 2022TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 8 | 31% |
| 2023 | 9 | 14% |
| 2022 | 4 | 14% |
| 2021 | 22 | 32% |
| 2020 | 20 | 26% |
| 2019 | 38 | 25% |
| 2018 | 57 | 42% |
| 2017 | 145 | 48% |
| 2016 | 66 | 49% |
| 2015 | 158 | 61% |
| 2014 | 216 | 49% |
| 2013 | 107 | 55% |
| 2012 | 161 | 55% |
| 2011 | 45 | 29% |
| 2010 | 74 | 33% |
Other parts of the 2021 Kia Forte
18 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsElectrical system
8 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