Skip to content
Other or unknownPart report

2021 Kia Forte Other or unknown Problems

Complaints
18about this part
Share
26%of 69 total for the year
Median mileage
3,000miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the other or unknown of the 2021 Kia Forte, 26% of the 69 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 3,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Example complaints

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

“December 2,2020 I was driving on route 33 west and exited the exit at canal winchester. I was driving towards the left side of ramp and the steering wheel took control and slammed me into a cement barrier. Weather was 44 degrees and at 4 pm in the evening.”

NHTSA complaint #11397070, filed 2021-02, 1,500 miles

“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

“It keeps getting broken into by the KIA boys in attempt of theft. It's a group that targets KIAs because they're easy. I now have to make sure my steering wheel is locked up. I was recently hit by another driver, i had to go to the hospital but for some reason the airbag did not deploy. I need some assistance”

NHTSA complaint #11766285, filed 2026-09

“There is no kill switch. this is a new car but doesn't have the push start. So, I have gotten it stolen twice. It's still at body shop. I had to pay 500 twice for detectible and I asked while they have car if Kia could put a safety feature, so it doesn't happen again they told me Kia is doing nothing at this time. Please I need answers. We don't want this car anymore.”

NHTSA complaint #11447312, filed 2022-01

“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

Other or unknown: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2024935%
2023812%
2022932%
20211826%
20202633%
20192215%
20183022%
20174916%
20161612%
20153112%
20145613%
2013137%
2012217%
2011149%
2010105%

Other parts of the 2021 Kia Forte

Engine
22 complaints
Steering
9 complaints
Electrical system
8 complaints
Air bags
7 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
7 complaints
Seat belts
4 complaints
Fuel system
3 complaints
Body and structure
3 complaints
Tires
3 complaints
Brakes
2 complaints
Equipment
2 complaints
Forward 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 28, 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