2021 Kia Forte Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 13%of 69 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 150,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the steering of the 2021 Kia Forte, 13% of the 69 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 150,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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 electric steering column motor has worn parts causing the steering wheel to make a rubbing noise. There is a TSB out for this problem but for cars only manufactured in certain plants. My car was not manufactured in one of the plants that generated the TSB but I have that problem and Kia will not fix it. TSB CHA 084”
NHTSA complaint #11573666, filed 2024-02“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“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11607671, filed 2024-08“Component/System Involved: Electric Power Steering (EPS) – specifically, a potential malfunction with the assist motor response timing. Description of Incident: While driving, primarily on the highway, I have experienced a recurring issue with the power steering system. The steering assist appears to delay activation after periods of inactivity—such as when driving straight. When I attempt a small correction (even a movement as small as 1/16 of an inch), there is unusually high resistance, followed by a sudden release. …”
NHTSA complaint #11653119, filed 2025-04“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 2023-06Related recalls
- 22V304000May 5, 2022Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rio and Forte vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the…Covers: Kia Forte 2021–2022, RIO 2021–2022
Related service bulletins
- 10202227Oct 6, 2021TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: REPLACEMENT OF MOBIS C-MDPS SMALL BEARING - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the small bearing of the Column Motor Driven Power…
- 10202226Oct 5, 2021TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information…
- 10189545Mar 25, 2021TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 4% |
| 2023 | 15 | 23% |
| 2022 | 4 | 14% |
| 2021 | 9 | 13% |
| 2020 | 3 | 4% |
| 2019 | 9 | 6% |
| 2018 | 5 | 4% |
| 2017 | 9 | 3% |
| 2016 | 5 | 4% |
| 2015 | 4 | 2% |
| 2014 | 64 | 14% |
| 2013 | 13 | 7% |
| 2012 | 9 | 3% |
| 2011 | 5 | 3% |
| 2010 | 11 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2021 Kia Forte
22 complaintsOther or unknown
18 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