The Lemon Index2021 Kia Forte.
The 2021 Kia Forte is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 49 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 44, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 28 to 35 mpg combined. The best Kia Forte year is 2022.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 69 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Kia Forte year. 2021 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 2K to 117K miles on the car (8 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 2
- steering 2022
A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.
- airbags 2021
The Occupant Classification and Detection System (OCS/ODS) unit may not detect the presence of a child restraint system in the front passenger seat.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Kia told dealers about
Kia sent dealers 72 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- PITSTOP - BRAKE CALIPER LEAK INSPECTION - This PITSTOP provides information related to a brake…
- TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: LED HEADLAMP REPLACEMENT (SA455) - This bulletin…
- Technical service bulletin: partial repair of c-mdps motor, ecu, worm gear and/or steering…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1850–2300 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.6L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Car stalled and shut off while in drive leading it to be towed.
2021 Kia Forte owner · NHTSA complaint 11456502
More owner reports
Transmission overheating and dragging⦠weird smell and noise and scrubbing sound when turning the steering wheel. Only 50k miles on car
NHTSA complaint 11563455
I get regularly scheduled oil changes but the car is making a noise like a rod knock
NHTSA complaint 11597359
Quick answers
Is the 2021 Kia Forte reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.3× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 44; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Kia Forte year by this measure is 2022.
What are the most common 2021 Kia Forte problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (24%), electrical (16%) and steering (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Forte have?
2 safety recalls (latest: steering). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Kia Forte get?
28 to 35 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 Kia Forte safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2021 Kia Forte have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 10% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2021 Kia Forte cost in fuel a year?
About $1850 to $2300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Kia Forte have?
1.6L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
What Kia Forte year is better than the 2021?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2022, 2011 and 2013.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works