The Lemon Index2021 Kia Forte. Advanced data.
The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.
Engines and drivetrains 4
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / hwy / combined | Fuel | Fuel cost/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Auto (AM-S7) | FWD | 27 / 35 / 30 | Regular | $2,100 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | FWD | 25 / 32 / 28 | Regular | $2,200 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | Auto (variable gear ratios) | FWD | 31 / 41 / 35 | Regular | $1,800 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | FWD | 27 / 37 / 31 | Regular | $2,000 |
EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.
Failure mileage by system
Half of owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 2,300 and 117,100 miles. Median 28,400, from 8 complaints with a mileage.
Mileage owners typed into their NHTSA complaint, all complaints for this model year. People report some problems late, so read it as a range.
Complaints by system
| System | Share of complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine | 24% |
| Electrical | 16% |
| Steering | 14% |
| Tires | 10% |
| Transmission & drivetrain | 10% |
One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.
Severity, all complaints
| Total | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths | Tows |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 69 | 11 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 12 |
As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.
Recall campaigns 2
22V304000 May 2022 Steering / Column
Defect. Kia 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 steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.
Risk. Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Dealers will tighten the lower steering column u-joint retention bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall SC235.
21V164000 Mar 2021 Air Bags / Air Bag/Restraint Control Module
Defect. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021 Telluride, K5, and Forte vehicles. The Occupant Classification and Detection System (OCS/ODS) unit may not detect the presence of a child restraint system in the front passenger seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk. In the event of a crash, deployment of the front passenger air bag, with a child in that seat, can increase the risk of injury to the child.
Remedy. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCS/ODS unit, free of charge. The recall began March 18, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC207.
Manufacturer communications 72
Kia filed 72 service communications for this car with NHTSA.
- 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…
Crash ratings by version
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Safety equipment
| Electronic stability | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Optional | Standard |
Nearby model years
Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.
Updated
Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com)
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