2021 Kia Forte Recalls, Problems & MPG
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 69 owner complaints for the 2021 Kia Forte. The EPA rates it 28 to 35 MPG combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
- Recalls
- 2
- Owner complaints
- 69
- Crashes / fires reported
- 11 / 0
- EPA combined
- 28–35 MPG
2021 Kia Forte recalls
SteeringMay 5, 2022 · NHTSA 22V304000+
Risk: Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
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.
Air BagsMar 11, 2021 · NHTSA 21V164000+
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.
Fix: 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.
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."
Recall repairs are free. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours still needs one.
Most reported 2021 Kia Forte problems
Owner complaints to NHTSA by system. One complaint can name more than one system.
- Engine22
- Unknown or Other18
- Steering9
- Electrical System8
- Air Bags7
- Power Train7
- Seat Belts4
- Structure3
2021 Kia Forte gas mileage
EPA ratings for each version (city / highway / combined).
| Version | Engine | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forte FE | 2.0 L 4 cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 31 | 41 | 35 | $1,850 |
| Forte | 2.0 L 4 cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 29 | 40 | 33 | $1,950 |
| Forte | 2.0 L 4 cyl, Manual 6-spd | 27 | 37 | 31 | $2,050 |
| Forte | 1.6 L 4 cyl, Automatic (AM-S7) | 27 | 35 | 30 | $2,150 |
| Forte | 1.6 L 4 cyl, Manual 6-spd | 25 | 32 | 28 | $2,300 |
Real-world mileage depends on how and where you drive. Logbay compares your actual MPG with these EPA numbers.
Questions
Does the 2021 Kia Forte have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Kia Forte, most recently for the steering (May 5, 2022). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2021 Kia Forte problems?
Owners filed 69 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported areas are engine (22), unknown or other (18), steering (9).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Kia Forte get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Kia Forte at 28 to 35 MPG combined (best version: 31 city / 41 highway).
Sources: NHTSA recalls and owner complaints (api.nhtsa.gov), EPA fuel economy (fueleconomy.gov). Updated Oct 26, 2026. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports.