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2021 Kia Forte recalls

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

2 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026

For the 2021 Kia Forte. These apply to the model and year, not to one particular vehicle: check your VIN to see whether yours is included and whether it has been repaired.

Has your Kia been repaired?

Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.

NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A Kia dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.

2021 Kia Forte recalls, newest first

May 5, 2022NHTSA 22V30400030 vehicles potentially affected

Steering › Column

Summary
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.
Consequence
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.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

March 11, 2021NHTSA 21V164000142 vehicles potentially affected

Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification › Front passenger

Summary
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."
Consequence
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.
Components
Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification › Front passenger; Air bags › Air bag/restraint control module

This recall on nhtsa.gov

Owner complaints

Owners have filed 67 complaints about the 2021 Kia Forte with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public; NHTSA uses them to decide what to investigate.

Crashes reported
10
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
6
Deaths reported
0

Most complained-about components

  1. Engine22
  2. Unknown or other17
  3. Steering8
  4. Electrical system7
  5. Air bags6

Other Kia Forte years

Other 2021 Kia models

Most recalled 2021 vehicles

  1. 2021 Ford F-150 (29 recalls)
  2. 2021 Lincoln Aviator (28 recalls)
  3. 2021 Ford Explorer (26 recalls)
  4. 2021 Blue Bird Vision School Bus (26 recalls)
  5. 2021 Tesla Model X (24 recalls)
All of 2021’s most recalled vehicles

Questions

Does the 2021 Kia Forte have any recalls?
2 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026, covering: steering, air bags. Recalls apply to the model and year; whether a particular vehicle is included, and whether it has been repaired, depends on its VIN.
How do I check if my 2021 Kia Forte recall has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask a Kia dealer. Recall repairs are free. NHTSA's VIN search doesn't list recalls that were already repaired.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Kia Forte?
67 complaints filed with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public that NHTSA uses to decide what to investigate.