Newest first. Many cover only part of a model year, so check your VIN with NHTSA or Kia before booking a repair.
NHTSA · listed for this model year
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.
Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
22V304000 · 30 units in campaign · NHTSA
Applies only if the manufacturer confirms your VIN · repair by an authorized dealer
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."
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.
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.
21V164000 · 142 units in campaign · NHTSA
Applies only if the manufacturer confirms your VIN · repair by an authorized dealer
Canadian records (Transport Canada) · 2
These are Transport Canada campaigns for 2021 Kia Forte vehicles sold in Canada. A Canadian campaign may have no US counterpart, or one under a different number covering different vehicles. For a vehicle sold in the United States, go by the NHTSA listing above and NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Issue: On certain vehicles, the piston oil rings may not have been manufactured properly and could damage the cylinder walls. As a result, the engine could make abnormal noises, and a warning light may turn on. If you continue to drive the vehicle with these symptoms, the engine could fail. Note: This recall only affects certain vehicles equipped with a 2.0L MPI engine. Safety Risk: An engine failure could cause a sudden loss of power to the wheels and/or increase the risk of a vehicle fire. Both issues could increase the risk of a crash or injury. Corrective Actions: Kia will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine. The dealer will also install a software that will monitor the engine and warn you if it detects a problem. If you see this warning, you should contact a dealership to arrange replacement of the engine.
2025083 · 25,279 units in campaign · Transport Canada
Applies only if the manufacturer confirms your VIN · repair by an authorized dealer
Issue: On a small number of vehicles, the bolt connecting the lower steering column universal joint may not have been properly tightened. If the bolt loosens, you could lose steering control. Safety Risk: A loss of steering control could create a risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Kia will notify owners by mail and instruct you to bring your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and tighten the lower steering column universal joint bolt, as necessary.
2022238 · 6 units in campaign · Transport Canada
Applies only if the manufacturer confirms your VIN · repair by an authorized dealer
2021 Kia Forte recall questions
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Kia Forte model year. That counts campaigns naming this model year, not recalls on your vehicle: many cover only a VIN range or production window. Transport Canada lists 2 Canadian campaigns for the Canadian-market model, shown separately.
Enter your VIN in NHTSA's recall lookup or Kia's own, or call a Kia dealer with your VIN. Cardog uses your VIN only to find the model year; the recalls shown here are listed for that model year and are not matched to your VIN.
Not necessarily. Transport Canada campaigns cover vehicles sold in Canada. For a vehicle sold in the United States, go by the NHTSA listing and NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Safety recall repairs are normally done at no charge by an authorized Kia dealer. The manufacturer's notice for each campaign sets out the remedy and any conditions, so confirm with the dealer when you book.
Once Kia's lookup or a dealer confirms a recall applies, book the repair with an authorized Kia dealer and bring your VIN. If the manufacturer's notice says not to drive the vehicle or to park it outside, follow that instruction. Parts can take time, so book early.
Follow the manufacturer's notice for that recall. Most allow normal driving until the repair; some tell owners to stop driving or to park outside until it is fixed. Cardog does not grade recalls by severity: the manufacturer's notice and your dealer are the source.
Manufacturers must notify owners they have on record. If you bought the vehicle used or have moved, update your details with Kia so notices reach you, and check NHTSA's lookup from time to time.
Related recall checks
Compare recall listings with alternatives to the 2021 Kia Forte.