2021 Kia Forte Recalls

NHTSA lists 2 open recalls for the 2021 Kia Forte. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer, however old the vehicle is.

Recall data as of Oct 17, 2026 — NHTSA. For a live answer, run the check yourself, or see the latest recalls.

Air Bag/Restraint Control Module

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

What's wrong:
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.
What to do:
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.

NHTSA campaign 21V164000 — quote this at the dealer.Reported Mar 11, 2021.

Steering Column

What's wrong:
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.
What to do:
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.

NHTSA campaign 22V304000 — quote this at the dealer.Reported May 5, 2022.

Owner complaints

69filed with NHTSA · 10 in the last 12 months
Filed by yearpeak 2022
151617181920212223242526
Engine
22
Steering
9
Electrical System
8
Air Bags
7

11 involved a crash · 7 injuries

Reported by owners to NHTSA and not verified. Complaints often surface a problem months before a recall.

See the complaints at NHTSA

Other Kia Forte years

Every year links to that vehicle's full recall page.

202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010

Kia Forte, every year

How recall repairs work

  • Repairs are free at any franchised Kia dealer — regardless of the vehicle's age or whether you bought it new.
  • Bring the NHTSA campaign number; it's printed on each recall above and on the sheet you can print here.
  • Call ahead: some recalls are announced before parts are available, and the dealer can tell you when yours are in.
  • Your VIN tells the dealer whether your exact vehicle is affected — the free check accepts one and never stores it.

Keep the 2021 Kia Forte

Save it to your free garage and we'll email you the day NHTSA files a new recall for it — free, next to its mileage, maintenance, and repairs.

Save this vehicle — free
Download on the
App Store