VinSleuth

2021 Kia Forte recall campaigns

2 model-year recall campaigns were returned for the 2021 Kia Forte.

Methodology: recall and complaint counts are pulled from NHTSA public data by make, model, and model year during the site build. This page is not a VIN-specific open-recall status.

Data sources: NHTSA recalls retrieved: 2026-09-09 (cache). Complaints retrieved: 2026-09-09 (cache). These are automated source snapshots; confirm current VIN applicability with NHTSA and the manufacturer.

2 Recall campaigns
67 Complaints
0 Fire reports
10 Crash reports

Recall campaign details

Recall AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE #21V164000 Reported 11/03/2021

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.

Recall STEERING:COLUMN #22V304000 Reported 05/05/2022

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.

Check your VIN for unrepaired recalls

Enter your VIN at NHTSA to check vehicle-specific recall repair status. This model-year list cannot confirm whether your vehicle is affected. Recent and some older recalls may not appear; contact the manufacturer when needed.

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Other Kia Forte model years

Recalls differ by model year — check the years near yours.

What owners complain about

Top components in 67 NHTSA complaints for the 2021 Kia Forte. Owner reports are not confirmed defect findings.

ENGINE 15
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 13
STEERING 9
POWER TRAIN 7
AIR BAGS 5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 4
TIRES 3
STRUCTURE 2

Frequently asked

How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Forte have?

2 model-year recall campaigns were returned for the 2021 Kia Forte.

Do I have to pay to fix a Kia recall?

Safety recall remedies are generally provided without charge for eligible affected vehicles. Eligibility and remedy availability depend on the campaign, including vehicle-age rules. Contact the manufacturer or an authorized dealer with your VIN to confirm coverage and next steps.

Is this recall list specific to my VIN?

This page lists campaigns for the 2021 Kia Forte model year. It does not confirm whether your VIN is affected or whether a repair is still needed. Use the official NHTSA VIN lookup at https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls or contact Kia. Recent and some older recalls may not appear in the VIN tool.

2021 Kia Forte crash ratings All recalls

Confirm recalls for your vehicle

This site shows campaigns by make, model and year. Automatic recall alerts are not available here. Check your VIN with NHTSA and confirm applicability and repair status with the manufacturer or dealer.

Check your VIN with NHTSA