NHTSA Safety Recalls
2021 Kia Forte Recalls
The 2021 Kia Forte has 2 NHTSA safety recalls on file. Recall repairs are always free, whatever the car's age or mileage.
A recall covers a range of VINs, not every Kia Forte built. Check your own 17-character VIN before assuming yours is affected.
2 recalls on the 2021 Kia Forte
STEERING:COLUMN
NHTSA 22V304000- The 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.
- The risk
- Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
- The 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.
Reported May 5, 2022 by Kia Motors America
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
NHTSA 21V164000- The 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."
- The 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.
- The 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.
Reported November 3, 2021 by Kia Motors America
Checking your own car
A recall applies to a range of VINs, not to every 2021 Kia Forte built. To confirm whether yours is affected, find the 17-character VIN on the driver-side dashboard or door jamb and enter it in NHTSA's official lookup.
Repairs for safety recalls are free and never expire. A dealer cannot charge you, and cannot refuse on the grounds that the car is old or out of warranty. If one does, call the NHTSA hotline on 1-888-327-4236.