Kia Forte Recalls

NHTSA has issued 18 safety recalls for the Kia Forte, covering model years 2010 through 2023. Airbag faults account for 3 of them, more than any other part of the vehicle. The 2013 model year has the most, with 5 separate campaigns against it. The largest single recall covered 1,730,192 vehicles. The most recent was reported to NHTSA on April 1, 2024.

Urgent safety advisory on the Kia Forte

2 recalls below carry an NHTSA do-not-drive advisory. If your vehicle is affected, stop driving it and call your dealer to arrange the repair.

One recall below tells owners to park outside and away from buildings, because the vehicle can catch fire while parked and switched off.

Check your own VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether these apply to your car.

Total recalls: 18
Model years affected: 13
Most recalled part: Airbag
Latest recall: 2024

Kia Forte recalls by model year

How many campaigns were issued against each model year. One recall often covers several years at once, so these add up to more than the 18 total.

20233 recalls20221 recall20212 recalls20192 recalls20183 recalls20173 recalls20161 recall20151 recall20143 recalls20135 recalls20124 recalls20113 recalls20103 recalls

All Kia Forte recalls

Each entry is an official NHTSA campaign, shown with the defect, consequence, and remedy exactly as the manufacturer reported them, newest first.

24V244000SuspensionReported April 1, 2024

NHTSA advises: do not drive this vehicleOwners of affected vehicles are told to stop driving until the repair is done. Contact your dealer to arrange it.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

Model years affected: 2023

The problem

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Forte vehicles. The right front lower control arm may have been improperly welded, which can cause it to fail.

What can happen

Front lower control arm failure can cause a sudden loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will replace the right front lower control arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 17, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC306. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 23V-649.

Vehicles affected: 215
Maker's recall no.: SC306
Owners notified: April 17, 2024

Read campaign 24V244000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

23V652000BrakeReported September 25, 2023

NHTSA advises: park outside, away from buildingsAffected vehicles can catch fire even when parked and switched off. Keep the vehicle away from structures until it is repaired.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Model years affected: 2010–2013

The problem

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

What can happen

An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

The fix

Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.

Vehicles affected: 1,730,192
Maker's recall no.: SC284
Owners notified: March 29, 2024

Read campaign 23V652000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

23V649000SuspensionReported September 22, 2023

NHTSA advises: do not drive this vehicleOwners of affected vehicles are told to stop driving until the repair is done. Contact your dealer to arrange it.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

Model years affected: 2023

The problem

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Forte vehicles. The right front lower control arm may have been improperly welded, which can cause it to fail.

What can happen

Front lower control arm failure can cause a sudden loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will replace the right front lower control arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 27, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC283.

Vehicles affected: 3,866
Maker's recall no.: SC283
Owners notified: September 27, 2023

Read campaign 23V649000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

22V906000SteeringReported December 8, 2022

STEERING:LINKAGES:KNUCKLE:SPINDLE:ARM

Model years affected: 2023

The problem

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Forte vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the front left steering knuckle may crack, which can result in a loss of steering control.

What can happen

A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.

The fix

Dealers will inspect and replace the front left steering knuckle, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 12, 2023. Owner may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC259.

Vehicles affected: 939
Maker's recall no.: SC259
Owners notified: January 12, 2023

Read campaign 22V906000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

22V304000SteeringReported May 5, 2022

STEERING:COLUMN

Model years affected: 2021–2022

The problem

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.

What can happen

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.

Vehicles affected: 30
Maker's recall no.: SC235
Owners notified: May 27, 2022

Read campaign 22V304000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

22V031000AirbagReported January 25, 2022

AIR BAGS

Model years affected: 2017–2018

The problem

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles. The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) cover may contact a memory chip on the printed circuit board and damage the electrical circuit. Circuit damage may result in deactivated air bags that will not deploy in a crash.

What can happen

Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

The fix

Dealers will inspect the ACU, and either update the software or replace the unit, as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 21, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC226.

Vehicles affected: 410,619
Maker's recall no.: SC226
Owners notified: March 21, 2022

Read campaign 22V031000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

21V622000Latch and lockReported August 9, 2021

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH

Model years affected: 2016–2018

The problem

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Forte 4-door, Forte Koup 2-door, and 2018-2019 Rio 4-door vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."

What can happen

A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.

The fix

Dealers will replace the trunk latch assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 10, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC216.

Vehicles affected: 253,074
Maker's recall no.: SC216
Owners notified: February 10, 2022
Safety standard: FMVSS 401

Read campaign 21V622000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

21V260000Engine and coolingReported April 13, 2021

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PUMP

Model years affected: 2017–2018

The problem

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Forte vehicles equipped with a 2.0L Nu MPI engine. Foreign particles may stick inside the oil pump, which may cause an oil pump failure and engine damage.

What can happen

A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the oil pan, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed August 16, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC210.

Vehicles affected: 4,069
Maker's recall no.: SC210
Owners notified: August 16, 2021

Read campaign 21V260000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

21V164000AirbagReported March 11, 2021

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

Model years affected: 2021

The problem

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."

What can happen

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.

Vehicles affected: 142
Maker's recall no.: SC207
Owners notified: March 18, 2021
Safety standard: FMVSS 208

Read campaign 21V164000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

20V750000Reported December 2, 2020

ENGINE

Model years affected: 2012–2015

The problem

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.

What can happen

An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

The fix

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.

Vehicles affected: 294,756
Maker's recall no.: SC200
Owners notified: January 25, 2021

Read campaign 20V750000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

20V459000Power trainReported August 5, 2020

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

Model years affected: 2019

The problem

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Forte vehicles. The left front axle driveshaft may not have been heat-treated, which can cause it to break.

What can happen

A broken driveshaft can result in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left front axle driveshaft for a heat treatment verification code, and replace it if the code is missing, free of charge. The recall began September 2, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC195.

Vehicles affected: 834
Maker's recall no.: SC195
Owners notified: September 2, 2020

Read campaign 20V459000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

18V771000Exterior lightingReported October 31, 2018

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Model years affected: 2019

The problem

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Kia Forte vehicles equipped with LED headlights. The headlights may not have been manufactured with the correct low beam aiming. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

What can happen

If the headlights are not properly aimed, the driver may have reduced visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the headlight aiming and replace the headlights, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 30, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC171.

Vehicles affected: 1,754
Maker's recall no.: SC171
Owners notified: November 30, 2018
Safety standard: FMVSS 108

Read campaign 18V771000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

18V363000AirbagReported June 1, 2018

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

Model years affected: 2010–2013

The problem

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.

What can happen

If the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.

The fix

Kia will notify owners. For model year 2011 Sedona vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to verify the ACU part number and, if necessary, install an extension wire harness kit between the ACU Connector and the Vehicle Harness Connector. For all other affected vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to install the extension wire harness kit. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.

Vehicles affected: 507,587
Maker's recall no.: SC165
Owners notified: September 28, 2018

Read campaign 18V363000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

17V773000BrakeReported December 1, 2017

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

Model years affected: 2012–2014

The problem

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Forte and Forte Koup vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. This will allow the brake lights to remain illuminated continuously. It can also allow the shift lever to be moved without depressing the brake pedal, or activate the engine management brake pedal override feature.

What can happen

If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.

The fix

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 30, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC158.

Vehicles affected: 134,366
Maker's recall no.: SC158
Owners notified: January 30, 2018

Read campaign 17V773000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

16V312000Seat beltReported May 17, 2016

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR

Model years affected: 2013

The problem

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2013 Forte vehicles manufactured September 10, 2012, to October 31, 2012. The screws that hold the front seatbelt retractor retaining plates may not have been properly tightened, and as a result, the seatbelt retractor retaining plates may break in a crash.

What can happen

If a retaining plate breaks during a crash, pieces of the plate could strike the occupants, increasing risk of injury.

The fix

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace both front seatbelt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. The recall began July 1, 2016. Kia's number for this recall is SC132.

Vehicles affected: 5,245
Maker's recall no.: SC132
Owners notified: July 1, 2016

Read campaign 16V312000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

16V070000Power trainReported February 5, 2016

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES

Model years affected: 2011

The problem

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2011 Forte vehicles manufactured August 27, 2010, to November 11, 2010. The affected vehicles have a transmission fluid cooler hose that may have been improperly manufactured, resulting in a transmission fluid leak.

What can happen

If enough transmission fluid leaks out, the transmission may not function properly and the vehicle may stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission cooler hose, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC129.

Vehicles affected: 10,240
Maker's recall no.: SC129
Owners notified: March 30, 2016

Read campaign 16V070000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

15V015000Electrical systemReported January 16, 2015

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Model years affected: 2014

The problem

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2014 Kia Forte vehicles manufactured December 5, 2012, to April 17, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the cooling fan resistor may overheat and melt.

What can happen

If the cooling fan resistor overheats and melts, there is an increased risk of a vehicle fire.

The fix

Kia will notify owners, and for vehicles produced from December 5, 2012 to January 27, 2014, dealers will replace the cooling fan resistor and multi-fuse unit. For vehicles produced from January 28, 2014 to April 17, 2014, dealers will replace the multi-fuse unit only. Owners of vehicles with a 1.8L engine will also have the engine control unit software updated. The recall began on February 20, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC113.

Vehicles affected: 86,880
Maker's recall no.: SC113
Owners notified: February 20, 2015

Read campaign 15V015000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

13V114000Exterior lightingReported April 1, 2013

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Model years affected: 2010

The problem

Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007 Sedona, model year 2010-2011 Soul, and model year 2011 Optima vehicles. In September 2013, Kia informed the agency that it was adding an additional 356,719 vehicles to this campaign. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 980,377. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.

What can happen

Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.

The fix

Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.

Vehicles affected: 980,377
Maker's recall no.: SC098
Owners notified: April 19, 2013

Read campaign 13V114000 on NHTSA.gov ↗

What to do if your Kia Forte is on this list

A recall listed here applies to a range of vehicles, not to every car of that model year. Manufacturers narrow it down by build date and VIN, so the only way to know whether yours is included is to check the VIN. You can do that free on NHTSA's recall lookup, or by calling any franchised dealer for that brand with your VIN in hand.

Recall repairs are free. Under federal law the manufacturer has to fix a safety defect at no charge, and there is no mileage limit and no expiry on that obligation for vehicles under 15 years old. A dealer cannot charge you for the parts, the labour, or the diagnosis on a recall repair, and you do not need to have bought the car there. If a dealer asks you to pay, that is worth escalating to the manufacturer's customer line, which is listed in the remedy text of each recall above.

Recalls do not block a title transfer or registration in any state. You can legally buy, sell, or register a car with an open recall, and sellers are generally not required to fix one first. That said, an open recall is worth raising before money changes hands, especially one with a do-not-drive advisory. If you are buying, run the VIN before you hand over the payment; if you are selling, telling the buyer about an open recall costs you nothing and avoids a dispute later.

Kia Forte recall questions

How many recalls does the Kia Forte have?

NHTSA lists 18 recall campaigns for the Kia Forte across model years 2010 to 2023. That count covers recalls filed from 2010 onward. Not every campaign applies to every car of that model year, because manufacturers limit recalls by build date and VIN.

Which Kia Forte model year has the most recalls?

The 2013 Kia Forte carries the most, with 5 recall campaigns. A high count does not automatically mean a worse car: a single supplier fault can trigger a recall across an entire production run, and manufacturers that report problems quickly tend to show more campaigns.

Are Kia Forte recall repairs free?

Yes. Federal law requires the manufacturer to repair a safety recall at no cost, including parts and labour, on vehicles under 15 years old. There is no mileage limit, and you do not have to be the original owner or have bought the car from that dealer.

Can I sell or register a Kia Forte with an open recall?

Yes. An open recall does not stop a title transfer or registration in any state, and private sellers are generally not required to repair one first. Dealers face stricter rules on some safety recalls. If you are buying, check the VIN before you pay; the repair is free, but you want to know what you are taking on.

Other Kia recalls

Kia Sorento recalls38 Kia Sportage recalls23 Kia Telluride recalls19 Kia Optima recalls18 Kia Soul recalls15 Kia Sedona recalls14

Where this data comes from

Every recall on this page is published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the federal agency that oversees vehicle safety recalls in the United States. We pull the full recall file from NHTSA and reproduce the campaign number, defect description, consequence, and remedy exactly as the manufacturer reported them. NHTSA data is in the public domain.

Source:: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
NHTSA data as of:: July 18, 2026
Coverage:: Recalls from 2010 onward

Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov ↗

Buying or selling this car?

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Last reviewed: 2026-07-18 · Reviewed by the Car Paperwork editorial team · Independent resource · Not legal advice

⚠ Independent resource — check your VIN before actingCar Paperwork is not affiliated with NHTSA, any manufacturer, or any dealer. This page lists recalls issued for a model, which is not the same as a recall on your car: only a VIN check confirms that. Recall records are also updated by NHTSA continuously, so treat this as a starting point and confirm anything urgent with NHTSA or a franchised dealer. Nothing here is legal or repair advice.