Is the 2021 Kia FORTE reliable?

The 2021 Kia FORTE has 95 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.4x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2021 Kia FORTE?

Top problems: ENGINE (22 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (19 complaints, avg repair $500); STEERING (9 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2021 Kia FORTE?

Yes, there are 2 recall(s): AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE, STEERING:COLUMN. Contact any Kia dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Kia FORTE?

The 2021 Kia FORTE gets 31 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1548. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

Is the 2021 Kia FORTE often stolen?

The Kia FORTE was the #8 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025 with approximately 10,800 thefts (NICB Hot Wheels data). Theft risk tier: very-high. Pre-2022 models are affected by the Kia Boys challenge — verify your VIN has the manufacturer security update.

How much does it cost to insure a 2021 Kia FORTE?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2021 Kia FORTE is approximately $2,051/year (sedan-compact class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2021 Kia FORTE

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2021 Kia FORTE has 95 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.4x the segment average of 213. The most common issue is engine problems (23% of all complaints), specifically: car completely shut down while in drive on 2 separate occasions leading it to be towed to dealership.. There are 2 recalls issued for this model year.

12 crash reports 7 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

4/5

Safety Stars

0.4x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

22 complaints

23%

• Car completely shut down while in drive on 2 separate occasions leading it to be towed to dealership.
• Ticking sound under hood at 35000 miles
• While driving down the highway, the entire crank pulley system fell out from under the car and onto the highway.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“Car completely shut down while in drive on 2 separate occasions leading it to be towed to dealership.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (2)

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE11/03/2021

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.

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.

Very high theft risk

#8 most stolen in 2025

The Kia FORTE was the #8 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025, with approximately 10,800 thefts reported to law enforcement.

Kia Boys / TikTok theft vulnerabilityModel years 2010-2021 Hyundai and Kia vehicles without engine immobilizers were widely targeted starting in 2022 after a viral TikTok exploit. If you own this vehicle, verify it has an ignition immobilizer or install a security upgrade. Hyundai and Kia both offered free software updates and steering-wheel-lock programs for affected models.

Recommended protection: engine immobilizer verification, steering wheel lock, GPS tracker, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Higher theft risk usually translates to higher comprehensive-coverage insurance premiums.

Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Kia FORTE

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,549

Per month

$129

Per mile

12.9¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$1,920/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,200/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Kia FORTE

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$2,051

Full coverage / month

$171

Liability only / year

$589

vs US avg

+23%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-compact)0.93x

× theft risk1.28x

× safety rating0.98x

× vehicle age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$2051

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Kia FORTE Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

60K mi

Spark plugs

90K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

Turbo engines (Optima 2.0T, Sorento 2.5T) may benefit from more frequent oil changes.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Kia New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

5 yr / 60K mi

Powertrain

10 yr / 100K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

10 year powertrain not transferable to subsequent owners

These are the terms for a new Kia. If you're buying a used 2021 FORTE, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Kia dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 95 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: Car completely shut down while in drive on 2 separate occasions leading it to be towed to dealership.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: DECEMBER 2,2020 I WAS DRIVING ON ROUTE 33 WEST AND EXITED THE EXIT AT CANAL WINCHESTER. I WAS DRIVING TOWARDS THE LEFT SIDE OF RAMP AND THE STEERING WHEEL TOOK CONTROL AND SLAMMED ME INTO A CEMENT BARRIER. WEATHER WAS 44 DEGREES AND AT 4 PM IN THE EVENING.*DT*JB*JB*DT*DT*JB*JB*DT*JB*JB
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
STEERING: while coming to a stop, the passenger side front wheel locked up forcing the car into a sharp right had turn which put the car into a ditch, striking cement barrier at bottom of ditch. car likely totalled
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: Car completely shut down while in drive on 2 separate occasions leading it to be towed to dealership.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Kia dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)