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2021 Kia Forte recalls
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2021 Kia Forte, filed between March 11, 2021 and May 5, 2022. Each one is below with what is wrong and the free fix.
| Campaign | Filed | Part |
|---|---|---|
| 22V304000 | May 5, 2022 | Steering: column |
| 21V164000 | March 11, 2021 | Air bags: air bag/restraint control module |
Steering: column (22V304000)
Filed May 5, 2022
What is 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.
What could 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.
Air bags: air bag/restraint control module (21V164000)
Filed March 11, 2021
What is 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."
What could 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.
Check that your car is on the list
Most campaigns cover only cars built in a certain date range or at a certain plant, so a 2021 Kia Forte may or may not be included. The VIN is the only sure test. It is 17 characters, on the dashboard by the windshield and on the driver door jamb sticker. Look up your VIN.
How to confirm the repair is free
- Call any authorized Kia dealer service desk and give them the VIN and the campaign number from the list above.
- Ask them to confirm the campaign is open for your car. If it is, the parts and labor are covered.
- If the dealer says the part is not in stock, ask for a written note with the date, and ask about a loaner if the notice says not to drive the car.
- Keep the repair order. It shows the campaign number and proves the work was done.
If you already paid for a repair that a recall later covered, Kia may owe you a refund. Ask the dealer or Kia customer service about reimbursement, and keep your receipts.
Other model years of the Forte
- 2023 (3)
- 2022 (1)
- 2019 (2)
- 2018 (3)
- 2017 (3)
- 2016 (1)
- 2015 (1)
- 2014 (3)
- 2013 (5)
- 2012 (4)
- 2011 (3)
- 2010 (3)
- All years
More: all Kia recalls, check-engine codes, car repair costs.
2021 Kia Forte recall questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Forte have?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2021 Kia Forte. A campaign can cover only some cars of that model year, so check your VIN to see whether yours is included.
Is a recall repair on a 2021 Kia Forte free?
Yes. A safety recall repair is free at an authorized Kia dealer, whatever the age or mileage of the car and no matter who owns it now.
How do I know if my 2021 Kia Forte was already fixed?
Enter the VIN on our recall page. If a campaign is still open, it shows as open. You can also ask a dealer to run the VIN, or look at the service history paperwork for the campaign number.
Source: NHTSA recalls API, checked 2026-10-28. Text is NHTSA's wording of each campaign. New campaigns are added over time. Not a repair shop, estimates only.