2023 Kia FORTE: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
61 owner complaints analyzed
3 distinct recall campaigns
30,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2023 model year. Data snapshot: . 7 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Steering is the most frequently named component, appearing in 14 of 61 complaints (23.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Steering behavior | 16 | 26.2% |
| Braking behavior | 9 | 14.8% |
| Transmission and shifting | 6 | 9.8% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 5 | 8.2% |
| Engine operation | 2 | 3.3% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Steering | 14 |
| Electrical System | 10 |
| Engine | 9 |
| Suspension | 8 |
| Unknown Or Other | 8 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 7 |
| Power Train | 7 |
| Air Bags | 5 |
Steering: 14; Electrical System: 10; Engine: 9; Suspension: 8; Unknown Or Other: 8; Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings: 7; Power Train: 7; Air Bags: 5
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 2 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 5 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 5; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
25,000 to 49,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (5). 54 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 18 |
| 2024 | 14 |
| 2025 | 15 |
| 2026 | 13 |
2022: 1; 2023: 18; 2024: 14; 2025: 15; 2026: 13
Pattern summary
Steering leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 16 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 9 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 6 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11498196 · 2022-12-20 (December 20, 2022)
Good morning, I want to report extreme safety concerns about my KIA Forte GT - Line 2023.When I first came home with the car days later the car shut off in the middle of the street while driving just one house up from my house. I attempted to turn it back on and the car would not turn back on and it automatically proceeded to call roadside assistance.I immediately informed the dealership. The car often hesitates, fails to shift and turns completely off. Last Sunday on December 11, 2022 I was about to get on the Roosevelt Boulevard expressway w…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11498196 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11509204 · 2023-02-26 (February 26, 2023)
Vehicle was involved in an accident. No air bags were deployed. Vehicle was declared a total loss. Have reached out to KIA manufacturing regarding issue.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11509204 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11510745 · 2023-03-08 (March 8, 2023)
I have had two transmission replacements within the first 6000 miles on the vehicle. And now the 3rd transmission is whining after only 600 miles.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11510745 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11520953 · 2023-05-08 (May 8, 2023)
Issue seems to be with the steering of the car. It is very stiff and difficult to maneuver. Steering needs to be hold tightly to keep car in the lane, else car keeps on going towards the right side. I took the car to service center as well and they also acknowledged the problem and as per my understanding they fixed some steering angle issue. But, issue is still persisting and I tried to take the appointment but seems like no Kia service center has appointment available before one month. Requesting to look into this issue so that it can be fixe…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11520953 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11522816 · 2023-05-19 (May 19, 2023)
I’ve had my car at the dealer four times now within the first 10k miles to get its FOURTH transmission replacement. Kia will not replace the transmission with a brand new one however settles for used refurbished transmissions with Used parts. Which have been failing on average of 1000 to 1500 miles later
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11522816 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11523080 · 2023-05-21 (May 21, 2023)
The car is slamming on breaks at random no warning it is going to cause a reck a 18 wheeler almost killed us that was behind us. And I can be driving down the road and the wheel try to jerk me into another lane. This car is not safe. But is not having any warning lights going off that anything is wrong
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11523080 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11524318 · 2023-05-29 (May 29, 2023)
The headlights and rain don’t mix at all I can’t see 3 feet i from it me and the wipers don’t clear the windshield fast enough they need to have led bulbs or design a new headlight
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11524318 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11526440 · 2023-06-11 (June 11, 2023)
Never been in a accident on my second engine and had the transmission replaced now I have oil in my coolant and my screen stoped working but think it’s grime be dealership be I took it some ware and there found wires that was cut
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11526440 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
3 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
22V906000 · Steering:Linkages:Knuckle:Spindle:Arm
Reported: 2022-12-08 (December 8, 2022)
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.
Consequence: A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗23V649000 · Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Arm
Reported: 2023-09-22 (September 22, 2023)
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.
Consequence: Front lower control arm failure can cause a sudden loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗24V244000 · Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Arm
Reported: 2024-04-01 (April 1, 2024)
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.
Consequence: Front lower control arm failure can cause a sudden loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗