Kia Forte: safety ratings, MPG, and recalls
Year-by-year NHTSA safety ratings, EPA fuel economy, recall history, and complaint counts for the Kia Forte.
70
CarCabin Score
Strong
32
Safety
/ 40
17
Fuel
/ 25
7
Rel.
/ 20
14
Rec.
/ 15
Safety (overall)
NHTSA NCAP
Combined MPG
33
Regular Gasoline
Recalls (year)
1
4 across all years
Complaints (year)
65
499 across all years
Safety rating breakdown (2021)
NHTSA NCAP star ratings across categories.
Fuel economy by year
EPA city, highway, and combined MPG by model year.
Recall timeline
NHTSA campaigns by year, colored by inferred severity.
Owner complaint summary (2021)
Top component categories
- ENGINE14
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER13
- STEERING8
- POWER TRAIN7
- AIR BAGS5
Severe outcomes reported
- Crash-involved complaints9
- Fire-involved complaints0
- Injuries reported6
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Counts are consumer self-reports and may not be verified.
EPA fuel economy detail (2021)
- City MPG
- 29
- Highway MPG
- 40
- Annual fuel cost
- $1,800
- CO2 (g/mi)
- 270
Other Kia models
Next steps
FAQ
What is the CarCabin Score for the 2021 Kia Forte?+
70 out of 100 for 2021. The score combines NHTSA safety stars (4), EPA combined MPG (33), recall count (1), and complaint count (65). See the methodology page for the formula.
How many recalls has the Kia Forte had?+
Across all model years indexed (2015 onward), NHTSA shows 4 Kia Forte recall campaigns. Severity is inferred from campaign text and shown on the recall timeline above.
Where can I verify recall status for my specific vehicle?+
Always verify recall status with your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The CarCabin profile is a summary; only NHTSA can tell you whether a campaign applies to your specific vehicle and whether the remedy has been performed.
Sources. NHTSA NCAP (safety), NHTSA Recalls API, NHTSA Complaints API, EPA Fuel Economy dataset. CarCabin Score formula at /methodology.
Disclaimer. CarCabin is not a dealer, mechanic, or automotive advisor. Always verify recall status at nhtsa.gov/recalls with your VIN and have a qualified mechanic inspect any vehicle before purchase.