2021 Kia Forte engine problems
22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2021 Kia Forte — 33% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Driving under normal conditions April 20,2026, on the way to school. Got off the freeway and the vehicle immediately shut-off and the check engine light came on. Vehicle was stuck partially in the roadway and would not move. Vehicle was towed to Kia dealership and they found that there was no oil…”
filed Apr 24, 2026
“To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting a formal complaint regarding a serious safety issue involving my 2021 Kia Forte. Approximately one year ago, I purchased this vehicle used with approximately 56,000 miles. I have owned the vehicle for nearly a year without prior incident until a recent and…”
filed Apr 18, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar…
TSB_ENG222_R8 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 3, 2025TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar…
TSB_ENG222_R7 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 28, 2025
Engine problems in other Forte years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Forte | 7 | 29% |
| 2023 Forte | 9 | 16% |
| 2022 Forte | 4 | 16% |
| 2020 Forte | 15 | 21% |
| 2019 Forte | 35 | 24% |
| 2018 Forte | 57 | 43% |
| 2017 Forte | 144 | 48% |
| 2016 Forte | 64 | 48% |
| 2015 Forte | 156 | 60% |
| 2014 Forte | 213 | 49% |
| 2013 Forte | 107 | 55% |
| 2012 Forte | 160 | 55% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2021 Kia Forte
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.