2023 Kia Forte recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2023 Kia Forte and 66 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are steering (15), electrical system (11), forward collision avoidance (10). It earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 30–34 mpg combined, depending on configuration. 2 recalls carry a Park It or Park Outside warning.
The 2023 ranks #4 of 13 Forte model years for fewest complaints (2012–2024), with fewer complaints than the average year (158). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 2.2 per model year.
Recalls 3
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2023 Kia Forte. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Suspension · front · control arm · lower arm
Problem: 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.
Risk: Front lower control arm failure can cause a sudden loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Suspension · front · control arm · lower arm
Problem: 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.
Risk: Front lower control arm failure can cause a sudden loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Steering · linkages · knuckle · spindle · arm
Problem: 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.
Risk: A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
While driving on the freeway at approximately 65 mph, my vehicle suddenly lost normal braking function. The brake pedal felt loose, and I had to press it nearly to the floor for the vehicle to slow down. Even then, stopping took significantly longer than normal. Pumping the brake pedal approximately five times temporarily restored normal braking, but the pedal became loose agai…
Front left tire blew out, plastic liner became shredded due to it. Beneath that plastic liner sits the main electrical wiring harness which rubs against the wheel creating sparks leading to total engine fire and failure
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the steering wheel was loose and was difficult to turn. Due to the failure, the vehicle unexpectedly swayed from left to right. The contact stated that the vehicle felt as if it was floating on water. The vehicle was taken to seve…
Safety ratings
2023 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2023 Kia Forte.
Forte
Auto (AM-S7) · 4 cyl · 1.6 L · Turbo
Regular
Forte
Auto (variable gear ratios) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L
Regular
Forte FE
Auto (variable gear ratios) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2023 Kia Forte have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2023 Kia Forte, most recently for suspension · front · control arm · lower arm (04/01/2024). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Kia Forte?
Based on 66 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are steering (15), electrical system (11), forward collision avoidance (10).
Is the 2023 Kia Forte safe?
The 2023 Kia Forte earned a 4-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings. It has 2 recalls with a Park It or Park Outside warning, so check your VIN.
Is the 2023 a good year for the Kia Forte?
The 2023 ranks #4 of 13 Forte model years for fewest complaints (2012–2024), with fewer complaints than the average year (158). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 2.2 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2023 Kia Forte get?
EPA ratings for the 2023 Kia Forte range from 30 to 34 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
Own a 2023 Kia Forte in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved November 2, 2026. NHTSA model names used: FORTE, Forte.