NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Kia Forte Safety Ratings
The 2021 Kia Forte scores 81 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 67 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Kia Forte achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 81 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. Its crash-test performance is solid, yet two recall campaigns contribute to a defect-record sub-score of 12 out of 20. This indicates specific areas requiring verification, tempering an otherwise cautiously positive safety profile for the sedan.
The 2021 Kia Forte received a 4-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 81 out of 100, based on NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Kia Forte ranks 72 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 81 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.7% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 67 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 72 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Kia Forte?
The 2021 Kia Forte enters this analysis one index point below the 2020 model, slipping from 82 to 81 out of 100, both within the Strong band. That single-point decline traces primarily to the defect record sub-score of 12 out of 20, the weakest component in the index breakdown, driven by two recall campaigns issued in the model year's early service life. The crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70 reflects genuinely strong structural performance, anchored by that 5-star side rating and supported by 4-star results across frontal and rollover categories. The avoidance-tech sub-score of 7.5 out of 10 reflects a mixed equipment picture: electronic stability control and lane departure warning are standard, but forward collision warning is only optional, meaning some 2021 Forte trims left the factory without it. The steering-column bolt recall and the air bag OCS recall together represent the most concrete, year-specific safety concerns on this vehicle. Shoppers evaluating a used example should treat recall remedy status as the single most important variable, because an unrepaired steering column or a miscalibrated occupant classification system are not abstract risks.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Kia Forte perform in crash tests?
Side-impact protection is a high point for the 2021 Kia Forte, which earned a full 5-star rating from NHTSA in that category. Overall, the model received 4 out of 5 stars, with frontal crash protection also rated at 4 stars. The Forte's rollover resistance registered 4 stars, with an 11 percent risk of rollover and a "No Tip" outcome in the dynamic test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15637
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Kia Forte have any recalls?
The 2021 Kia Forte has two federal recall campaigns. The first targets the steering column, where a bolt may not be properly secured, a condition that affects 2021-2022 Rio and Forte vehicles. The second addresses the air bag Occupant Classification and Detection System on certain 2021 Telluride, K5, and Forte vehicles. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive directive in the available data, but both warrant VIN verification before purchase.
STEERING:COLUMN22V304000
Risk: Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2022-05-05
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE21V164000
Risk: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2021-03-11
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Kia Forte?
NHTSA has logged 67 unverified owner allegations for the 2021 Forte. The top reported components are the Engine (22 allegations), Unknown Or Other (17), and Steering (9). Consumers have also alleged issues with the Electrical System (8) and Air Bags (6). These are unverified allegations, not confirmed defects.
67 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Kia Forte?
Two open recalls notably affect the 2021 Forte's safety profile. Prospective owners should verify that both the steering column bolt and the air bag system recalls have been remedied before purchase. Written confirmation from the selling dealer or a licensed service facility is advisable. These specific issues bear directly on vehicle control and passenger protection.
- The 2021 Forte carries two active or past recall campaigns, one for a potentially unsecured steering-column bolt and one for the air bag Occupant Classification and Detection System. VIN-level remedy verification is essential for any used purchase.
- The side-impact rating of 5 stars is the strongest single crash-test result for this model year, while the frontal and rollover ratings both land at 4 stars with an 11 percent rollover risk.
- Forward collision warning is optional rather than standard on the 2021 Forte, so not every unit on the used market will have it. Buyers should confirm which crash-avoidance features are actually installed on the specific vehicle being considered.
- The defect-record sub-score of 12 out of 20 is the primary reason the 2021 index trails the 2020 model by one point, and 67 unverified owner allegations, with Engine and Steering as the top reported categories, are part of the complaint picture feeding into that assessment.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Kia Forte places
The 2021 Kia Forte qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Kia Forte safety questions
Was the 2021 Kia Forte crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Kia Forte, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 81 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Kia Forte crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Kia Forte earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 10.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Forte have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Kia Forte. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Kia Forte?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 67 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Kia Forte. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Forte years
Rivals in Sedan (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15637), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Forte 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 72 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.