NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 Kia Forte Safety Ratings
The 2022 Kia Forte scores 87 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 24 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2022 Kia Forte achieved a Safety Index of 87 out of 100, positioning it in the Strong band for its model year. This rating reflects a robust showing in NHTSA's crash-test evaluations and the inclusion of a comprehensive suite of standard crash-avoidance technologies, making it a well-supported option within the compact sedan segment.
The 2022 Kia Forte received a 5-star NHTSA side-crash rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 90 Sedans from 2022 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2022 Kia Forte ranks 57 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 87 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.7% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 24 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 57 of 90 Sedans tested for 2022 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 Kia Forte?
The 2022 model year marks a meaningful step forward for the Forte in the NHTSA Safety Index, climbing six points from the 2021 score of 81 to 87, both within the Strong band but the 2022 result sitting noticeably higher. That gain is supported by the index breakdown: crash protection contributed 61 of a possible 70 points, avoidance technology earned a perfect 10 out of 10 reflecting the standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, and the defect record component added 16 of 20. The single recall this year, centered on a potentially unsecured steering column bolt, is a structural safety concern worth taking seriously, but it is a targeted campaign rather than a broad fleet-wide crisis. The 24 owner complaints include four allegations specifically tied to the Forward Collision Avoidance system, which is worth noting given that this technology is a pillar of the vehicle's perfect avoidance-tech score. The side-crash result of 5 stars is the headline crash figure for this year and distinguishes the 2022 Forte from many competitors in its segment.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 Kia Forte perform in crash tests?
The 2022 Kia Forte received a 4 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its side protection tests earned a perfect 5 stars, while frontal and rollover protection each rated 4 stars. The Forte demonstrated an 11 percent rollover risk with a "No Tip" dynamic test result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15950
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 Kia Forte have any recalls?
One recall affects the 2022 Forte. The campaign covers the steering column: a bolt may not be properly secured, a concern shared with certain 2021-2022 Kia Rio and Forte vehicles. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the available data, but shoppers should verify remedy completion by VIN through NHTSA.
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2022 Kia Forte?
Owners have filed 24 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Unknown or Other issues (7 reports), Engine concerns (4), Forward Collision Avoidance system behavior (4), Steering (3), and Suspension (3). These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
24 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 Kia Forte?
For the 2022 Forte, a specific recall has emerged as a primary safety concern. Shoppers should verify whether the steering column bolt recall has been remedied. This issue, affecting a safety-critical steering component, presents a concrete risk that pre-purchase checks can help resolve prior to ownership transfer.
- The 2022 Forte's Safety Index of 87 represents a six-point improvement over the 2021 model year's score of 81, the largest year-over-year gain in recent Forte history within the MotorCaliber dataset.
- A single recall targets the steering column on 2021-2022 Forte and Rio models over a bolt that may not be properly secured, making VIN-specific remedy verification a priority for used-market buyers.
- Four of the 24 unverified owner complaints filed with NHTSA allege problems with the Forward Collision Avoidance system, a component that also accounts for three of the reported injury allegations across the complaint set.
- The 2022 Forte earned a perfect 5-star NHTSA side-crash rating alongside a rollover dynamic tip result of No Tip, two specific data points that distinguish this model year's crash-test profile.
RANKINGSWhere the 2022 Kia Forte places
The 2022 Kia Forte qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2022 Kia Forte safety questions
Was the 2022 Kia Forte crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 Kia Forte, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 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 2022 Kia Forte crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2022 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 2022 Kia Forte have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2022 Kia Forte. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2022 Kia Forte?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 24 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 Kia Forte. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Forte years
Rivals in Sedan (2022)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Infiniti Q50 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15950), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Forte 2022.
- 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 57 of 90 in the Sedan class for 2022.
- 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.