MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2022 Kia Forte

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2022 Kia Forte

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

1Recalls
24Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE KIA FORTE

The Kia Forte is a compact sedan aimed squarely at budget-conscious commuters and first-time buyers who want a practical, fuel-efficient car without a premium price tag. Competing in one of the most crowded segments on the market, the Forte has steadily built a reputation for value-forward transportation across its 2019 through 2024 model years, making its safety profile a critical consideration for shoppers.

VERDICT

The 2022 Kia Forte earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 1 recall on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally regard the Kia Forte as a competitive and well-rounded compact sedan that punches above its price point in terms of features and interior quality. Most acknowledge it as a sensible, practical choice for daily driving, though professional assessments tend to note that rivals in the segment offer sharper driving dynamics and that the Forte's strengths lean more toward value and comfort than outright excitement.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 10.7%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15950

Index breakdown

Crash protection61/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record16/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

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 // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

24 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

3reported crash
1reported fire
2reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsUnknown Or Other 7Engine 4Forward Collision Avoidance 4Steering 3Suspension 3Seat Belts 2

Other Forte years

Rivals in Sedan (2022)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 15950), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Kia Forte 2022. Class rank 57 of 90 in Sedan 2022. Methodology · Disclosure