NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Kia Forte
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
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.
Despite a strong crash-test showing, the 2023 Kia Forte carries a park-outside or stop-driving recall, so read the recall section first. It has 3 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
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
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17079
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM24V244000
Risk: Front lower control arm failure can cause a sudden loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2024-04-01
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM23V649000
Risk: Front lower control arm failure can cause a sudden loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2023-09-22
STEERING:LINKAGES:KNUCKLE:SPINDLE:ARM22V906000
Risk: A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2022-12-08
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
56 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.