NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Kia Forte Safety Ratings
The 2023 Kia Forte scores 71 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 56 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Kia Forte registered a notable decline in its safety performance, dropping to a NHTSA Safety Index of 71/100, which places it in the Average band. This represents a significant decrease from the 2022 model's 87/100 Strong rating. While the crash-test results remain competitive, the primary factor in this year's reduced assessment is a weaker defect record.
The 2023 Kia Forte received a 4-out-of-5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 71 out of 100, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 92 Sedans from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Kia Forte ranks 87 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 71 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.7% |
| Recalls on file | 3 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 56 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 87 of 92 Sedans tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Kia Forte?
The 2023 Kia Forte's Safety Index of 71/100 represents a 16-point decline from the 2022 model's 87/100, and the composition of that drop tells the story. Crash protection held relatively firm at 61 out of a possible 70 points, anchored by that 5-star side rating and solid overall scores. The problem is the defect record sub-score, which came in at only 5 out of 20, reflecting three recall campaigns, two of which carry park-outside severity designations. The avoidance tech score of 5 out of 10 is middling despite forward collision warning and lane departure warning being standard, suggesting the Forward Collision Avoidance complaint cluster, nine reported allegations, may be weighing on that component's profile. The steering knuckle recall predates most of the model year's sales, having been issued in late 2022, meaning some early buyers drove affected vehicles for an extended period. The two subsequent park-outside control arm campaigns compounded the defect picture into 2023 and 2024. For a compact sedan in this segment, the crash hardware is respectable, but the recall severity and volume are what define this specific model year's safety record.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Kia Forte perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Forte earned a 4-out-of-5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with its side-crash performance emerging as a particular strength. This category achieved a perfect 5-star rating. Both frontal crash protection and rollover resistance were rated at 4 stars. The measured rollover risk stands at 11 percent, and the dynamic tip test concluded with a "No Tip" result.
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 // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Kia Forte have any recalls?
Yes. Three recall campaigns cover the 2023 Forte. Two are park-outside warnings tied to the right front lower control arm, which may have been improperly welded, creating a separation risk. A third campaign addresses a manufacturing error in the front left steering knuckle that may cause cracking. Owners should verify remedy completion by VIN immediately.
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Kia Forte?
Fifty-six owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2023 Forte. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Steering (13 reports), Electrical System (9), and Forward Collision Avoidance (9). These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects, but the steering cluster aligns with the active recall campaigns.
56 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Kia Forte?
The 2023 Forte's recall record demands close scrutiny; two park-outside campaigns and a steering knuckle recall are serious enough that confirming remedy completion, not just recall existence, is essential for any potential buyer. Shoppers should not assume a dealer has addressed open campaigns and must run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup before purchase.
- The 2023 Forte's Safety Index fell 16 points to 71/100 from the 2022 model's 87/100, a decline driven primarily by a defect record sub-score of only 5 out of 20.
- Two park-outside recall campaigns specifically target the right front lower control arm for potentially improper welding, a severity level that signals a real-world separation risk while driving.
- A separate 2022-issued recall covers a manufacturing error in the front left steering knuckle that may cause cracking, and the 13 steering-related complaints reported to NHTSA are the single largest complaint category for this model year.
- The side-crash rating of 5 out of 5 stars is the strongest individual result in the 2023 Forte's NHTSA test profile, while frontal and rollover protection each sit at 4 stars with an 11 percent rollover risk.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Kia Forte places
The 2023 Kia Forte qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Kia Forte safety questions
Was the 2023 Kia Forte crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Kia Forte, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 71 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2023 Kia Forte crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 2023 Kia Forte have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Kia Forte, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Kia Forte?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 56 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 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 (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model S Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 17079), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Forte 2023.
- 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 87 of 92 in the Sedan class for 2023.
- 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.