2022 Kia Forte Safety Report
2022 KIA FORTE Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2022 Kia Forte
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2022 Kia Forte. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Moderate (1) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (21) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 4 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Engine | Compare engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2024 | Compare against the 2024 Kia Forte with 19 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2019 | Check the 2019 Kia Forte before buying across this generation. |
Kia Forte Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Kia Forte years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Kia Forte | 52 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2021 Kia Forte | 64 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2024 Kia Forte | 19 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Kia Forte | 63 | 0 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2019 Kia Forte | 138 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2018 Kia Forte | 133 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2022 Kia Forte Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2022 Kia Forte, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Engine
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Kia onlyUnknown Or Other
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Kia onlyEngine And Engine Cooling
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine And Engine Cooling issues Kia onlyExterior Lighting,Visibility/Wiper
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Exterior Lighting,Visibility/Wiper issues Kia onlySteering,Suspension,Unknown Or Other
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering,Suspension,Unknown Or Other issues Kia onlySteering,Suspension
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering,Suspension issues Kia onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2022 Kia Forte
Reliability Score
The 2022 Kia Forte receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2022 Kia Forte
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2022 Kia Forte
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2022 Kia Forte:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Column Bolt A bolt in the steering column has been identified as a potential issue, leading to steering looseness or tightness. Kia Motors America is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rio and Forte vehicles. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Front Passenger-Side Lower Control Arm A front passenger-side lower control arm has fractured without warning during normal driving conditions, posing a safety risk. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Engine Light On The engine light has been observed to be on for about 3 months, indicating potential engine issues that require attention. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Airbag Malfunction Airbags did not deploy in a front/side impact crash, raising concerns about the reliability of the airbag system. |
Low | Common | 76k-80k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2022 Kia Forte:
Steering column issues are reported in 23% of cases.
Engine issues are reported in 21% of cases.
Control arm issues are reported in 14% of cases.
Headlight issues are reported in 10% of cases.
Recall Details for the 2022 Kia Forte
The following 1 recall has been issued for the 2022 Kia Forte by NHTSA:
Summary: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rio and Forte vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2022 Kia Forte
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2022 Kia Forte with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 3 complaints involved crashes. 1 involved fires. 2 reported injuries or fatalities.
The OEM projector halogen headlights on the 2022 Kia Forte provide insufficient illumination for safe nighttime operation. On unlit or poorly lit roads, the low-beam distance is inadequate to identify road hazards, pedestrians, or signage in time to react at standard posted speeds (45+ mph). This creates a "dead zone" where the driver is effectively over-driving their headlights. This is a known ...
I've been experiencing issues with steering loosening/tighting for over 1 1/2 years.21,000 miles since I first reported the issue 5/23/24.Within a few months of reporting the steering issue,I started having issues with my car not staying in alligment after a few hundred miles. There are no warning lights.The tension in my steering wheel is inconsistent in a way that it shouldn't be. At first,I onl...
The front passenger-side lower control arm on my 2022 Kia Forte fractured completely without warning during normal driving conditions. There was no collision, curb strike, pothole impact, or accident. The fracture appears clean and brittle, not bent or deformed. The failure caused suspension misalignment, damage to the CV axle, and uneven tire wear, creating a loss-of-control risk. The vehicle wa...
The contact leased a 2022 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the vehicle failed to respond while the gear shifter was in reverse(R). There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was test-driven, and the dealer became aware that the transmission was slipping. The dealer inspected the vehicle and found clutch debris inside the tra...
Hi I had my Kia forte GT 2022 for 3 years and my engine light has been on for about 3 months now . I get a check up and an oil change regularly. It comes on and goes off . I told my mechanic and he said I might have to get a new transmission. I only had this brand new car for 3 years . Is there a defect in these Kia forte GT or a recall .
In early 2025, I encountered a serious issue with my 2022 Kia Forte GT, a manual car with 76,000 miles and a 1.6L turbo Gamma engine. I took it for a routine oil change at a local non-Kia shop, but they refused, finding metal particles in the oil, suggesting engine damage. Worried, I towed it to a Kia dealership for a warranty-covered inspection, given my 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage. ...
I got into an accident i On December 10th, 2023 my car was totaled out. My steering wheel felt like it was doing its own thing and I crashed straight into a curb and some rocks. I was injured and they had just fixed my steering because of the recall but I don’t know if they did it correctly
My car body material looks like a baby toy I have a bas accient and
That happens on the bridge on nW 7 st
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Forte. The contact stated that after driving and parking the vehicle, upon restarting the vehicle, the oil pressure warning light illuminated. There was a puddle of oil near the vehicle. While driving 35–40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and shutoff. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who informed the contact that the oil drain plug was missing. The dealer d...
Air bags did not deploy in a front/side impact crash. Driver slid on ice and slush, went off the road and hit a tree. The car is currently being evaluated by the service center and insurance company. No sensors or warnings went off.
Vehicle was accidentally left in drive with the engine off. Ignition key was able to be removed from ignition cylinder even though vehicle was in gear and allowed it to roll away several feet.
I believe that airbags/ airbag sensors have failed or malfunctioned and they are available for inspection. My safety as well as the safety of others was put at risk because the airbags should have deployed and they didn’t putting us further at risk. The problem hasn’t been confirmed or reproduced by anyone professional. The vehicle has not been inspected as of yet. There were no warning signs or l...
Hello, I purchased my car brand new March 2022. Since April of 2023 I have been having issues with my cars stalling upon acceleration off and on, and the wipers occasionally getting stuck in the upright position especially during heavy rain periods, which makes it hard to see the roads clearly. I have reported these issues to KIA on multiple occasions. My vehicle has been to the dealership for...
I keep shutting down, not going on something with a forward assist on top of that. I have no control over my car does whatever ones and it’s very unstable Fawzy no control is very unstable very bumpy road to the point I don’t even wanna drive
The car hesitates to accelerate when going from my stop and then suddenly accelerate. The check engine comes on and when I’m gonna take it to the dealership. It turns off. Dealership claims they can’t work on it because the endcheck light is no longer on.
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Forte. The contact stated while his son was driving 5 MPH, the engine seized. A message indicating that the vehicle was off and to restart the vehicle was displayed. The contact’s son veered to the side of the road. The contact’s son was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred several times while his wife was dri...
Hi, On multiple occasions, the car slams on brakes in the middle of traffic, its like it has a mind of its own, I can back up and a car can be passing by all the way across the street and the car will beep and slam on brakes, sometimes while I'm driving and may not be close to a car, the car will just slam on breaks. That has almost caused me multiple accidents and I'm afraid that one day it will....
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle suddenly started revving without driver input. The battery and high engine temperature warning lights illuminated before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and diagnosed with engine damage due to the overheating caused by a faulty engine pulley bolt. The contact wa...
My wife's older car needed a new engine, so we decided on buying a new car since her work requires a good deal of driving. One week after the purchase, we discovered there was no spare tire! This IS a major safety issue, and although the car has many good safety features, this lack is really frightening. I read that AAA begged car makers NOT to get rid of this, but the brand we bought has had th...
Showing 20 of 21 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2022 Kia Forte
Has the 2022 KIA FORTE been recalled?
Yes, the 2022 KIA FORTE has 1 recall on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2022 KIA FORTE have?
The 2022 KIA FORTE has 21 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 3 involved crashes. 2 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2022 KIA FORTE?
The 2022 KIA FORTE received an overall NHTSA safety rating of good (4/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2022 KIA FORTE?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2022 KIA FORTE involve engine (3 complaints), unknown or other (3 complaints), engine and engine cooling (2 complaints). Other affected components include exterior lighting,visibility/wiper, steering,suspension,unknown or other, steering,suspension.
How many crash reports does the 2022 KIA FORTE have?
There are 3 crash reports associated with the 2022 KIA FORTE out of 21 total complaints (14.3% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2022 KIA FORTE have?
There are 1 fire reports for the 2022 KIA FORTE out of 21 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2022 KIA FORTE?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2022 KIA FORTE.
How many injuries are reported for the 2022 KIA FORTE?
2 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2022 KIA FORTE. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2022 KIA FORTE?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2022 KIA FORTE is generally recommended. It has 21 complaints, 1 recalls, and a good (4/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2022 KIA FORTE?
The components with the most failures on the 2022 KIA FORTE are: 1. ENGINE (3 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3 complaints), 3. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (2 complaints), 4. EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER (1 complaints), 5. STEERING,SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 3 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2022 KIA FORTE?
Be cautious of steering and engine issues, and ensure proper maintenance to avoid potential safety hazards. The 2022 KIA FORTE has 21 NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it good (4/5).
How reliable is the 2022 KIA FORTE?
The 2022 KIA FORTE receives a reliability score of 55/100, indicating average reliability. This is based on 21 owner complaints, 1 recalls, and 4 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Steering Column Bolt and Front Passenger-Side Lower Control Arm.
What are the known issues with the 2022 KIA FORTE?
Known issues with the 2022 KIA FORTE include: Steering Column Bolt, Front Passenger-Side Lower Control Arm, Engine Light On, Airbag Malfunction. These are based on patterns found across 21 NHTSA complaints. 1 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2022 KIA FORTE?
Yes, there is a recall for steering column bolt issues in certain 2021-2022 Rio and Forte vehicles.
What are the common issues with the 2022 KIA FORTE?
Common issues include steering problems, engine light on, and poor nighttime visibility due to headlights.
Is the airbag system reliable in the 2022 KIA FORTE?
There have been reports of airbags not deploying in a crash, indicating potential reliability issues.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of steering and engine issues, and ensure proper maintenance to avoid potential safety hazards.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2022 Kia Forte
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2022 Kia Forte. The data includes 21 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 3 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 2 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2022 Kia Forte an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16