2023 Kia Forte Safety Report
2023 Kia Forte: Strong crash ratings overshadowed by critical steering recalls, fire incidents, and airbag deployment concerns.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2023 Kia Forte
Reliability Score
The 2023 Kia Forte receives a reliability score of 45 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.
Known Issues for the 2023 Kia Forte
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2023 Kia Forte:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Right Front Lower Control Arm Failure Improperly welded lower control arm can fail, leading to sudden loss of steering control, as per two recalls. |
High | Common | new-20000 miles |
| Front Left Steering Knuckle Crack Manufacturing error can cause the steering knuckle to crack, resulting in loss of steering control, as per recall. |
High | Common | new-20000 miles |
| Engine/Vehicle Fires Multiple complaints of engine compartment fires, some while idle or after minor incidents, leading to total loss. |
High | Occasional | new-50000 miles |
| Forward Collision Avoidance (Fca) System Malfunction System misdetects vehicles, slams on brakes unexpectedly, or reports being off/blocked, increasing crash risk. |
High | Common | new-50000 miles |
| Airbag Non-Deployment Reported instances where airbags failed to deploy in a crash, despite significant impact. |
High | Rare | new-50000 miles |
| Loss Of Motive Power/Engine Shutdown Vehicle unexpectedly shuts down while driving at various speeds, including highway, with no warning lights. |
High | Occasional | 20000-50000 miles |
| Steering Instability/Pulling Vehicle drives unsteady, requires continuous steering correction, pulls to the right, or has excessive bumpiness. |
Medium | Common | new-50000 miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2023 Kia Forte:
Issues include loss of motive power, engine shutdown while driving, and catastrophic clutch failure.
Complaints about steering control loss, pulling to one side, and general instability, directly related to recalls.
Reports of airbags failing to deploy during collisions.
System malfunctions, including unintended braking and misdetection of objects.
Issues like clunking noises, excessive bumpiness, and lower control arm damage, aligning with recall.
Lane Keep Assist system malfunctioning, causing the vehicle to veer or follow incorrect lines.
Reports of engine fires, cylinder misfires, and oil sludging.
Dashboard lights illuminating, gauges going to zero, and general electrical malfunctions.
Windshield wipers sticking and failing to clear water, reducing visibility.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2023 Kia Forte
Is the 2023 KIA FORTE safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2023 Kia Forte has good crash test ratings (4-star overall, 5-star side), but its safety is significantly compromised by three critical recalls for steering and suspension components that can cause a loss of steering control. Additionally, there are concerning owner complaints including 4 fires, 4 injuries, 1 death, and reports of airbag non-deployment and forward collision avoidance system malfunctions.
What are common problems with the 2023 KIA FORTE?
The most reported issues for the 2023 Kia Forte include power train problems (11.5% of complaints), steering issues (7.7%), and malfunctions with the airbag system (5.8%) and forward collision avoidance system (5.8%). There are also significant concerns regarding engine fires and unexpected loss of motive power.
Are there any recalls for the 2023 KIA FORTE?
Yes, the 2023 Kia Forte has 3 recalls. Two recalls are for an improperly welded right front lower control arm that can cause a sudden loss of steering control. The third recall is for a manufacturing error in the front left steering knuckle, which can also lead to a loss of steering control.
What are the crash test ratings for the 2023 KIA FORTE?
The 2023 Kia Forte received an Overall 4-star safety rating from NHTSA. It scored 4 stars for Frontal crash, 5 stars for Side crash, and 4 stars for Rollover resistance.
Have there been any fires reported for the 2023 KIA FORTE?
Yes, there have been 4 fires reported for the 2023 Kia Forte in the NHTSA complaint data. Specific complaints describe the engine compartment catching fire while the vehicle was idle or after getting stuck in mud, leading to the vehicle being engulfed in flames.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Given the critical steering and suspension recalls, multiple fire incidents, and reports of airbag failures, potential buyers should exercise extreme caution and ensure all recalls have been remedied before considering a 2023 Kia Forte.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2023 Kia Forte
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2023 Kia Forte. The data includes 52 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 8 reported crashes, 4 fire incidents, 4 reported injuries, and 1 fatalities associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2023 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.