2022 Kia Forte Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2022 Kia Forte ranks best among 15 model years tracked, with a complaint index of 0 and 27 complaints logged. It has one recall, for a steering column bolt, and no do-not-drive recalls. Engine issues make up the largest share of complaints at 26%.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 7/100
- #15 of 16 Forte years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 27
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 3
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 31.5
- 28 city / 37 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
Top 2022 Kia Forte problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Other9 (33%)
- Engine7 (26%)
- Electrical System4 (15%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras4 (15%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires4 (15%)
- Steering3 (11%)
- Airbags2 (7%)
- Brakes2 (7%)
- Fuel System2 (7%)
- Seat Belts2 (7%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Some owners report the engine suddenly revving with no driver input, followed by warning lights and stalling, in one case tied to a faulty engine pulley and overheating.
- Owners describe the engine seizing or losing power at low speed, with a dashboard message telling them to restart the vehicle, sometimes recurring multiple times.
- One owner reported oil pressure warnings, an oil puddle under the car, and a loss of power while driving 35–40 MPH, traced to the oil drain plug.
- Owners describe airbags failing to deploy during crashes, including a front/side impact and a slide off an icy road into a tree.
- One owner reported the steering wheel behaving unpredictably before a crash, despite a prior repair related to the steering recall.
- Owners describe the forward collision assist system causing sudden, unstable shutdowns and erratic behavior while driving.
2022 Kia Forte recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 22V304000May 5, 2022Steering30 vehicles
Steering:column
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.
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.
2022 Kia Forte fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 28 MPG
- Highway
- 37 MPG
- Combined
- 31.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,050
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2022 compared with other Forte years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2022 Kia Forte reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2022 Forte ranks best (rank 15 of 15 tracked years, worst-first) with a complaint index of 0 and only 27 complaints logged.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2022 Kia Forte?
- Engine problems are the top complaint area, accounting for 26% of complaints (7 of 27), with a median failure mileage of 12,800 miles.
- Does the 2022 Kia Forte have a recall?
- Yes, one recall (22V304000) covers a steering column bolt that may not be secured properly, which could let the steering column detach from the steering rack. It is not a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2022 Kia Forte compare to other Forte years?
- With a complaint index of 0, the 2022 Forte compares favorably to years like 2014 (complaint index 100) and 2017 (complaint index 93), which rank among the worst Forte years.