KIA Forte Steering Problems
Owners have filed 166 complaints with NHTSA about steering problems on the KIA Forte across 15 model years. The 2014 model year has the most (64). The words owners use most often: “steering coupler” (11% of reports).
- 166steering complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 18mention a crash
- 7mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- $570typical repair cost reported by owners
- 36%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Steering coupler: mentioned in 19 of 166 complaints (11%)
- Clicking noise: mentioned in 10 of 166 complaints (6%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical steering repair on the KIA Forte at $570, and half of them between $520 and $1,100.
Based on 13 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2016–2024), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do steering problems happen?
Based on 81 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 166 complaints, 18 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 7 an injury.
KIA Forte steering complaints by model year
| Model year | Steering complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Forte | 1 | 4% | — |
| 2023 Forte | 15 | 23% | 340 |
| 2022 Forte | 4 | 14% | 77,371 |
| 2021 Forte | 9 | 13% | 150,000 |
| 2020 Forte | 3 | 4% | 4,750 |
| 2019 Forte | 9 | 6% | 10,000 |
| 2018 Forte | 5 | 4% | 6,800 |
| 2017 Forte | 9 | 3% | 26,100 |
| 2016 Forte | 5 | 4% | 28,000 |
| 2015 Forte | 4 | 2% | 1,760 |
| 2014 Forte | 64 | 14% | 60,100 |
| 2013 Forte | 13 | 7% | 29,000 |
| 2012 Forte | 9 | 3% | 81,500 |
| 2011 Forte | 5 | 3% | 85,500 |
| 2010 Forte | 11 | 5% | 70,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Steering:linkages:knuckle:spindle:arm
Model years: 2023
Problem: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Forte vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the front left steering knuckle may crack, which can result in a loss of steering control.
Risk: A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Steering:column
Model years: 2021, 2022
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
I took my 2019 Kia Forte LXS to a certified Kia dealership to have the mandatory anti-theft security upgrade performed (Campaign CS2312), which involves installing an ignition cylinder protector plate inside the steering column. Immediately after picking up the vehicle, multiple severe safety and…
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the steering wheel was loose and was difficult to turn. Due to the failure, the vehicle unexpectedly swayed from left to right. The contact stated…
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the steering wheel became inoperable, with an abnormal sound coming from the steering wheel. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound while attempting to make a turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and…
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to operate. The contact stated that the steering wheel would knock from left to right and would unexpectedly seize. Due to the failure, the steering became difficult to control…
Unknown. During a basic collision Avoidance maneuver performed by myself on the highway at speed of aprox 60MPH the steering suddenly became non-responsive, resulting in my inability to maintain directional control and cause a collision. The vehicle continued traveling before coming to its final…
Frequently asked questions
Do all KIA Fortes have steering problems?
No. NHTSA has 166 owner complaints about steering for the KIA Forte. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the KIA Forte steering?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list steering. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix steering problems on the KIA Forte?
Owners report a typical cost of $570 (half paid between $520 and $1,100), from 13 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about steering problems on the KIA Forte?
The most frequent phrase is “steering coupler”, in 19 of 166 complaints, followed by “clicking noise” (10).
Other KIA Forte problems
- Engine problems (1,130)
- Electrical System problems (325)
- Air Bags problems (294)
- Power Train problems (218)
- Exterior Lighting problems (178)
- Service Brakes problems (156)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (116)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (110)
See all KIA Forte problems.