Ask the seller for proof the repair was completed, or run the free VIN check. Recall repairs are done at no cost by a dealer.
Recalls
Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.
Steering recall
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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Owner complaints by system
Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.
Engine & powertrain
10
Most reports here involve sudden stalling.
Read full complaint
At low and moderate speeds, engine intermittently and slightly stalls? A rapid alarm sounds and no signal lights up on dashboard. This is corrected by tapping on the gas. This has been an ongoing issue since 2022. The last date this occcured 6/5/2026 mileage 32149 7:15pm traveling at 30 mph driving into direct sunlight signs: fast rapid alarm went on no light or visual alert on dashboard slight stalling and grinding sound in engine. While sunlight is known to activate forward collision avoidance, the lack of signal on dashboard leads me to believe it's something else. I have two case numbers filed with Kia America about this issue. I have taken it in for servicing at a Kia dealer as well. They can't reproduce the problem and are not clear on what it is, understandably. They changed some settings on the car the last time I took it in (June 2025) and said to bring it back if it continues. I asked and they said there were no recalls about such an issue.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11743567 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Electrical & infotainment
1
Most reports here involve other issues.
Read full complaint
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 design deficiency reflected in the IIHS "Poor" safety rating for this model. The lack of light throw creates an unreasonable risk of collision. High beams offer a marginal improvement in angle but do not resolve the primary visibility failure. I am requesting an investigation into the headlight assembly design and a potential recall or dealer-installed remedy to meet acceptable safety visibility standards. For reference, my electric scooter (segway max g3) is triple the brightness of my automobile!
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11708975 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Brakes
1
Most reports here involve software faults.
Read full complaint
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 safety feature on this car is very dangerous.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11488159 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Steering, suspension & tires
6
Most reports here involve loss of steering. Of these, 1 mention a crash.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11748900 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Airbags & seat belts
2
Most reports here involve airbags not deploying. Of these, 2 mention a crash, 1 mention an injury.
Read full complaint
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.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11558478 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Structure & body
2
Most reports here involve other issues.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11727407 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Other systems
4
Most reports here involve fluid leaks. Of these, 1 mention an injury.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11758316 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
How does it compare with other years? The 2022 has 26 complaints on file, fewer than the 2021 (67) and fewer than the 2023 (61). Of the 15 model years of the Kia Forte we cover, the 2014 has the most (440). Older model years have had longer to collect complaints.