2022 KIA FORTE — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report

4/5

★★★★

Safety Rating

35

Owner Complaints

5 Crashes 1 Fire

1

Recall

ACTIVE RECALL

4

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2022 KIA FORTE

The 2022 KIA FORTE has received a total of 35 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There has been 1 recall campaign affecting this vehicle, covering issues with STEERING:COLUMN. 4 technical service bulletins have been issued by Kia America, Inc. for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Engine (4 complaints), Unknown Or Other (4 complaints), and Forward Collision Avoidance Warnings (3 complaints).

Recalls for the 2022 KIA FORTE

NHTSA has recorded 1 recall for the 2022 KIA FORTE, potentially affecting up to 30 vehicles.

Recall 22V304000 — STEERING:COLUMN

| 30 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

View full details →

Owner Complaints for the 2022 KIA FORTE

35 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2022 KIA FORTE. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Most Recent Complaints

#11708975 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | | N/A miles
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!
#11708975 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | | N/A miles
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!
#11707638 | STEERING | | N/A miles
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 only noticed it at hwy speeds.Now,I notice it even at lower speeds.The faster the speed the worse it is.My steering wheel will have the stiffness it should,then suddenly briefly loosen,then go back to normal stiffness.Which causes constant minor corrections,risking over correcting leading to a wreck.I have had a couple close calls.As time has gone on,it's just gotten worse.It's now to a point that it's sketchy to drive on the freeway & nearly impossible (if not impossible)to drive on the freeway if its windy.I no longer drive the freeway & find back roads to drive at slower speeds & less traffic.I constantly feel all over the road & like the car is gonna wobble out of control.Picture taking your steering wheel & making frequent(almost constantly now)slight back and forth, back and forth, movements, that's basically what it feels like.The higher the speed while doing that, the higher risk to wreck.When I feel like I'm gonna wobble out of control,I tightly grip the steering wheel, straighten&lock my arms,& let off the gas &let the car slow on its own.I feel if I use the brakes in that moment,I'd lose control.It's almost like it briefly gets too much power steering,or disengages maybe?Dealership initially said I just need new tires & alligment (all tire tread @6)11/20/24 new tires&alligment.6 alligments&cameras calibrated in 3,285 miles.Gave up after 7. 3/25/25 dealership replaced steering column,housing,& reprogrammed.For a short while it helped,but didn't fix steering or alligment. Kia customer care has said to get a 2nd opinion. Wish I could write more on here.Multiple appts
#11707638 | SUSPENSION | | N/A miles
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 only noticed it at hwy speeds.Now,I notice it even at lower speeds.The faster the speed the worse it is.My steering wheel will have the stiffness it should,then suddenly briefly loosen,then go back to normal stiffness.Which causes constant minor corrections,risking over correcting leading to a wreck.I have had a couple close calls.As time has gone on,it's just gotten worse.It's now to a point that it's sketchy to drive on the freeway & nearly impossible (if not impossible)to drive on the freeway if its windy.I no longer drive the freeway & find back roads to drive at slower speeds & less traffic.I constantly feel all over the road & like the car is gonna wobble out of control.Picture taking your steering wheel & making frequent(almost constantly now)slight back and forth, back and forth, movements, that's basically what it feels like.The higher the speed while doing that, the higher risk to wreck.When I feel like I'm gonna wobble out of control,I tightly grip the steering wheel, straighten&lock my arms,& let off the gas &let the car slow on its own.I feel if I use the brakes in that moment,I'd lose control.It's almost like it briefly gets too much power steering,or disengages maybe?Dealership initially said I just need new tires & alligment (all tire tread @6)11/20/24 new tires&alligment.6 alligments&cameras calibrated in 3,285 miles.Gave up after 7. 3/25/25 dealership replaced steering column,housing,& reprogrammed.For a short while it helped,but didn't fix steering or alligment. Kia customer care has said to get a 2nd opinion. Wish I could write more on here.Multiple appts
#11707638 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | | N/A miles
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 only noticed it at hwy speeds.Now,I notice it even at lower speeds.The faster the speed the worse it is.My steering wheel will have the stiffness it should,then suddenly briefly loosen,then go back to normal stiffness.Which causes constant minor corrections,risking over correcting leading to a wreck.I have had a couple close calls.As time has gone on,it's just gotten worse.It's now to a point that it's sketchy to drive on the freeway & nearly impossible (if not impossible)to drive on the freeway if its windy.I no longer drive the freeway & find back roads to drive at slower speeds & less traffic.I constantly feel all over the road & like the car is gonna wobble out of control.Picture taking your steering wheel & making frequent(almost constantly now)slight back and forth, back and forth, movements, that's basically what it feels like.The higher the speed while doing that, the higher risk to wreck.When I feel like I'm gonna wobble out of control,I tightly grip the steering wheel, straighten&lock my arms,& let off the gas &let the car slow on its own.I feel if I use the brakes in that moment,I'd lose control.It's almost like it briefly gets too much power steering,or disengages maybe?Dealership initially said I just need new tires & alligment (all tire tread @6)11/20/24 new tires&alligment.6 alligments&cameras calibrated in 3,285 miles.Gave up after 7. 3/25/25 dealership replaced steering column,housing,& reprogrammed.For a short while it helped,but didn't fix steering or alligment. Kia customer care has said to get a 2nd opinion. Wish I could write more on here.Multiple appts

View all Engine complaints →

Safety Rating for the 2022 KIA FORTE

The 2022 KIA FORTE received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Test Category Rating
Overall Rating ★★★★ (4/5)
Frontal Crash ★★★★ (4/5)
Side Crash ★★★★★ (5/5)
Rollover ★★★★ (4/5)

Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2022 KIA FORTE

Kia America, Inc. has issued 4 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2022 KIA FORTE. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

TSB_CLI053_R1 — VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HVAC BLOWER MOTOR CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to replace the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) blower motor connector on...

TSB_CLI053 — VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HVAC BLOWER MOTOR CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information to replace the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) blower motor connector on some 2019-2023MY Forte (BDm) vehicles produced from July 09, 2018 through present, which may experience the air conditioning function inoperative. The blower motor connector...

TSB_CLI048_R1 — VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR: COMPRESSOR FIELD COIL ASSEMBLY INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information regarding A/C Compressor Field Coil Assembly inspection and replacement...

TSB_CHA115 — STRUCTURE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN SERVICE ACTION: BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT (SA501) - This bulletin provides information to inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake pedal assembly on some 2022MY Forte (BD/BDm) vehicles produced from March 17, 2022 through April 27, 2022, which may have improper welding between the cowl...

NHTSA Investigations for the 2022 KIA FORTE

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the KIA FORTE

View all KIA FORTE model years →

Other KIA Models

View all KIA models →

Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report