2022 KIA Forte

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

Expert Verdict
Good Reliability

This 2022 model shows good reliability, primarily driven by a below-average recall rate for the KIA brand.

Key Factor:below-average recall rate

📋Why This Matters

Brake and steering systems are the foundation of vehicle control. Issues in these areas directly influence insurance risk assessments.

Insurance companies review vehicle reliability data when setting premiums. Models with elevated recall rates often see adjusted pricing.

Focus Area:critical safety systems
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Expert Analysis

  • 📈
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • ⚠️
    Primary Risk Area:Warning
  • ⚖️
    Vs Brand: Better than avg (1.9)
    📝
    Summary:

Safety & Reliability Score

91/100

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-8
Complaint Impact-0.95
Investigation Impact-0

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2022 KIA Forte

Model Year2022
MakeKIA
ModelForte
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Dec21
ISSUEFirst Report
Jan22
NEWProduction
May22
RECALLRecall Issued

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

7 complaints (37% of total)
➡️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 19 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
1(5%)
🟡Medium
8(42%)
🟢Low
10(53%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

⚙️Engineering Insight

Based on consumer reports, issues for this vehicle tend to peak around the 0-20k mileage range. The average reported failure mileage is 28,650 miles.

📊 Mileage data extracted from 5 of 19 complaints (26% coverage)
0-20k
2 reports (40%)
20k-40k
2 reports (40%)
40k-60k
0 reports (0%)
60k-80k
1 reports (20%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

STEERING

Official Safety Recalls (1)

Campaign: 22V304000

STEERING:COLUMN

Summary

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Kia Motors America

NHTSA Investigations

0 investigations

No active investigations for this vehicle.

Consumer Complaints

19 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2022 Forte.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Warning37%
Accident21%
Acceleration Issues16%
Jerk11%
Check Engine Light11%
Crash/Accident11%
Battery11%
Stall11%
Puddle5%
Stuck5%
Steering/Suspension🔶 Medium
STEERING,SUSPENSION

The front passenger-side lower control arm on my 2022 Kia Forte fractured completely without warning during normal driving conditions. There was no collision, curb strike, pothole impact, or accident. The fracture appears clean and brittle, not bent or deformed. The failure caused suspension misalignment, damage to the CV axle, and uneven tire wear, creating a loss-of-control risk. The vehicle was inspected and no impact damage or deformation was found on surrounding suspension components. Kia has denied warranty coverage, stating ‘external forces’ caused the failure, but has provided no physical evidence, documentation, or explanation to support that conclusion. This appears to be a premature failure of a safety-critical suspension component. A sudden control arm fracture presents a serious steering and safety hazard and should not occur under normal operation The dealership indicated that they had a written explanation attributing the failure to ‘external forces,’ but when I requested supporting details, photographs, or physical evidence of impact, none were provided at the time. I was told that further explanation or documentation would not be available until a manager review at a later date. As of filing this complaint, no physical evidence supporting an external-force determination has been shown.

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
POWER TRAIN

The contact leased a 2022 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the vehicle failed to respond while the gear shifter was in reverse(R). There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was test-driven, and the dealer became aware that the transmission was slipping. The dealer inspected the vehicle and found clutch debris inside the transmission. The dealer cleaned the transmission, replaced the dual clutch, and reprogrammed the TCM and clutch actuator. The contact stated that the failure persisted after the dealer had serviced the vehicle. The vehicle was later taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission clutch had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to shift into the intended gear, and the vehicle was jerking, and the warning light was illuminated. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
ENGINE

Hi I had my Kia forte GT 2022 for 3 years and my engine light has been on for about 3 months now . I get a check up and an oil change regularly. It comes on and goes off . I told my mechanic and he said I might have to get a new transmission. I only had this brand new car for 3 years . Is there a defect in these Kia forte GT or a recall .

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
ENGINE

In early 2025, I encountered a serious issue with my 2022 Kia Forte GT, a manual car with 76,000 miles and a 1.6L turbo Gamma engine. I took it for a routine oil change at a local non-Kia shop, but they refused, finding metal particles in the oil, suggesting engine damage. Worried, I towed it to a Kia dealership for a warranty-covered inspection, given my 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage. The dealership proposed a $500 engine flush, claiming it would clear contaminants, and advised me to drive 1,000 miles, even until the engine seized if needed, before returning. This shocked me—driving with metal risked catastrophic failure, potentially costing $3,000-$6,000 for a new engine, and seemed designed to avoid warranty responsibility. At 76,000 miles, I believed the metal indicated a manufacturing defect, not wear, especially since I’d used 5W-30 synthetic oil per Kia’s schedule. The non-Kia shop’s refusal left my maintenance history unclear, but Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act protects me from paying for fixes if it’s a defect. I contacted Kia customer service (1-800-333-4542), but they wouldn’t talk, citing my lawyer’s involvement. My lawyer, however, has been unresponsive to calls and emails for weeks, leaving me stranded. The dealership’s “drive until seizure” advice felt unsafe, prompting me to consider an NHTSA complaint at www.nhtsa.gov with my VIN to report this potential defect. This ordeal has caused significant stress and financial worry. I’ve asked the dealership for a detailed report on the metal’s source, but they’ve been vague. I’m torn between paying $500 and risking my car or pushing Kia harder. With the car still at the dealership, I hope for a warranty fix, not a costly delay tactic.the engine was replaced 10000 miles ago. And took two months.

Steering/Suspension🔶 Medium
STEERING

I got into an accident i On December 10th, 2023 my car was totaled out. My steering wheel felt like it was doing its own thing and I crashed straight into a curb and some rocks. I was injured and they had just fixed my steering because of the recall but I don’t know if they did it correctly

Brakes🔵 Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

My car body material looks like a baby toy I have a bas accient and

Other⚠️ High
TIRES

That happens on the bridge on nW 7 st

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Forte. The contact stated that after driving and parking the vehicle, upon restarting the vehicle, the oil pressure warning light illuminated. There was a puddle of oil near the vehicle. While driving 35–40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and shutoff. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who informed the contact that the oil drain plug was missing. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the battery and engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The contact called the warranty company and was provided warranty information. The failure mileage was approximately 21,840.

Safety Systems🔶 Medium
AIR BAGS

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.

Other🔶 Medium
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Vehicle was accidentally left in drive with the engine off. Ignition key was able to be removed from ignition cylinder even though vehicle was in gear and allowed it to roll away several feet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any recalls for the 2022 KIA Forte?

Yes, the 2022 KIA Forte has 1 recorded recall from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including STEERING:COLUMN.

Is the 2022 KIA Forte safe to drive?

The 2022 KIA Forte has 1 recall. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Most recalls have free remedies available.

Where can I check if my 2022 KIA Forte has open recalls?

You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local KIA dealer.

📊Year-over-Year Context

➡️Stable Pattern

Compared to earlier years, the 2022 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Steering

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm steering recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.

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If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all steering recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaign:22V304000
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your KIA dealer to verify recall completion status.

🧭What This Means for You

Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

🔑

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Verify all 1 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your KIA dealer.
  • If any recalls are open, schedule service immediately—recall repairs are always free.
  • Consider setting up VIN-specific alerts to receive notification of future recalls.
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If You're Buying Used

  • Request the VIN before purchase and verify recall status at NHTSA.gov.
  • This model year shows favorable reliability metrics compared to alternatives.

This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

Compare with Similar Vehicles

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: January 10, 2026.