2021 Kia Forte Electrical Problems

HVAC blower motor connector got so hot it has melted the plactic

NHTSA ID

11669685

Incident

Jun 27, 2025

The issue I’m having was confirmed by the dealership so when I drive on the highway, there’s a specific patch of highway that zigzags the car will follow that zigzag after getting off of the highway onto regular road. The car computer system will start a down shift erratically and feel like the car is pulling backwards. Also there is a lack of acceleration and it feels like the transmission is slipping, but I have confirmed with the dealership that the transmission was not slipping that the computer was shifting erratically. They would reset the computer and the car would would begin driving in a more normal state shifting correctly. I get on the highway again. The car once again will start shifting erratic. When you let go of the gas, the car downshift so many times that the car almost comes to a complete stop without hitting the brakes. The dealership has the car once again trying to figure out what’s going on with the car and why when I go on the highway the computer starts shifting erratically on that specific patch of highway. The car will pull left and right the entire time once you get off the highway the erratic shifting happens the dealership let me borrow a car which is a 2025 Kia Sorrento went on the highway with the car and had the same exact issue. The car they let me borrow is also downshifting erratically and feels like the transmission is slipping. The dealership did confirm that the car was not driving as intended, and they were confused as to why it was happening. They’ve also confirmed that the test that they’ve done on the car itself. had not passed prior to them resetting the computer.

NHTSA ID

11623941

Incident

Feb 1, 2024

The rental vehicle, a Kia Forte, was provided by a major rental company without addressing the critical anti-theft system vulnerability identified in manufacturer recall CS2305C. This recall was issued in early 2023, approximately one year before the rental date. The vehicle was stolen on April 11, 2024, using the known vulnerability method affecting the steering column and ignition system. The theft occurred despite normal security measures, demonstrating the effectiveness of the exploit that the recall was designed to prevent. Safety Concerns: Rental company knowingly provided vehicle without performing mandatory safety recall service Anti-theft system vulnerability made vehicle susceptible to theft without traditional forced entry Steering column security system failed to prevent unauthorized vehicle operation No warning indicators were present to alert the renter of this safety deficiency Vehicle Status: Theft reported to police and rental company immediately Vehicle was recovered by law enforcement Insurance company has documented the incident Rental company acknowledged the theft but might be continuing rental operations without addressing recall Severity of Safety Risk: Vehicle could be stolen without specialized tools or expertise Known vulnerability puts both renters and public at risk Lack of proper security systems creates hazard of vehicle theft while occupied Unaddressed recall demonstrates systemic safety oversight failure The rental company's maintenance records would confirm that recall service was never performed despite adequate notice period. This incident represents a broader safety concern about rental fleet compliance with critical safety recalls. Police reports, insurance documentation, and rental company correspondence available for investigation upon request. Rental company's response confirms their awareness of the theft incident and their failure to address the known safety defect. NO PRIOR WARNING INDICATORS

NHTSA ID

11622768

Incident

Apr 12, 2024

Service engine light turns off then comes back on. Get message engine failure. Scanner at dealership scanned 15 codes relating to misfires on all cylinders. Positive battery terminal caked up real bad causing arcing and melting plastic. Last I heard from dealership was possibly a engine replacement.

NHTSA ID

11548829

Incident

Sep 8, 2023

I am so sadden and broke. My Kia 2021 Forte was stollen.The car has just about 8k miles. The thieves had busted rear passenger side glass, torn down steering column, opened electric wiring Skelton and taken away the car. Police said they found my damaged car. I was also told that my damaged car was towed and was kept at auto body shop. I'm so depressed, upset. Its difficult to express in words how saddened I'm at loss in all aspects - physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially since the vehicle was stolen.

NHTSA ID

11525170

Incident

Jun 1, 2023

My car was stolen from in front of my home, they were able to steal my brand new car because they popped off the bottom steering wheel cover and used an iphone charger to start the ignition and drive away.

NHTSA ID

11477635

Incident

Aug 3, 2022

A defect in 2021 Kia Forte vehicle engine start and security systems allows for the rear window to be broken without an alarm activation and the car to be started without a key or key-like device. The vehicle can be started with something as simple as a screwdriver. Vehicles of this make and model are being targeted by criminal activity and it is a safety concern for Kia consumers and drivers. Kia is aware of this defect and has issued a statement that all future vehicles will come with improved safety systems and an engine immobilizer, but no recall on vehicles before the 2022 model year have been made for repairs or adjustment to solve the issue. My 2021 Kia Forte was stolen from my house while I was home and which failed to cause a triggered alarm. There were no possessions in the car and the vehicle was locked. The individual who stole the vehicle only had to pull off my steering column cover and the ignition box to steal the vehicle. This is a rising concern throughout the nation, and Milwaukee currently has a class action suit for this safety defect. A new car with no history of problems and very little usage should not have this problem.

NHTSA ID

11460437

Incident

Apr 5, 2022

Car stalled and shut off while in drive leading it to be towed.

NHTSA ID

11456502

Incident

Mar 10, 2022

Car completely shut down while in drive on 2 separate occasions leading it to be towed to dealership.

NHTSA ID

11456501

Incident

Feb 2, 2022