Things to consider when insuring one
2 recalls say not to drive it until it's repaired
Before you buy or insure one, run its VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and ask for proof the repair was done. Recall repairs are free at a dealer.
Owners reported 5 fires to NHTSA
Not every complaint is confirmed, but several fire reports are worth asking a mechanic about, and worth checking against open recalls.
Driver-assist sensors come standard
They can help avoid crashes, but a windshield or bumper repair often needs the cameras and radar recalibrated, which costs more. Check what your comprehensive and collision deductibles would mean for a glass claim.
Most owner complaints are about the steering
15 of 66 complaints to NHTSA mention it. Worth a look in a pre-purchase inspection.
3 recalls
- Do not driveNHTSA 24V244000 · Apr 1, 2024
suspension: front: control arm: lower arm
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Forte vehicles. The right front lower control arm may have been improperly welded, which can cause it to fail.
- The risk
- Front lower control arm failure can cause a sudden loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will replace the right front lower control arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 17, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC306. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 23V-649.
- Do not driveNHTSA 23V649000 · Sep 22, 2023
suspension: front: control arm: lower arm
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Forte vehicles. The right front lower control arm may have been improperly welded, which can cause it to fail.
- The risk
- Front lower control arm failure can cause a sudden loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will replace the right front lower control arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 27, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC283.
- NHTSA 22V906000 · Dec 8, 2022
steering: linkages: knuckle: spindle: arm
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.
- The risk
- A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
- The 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.
Crash test ratings
2023 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Rollover risk in a single-vehicle crash: 11%
What owners report
66 complaints to NHTSA, 11 involving a crash, 5 a fire, 5 injuries.
- Steering15
- Electrical system11
- Forward collision avoidance10
- Engine9
- Power train8
- Suspension8
- Unknown or other8
- Lane departure7
Insuring a 2023 Kia Forte?
An independent broker compares several insurers for you and can explain what matters for this car. Find one who writes auto where you live.
Other 2023 Kia models
Recalls, crash ratings and owner complaints are from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), last checked Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are owners’ reports and aren’t verified by NHTSA. This page is general information, not advice about a specific vehicle or policy.