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Transport Canada + NRCan

2021 Kia Forte

Everything Canada’s open data holds on this vehicle: what has been recalled, what it costs to run, and how efficient it is compared with everything else on the road.

Recalls

2

2 current

Combined

7.6L/100 km

Fuel, a year

$1,914

16,249 km, Ontario prices

Recalls

Good news: Recall repairs are almost always free. Book with any manufacturer dealer and quote the recall number. Transport Canada’s own wording is that a manufacturer “will almost always make these repairs free of charge”, so being asked to pay for recall work is unusual and worth questioning. Since 2018 the Minister of Transport can order a company to pay for repairs so owners do not bear the cost.

Engine

Transport Canada recall 2025083 · manufacturer campaign RC215

18 February 2025

Transport Canada lists: Forte 2021 · Seltos 2021–2023 · Soul 2021–2022

What is wrong

On certain vehicles, the piston oil rings may not have been manufactured properly and could damage the cylinder walls. As a result, the engine could make abnormal noises, and a warning light may turn on. If you continue to drive the vehicle with these symptoms, the engine could fail. Note: This recall only affects certain vehicles equipped with a 2.0L MPI engine.

Why it matters

An engine failure could cause a sudden loss of power to the wheels and/or increase the risk of a vehicle fire. Both issues could increase the risk of a crash or injury.

What the dealer will do

Kia will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine. The dealer will also install a software that will monitor the engine and warn you if it detects a problem. If you see this warning, you should contact a dealership to arrange replacement of the engine.

25,279 vehicles affected in CanadaCarSafety Mfr

Steering

Transport Canada recall 2022238 · manufacturer campaign RC162

6 May 2022

Transport Canada lists: Forte 2021–2022 · Rio 2021–2022

What is wrong

On a small number of vehicles, the bolt connecting the lower steering column universal joint may not have been properly tightened. If the bolt loosens, you could lose steering control.

Why it matters

A loss of steering control could create a risk of a crash.

What the dealer will do

Kia will notify owners by mail and instruct you to bring your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and tighten the lower steering column universal joint bolt, as necessary.

6 vehicles affected in CanadaCarSafety Mfr

Efficiency and running cost

Class
Mid-size
In its class
More efficient than 71% of 137 2021 vehicles in this class
Tailpipe CO₂
180 g/km

Set your own distance and pump price · Full efficiency ranking

Watch this vehicle

Recall letters go to whoever owns the car on paper, which may not be you. Save your 2021 Kia Forte and we will email you the day Transport Canada issues a new recall for it.

Only when a new recall lands. Unsubscribe in one click.

Common questions

Does the 2021 Kia Forte have any recalls?
Transport Canada has 2 recalls on record for the 2021 Kia Forte. Recall repairs are almost always free at a manufacturer dealer.
What fuel economy does the 2021 Kia Forte get?
NRCan rates the 2021 Kia Forte at 7.6 L/100 km combined, emitting 180 g of CO2 per kilometre. There are 3 rated versions; this is the median.
What does it cost to run a 2021 Kia Forte for a year?
At 16,249 km a year and Ontario average prices, about $1,914 in fuel, producing roughly 2,853 kg of CO2. Your own distance and prices will change this — the calculator lets you set both.

Source: Transport Canada — Vehicle Recalls Database; NRCan — Fuel consumption ratings. Data current as of 6 August 2026. Running cost uses Ontario average prices (155 ¢/L, 14.5 ¢/kWh), which are hand-maintained estimates. These are average residential rates. A car’s charging is added on top of what your home already uses, so on a tiered, time-of-use or subsidised tariff it is billed at your top rate rather than this average — which makes the real cost higher, especially in the territories. Enter your own rate for an accurate figure. 30,784 rated vehicles on file.