2021 Kia Forte: A Reliable Compact Sedan with a Few Problems to Watch Out For

The 2021 Kia Forte is one of the more popular compact sedans on the market. Known for its great fuel economy and attractive pricing, it offers a lot of features that make it appealing to drivers looking for a budget-friendly yet stylish car. However, like any vehicle, the 2021 Forte does come with its own set of issues that potential buyers should be aware of. This article dives deep into the 2021 Kia Forte problems while balancing both the positive aspects and the drawbacks of this vehicle. And remember - even though we're highlighting some of the issues - that doesn’t take away from the many strong points this car has to offer.

The Strengths of the 2021 Kia Forte

Before diving into the potential problems, it's fair to address some of the strong suits of the Kia Forte. This compact sedan has a lot to offer in terms of affordability, technology, and style:

• Affordable Pricing: Starting around $17,890, the 2021 Kia Forte is one of the more economical choices in its segment. You get a lot of car for your money.
• Fuel Efficiency: The car gets impressive fuel economy, with EPA estimates of up to 31 mpg city / 41 mpg highway. It’s a great choice for anyone who wants to save on gas.
• Modern Technology: Even at its base trim, the Forte comes packed with features like an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

Common 2021 Kia Forte Problems

Now let's get into the potential issues that you may come across with the 2021 Kia Forte. While these may not affect every owner and every vehicle, these are the problems that have been most commonly reported.

Transmission Issues: A Potential Headache?

Transmission is often one of the most crucial components of any vehicle, and the 2021 Kia Forte does have a couple of reported problems in this area. Specifically, issues have surfaced with the Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), which is Kia's take on a CVT (continuously variable transmission). While this type of transmission is designed for smooth shifting and improved fuel economy, some Forte owners have reported issues like:

• Jerky Acceleration: Some owners noted a jerking or “lurching” feeling when accelerating from a stop. This can be an annoying problem and may take away from the otherwise smooth ride that the Forte aims to provide.
• Delayed Shifting: Other drivers have experienced delayed gear changes when accelerating, especially at higher speeds. This may lead to a feeling of power loss or hesitation, which is not what you want when merging onto a highway or overtaking another vehicle.
• Transmission Failure: While rare, there have been some reports of complete transmission failure in certain cases. This often required the transmission to be repaired or replaced entirely, which can be an expensive fix.

According to Alex Collantes, an automotive enthusiast and proud owner of a 2021 Kia Forte, “The car drives well overall, but I've felt the jerky acceleration a couple of times when pulling out of parking lots. It’s not a dealbreaker, but something you notice.”

Suspension and Ride Comfort: A Rougher Ride Than Expected?

Another common complaint among 2021 Forte owners revolves around the suspension system and the general ride comfort. Here’s what some owners have to say:

• Stiff Ride Quality: The Kia Forte has a sportier suspension setup, which means it has better handling but at the expense of a firmer ride. If you are driving on rough or poorly paved roads, you may feel a lot of the bumps and imperfections. This could be a drawback for those looking for a more cushioned ride.
• Noisy Cabin: Alongside the firm ride, some owners have reported that the cabin tends to be noisy, particularly at higher speeds. Wind noise and tire noise are more noticeable than in some of the Forte’s competitors, making longer drives less relaxing for those sensitive to sound.

Alex Collantes notes, “I love the sporty feel of the car, but my wife always complains when we drive over potholes. It’s not the smoothest ride, especially if you’re used to softer suspension.”

Braking Problems: The Brake Pedal Feels Soft

There have been a few complaints about the braking system on the 2021 Kia Forte. While the car’s brakes are generally reliable, some owners have reported issues like:

• Soft Brake Pedal Feel: Some drivers have found the brake pedal to be softer or “mushier” than they’d like, meaning it can require more force to slow the car down. This can be unsettling if you're used to firmer brakes.
• Premature Brake Wear: A few owners have mentioned that their brake pads wore out faster than expected. While this can depend on individual driving habits, it's something to keep an eye on.

Engine and Performance: Does It Lack Power?

The 2021 Kia Forte comes with two engine options:

1. A 2.0-liter inline-4 engine that makes 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque.
2. A more powerful 1.6-liter turbocharged engine available on the GT trim, delivering 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.

While the base engine is fuel-efficient and adequate for daily driving, some drivers find it a bit underpowered, especially on highway accelerations or when driving up steep hills. If you’re someone who enjoys a more spirited driving experience, you might find the base engine to be lacking.

The GT trim’s turbocharged engine offers a more thrilling drive, but it does come at a higher price and doesn't achieve the same level of fuel efficiency as the base model.

Collantes says, “I went with the base model for the gas savings, but sometimes I wish I had a bit more power when I’m on the freeway. I test drove the GT, and it’s way more fun, but it wasn’t worth the extra cash for me.”

Infotainment System Glitches: Tech That's Not So Smooth

Modern cars are all about technology, and the Kia Forte is no exception. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is generally intuitive and easy to use, but some owners have reported issues with:

• Screen Freezing or Lagging: Some drivers have experienced laggy performance or the screen freezing altogether. This can be annoying if you're trying to change music or access navigation while driving.
• Connectivity Issues: While the Forte boasts Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, there have been reports of inconsistent connections, where the system may suddenly disconnect or have trouble recognizing your smartphone.

Though these issues may not affect the vehicle's performance, they can be frustrating, especially if you rely on your car's infotainment system for daily driving.

Interior Build Quality: A Trade-Off for the Price?

The interior of the Kia Forte is generally well-designed and comes packed with features, but there are some complaints regarding the build quality:

• Plastic Materials: The cabin uses a lot of hard plastics, particularly on the dashboard and door panels. While this is common in budget-friendly vehicles, some owners feel it gives the interior a "cheaper" feel compared to competitors like the Mazda 3 or Honda Civic.
• Wear and Tear: A few owners have reported that certain materials like the fabric seats and plastic trims are prone to scratches and scuffs over time, leading to faster wear and tear than expected.

Safety Concerns: A Few Potential Issues

The 2021 Kia Forte comes with a solid list of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision warning. However, some concerns have been raised:

• Lane-Keeping Assist Sensitivity: Some owners have noted that the lane-keeping assist system can be overly sensitive, providing unnecessary steering input even when the vehicle is staying within its lane.
• Blind-Spot Monitoring: While the blind-spot monitoring system is helpful, a few drivers have reported false positives, where the system alerts them even when no vehicle is present.

Collantes shares his thoughts: “I appreciate the safety features - it’s one of the reasons I got the car - but sometimes the lane-keeping assist feels like it's fighting me. I ended up turning it off on most drives.”

Fuel Economy: Is It Really as Good as It Claims?

While the 2021 Kia Forte boasts impressive fuel efficiency on paper, real-world numbers may vary:

• Some drivers have reported not achieving the EPA-rated 31 mpg city / 41 mpg highway, especially if they drive aggressively or in heavy traffic conditions.
• The turbocharged GT trim, while fun to drive, has a noticeable drop in fuel efficiency, with estimates around 27 mpg city / 35 mpg highway.

Final Thoughts: Weighing the Pros and Cons

The 2021 Kia Forte is undoubtedly a strong contender in the compact sedan market, offering affordability, style, and impressive fuel economy. However, like any car, it does come with its set of problems that potential buyers should be aware of. Here’s a quick summary of the pros and cons:

Pros

• Affordable starting price
• Great fuel economy for daily commuting
• Modern infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Stylish design and sporty handling

Cons

• Transmission issues, including jerky acceleration and delayed shifting
• Firm ride quality with noticeable cabin noise
• Soft brake pedal feel that may require adjustment
• Base engine may feel underpowered for some drivers
• Infotainment system glitches and connectivity issues
• Use of hard plastics in interior build quality

In the end, the 2021 Kia Forte has a lot to offer but it's essential to test drive the vehicle and see how it feels on the road. Keep in mind that while it may not be perfect, it's still a solid choice for those looking for a stylish and budget-friendly compact sedan.

If you're considering buying a 2021 Kia Forte, it’s always a good idea to read owner reviews, and test drive different trims, and ensure you're comfortable with any potential drawbacks.

References

• Car and Driver - 2021 Kia Forte Review
• Consumer Reports - 2021 Kia Forte
• Edmunds - 2021 Kia Forte Review

Disclaimer: This article is based on owner reports and general information about the 2021 Kia Forte. Experiences may vary.