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2022 Kia Forte problems

The most common problem on the 2022 Kia Forte is engine and cooling. It has fewer complaints than a typical Forte model year.

Fewer complaintsAmong the best years of this model
Year score
93/100
Owner complaints
28
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
39
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
26-35mpg

The worst 2022 Kia Forte problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Engine
    6
  • Driver assistance
    4
  • Steering
    4
  • Electrical
    3
  • Suspension
    3

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    6
  • Driver assistance
    4
  • Steering
    4
  • Electrical
    3
  • Suspension
    3
  • Airbags
    2
  • Brakes
    2
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Seat belts
    2
  • Transmission
    2
  • Visibility
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Tires
    1

Recalls 1

Steering: columnReported May 5, 2022 · 30 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 22V304000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2022 Kia Forte

Technical service bulletins for the 2022 Kia Forte 39

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 39 bulletins for the 2022 Kia Forte

2022 Kia Forte fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.0L 4‑cylFWD29-3139-4133-35
1.6L 4‑cylFWD22-2731-3526-30

What 2022 Kia Forte owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Steering · 77,371 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the steering wheel became inoperable, with an abnormal sound coming from the steering wheel. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound while attempting to make a turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the failure was confirmed in the dealer database. The vehicle was scheduled to be repaired; however, the dealer confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 77,371.

Filed Sep 24, 2026 · Electrical, Fuel system · CA

We were told it was the fuel pump. This car has put my son in danger twice. The car stalls out while driving, completely shuts down. He is traumatized due to this occurring in during traffic hour. The car dies and you can’t put it in neutral nor have the hazard light turn on. Complete shut down of car. It has been at Kia of Cerritos for 2 months. The first incident, they stated they corrected the issue after being there for a month and while driving home the day the car was picked up it shut down, and the car was towed the very next day. They say it’s fuel pump but these cars have an electric oil pump overheating problem which causes the car to stall while driving. The second incident was so severe my son refuses to ever drive his car again. The issue the entire electrical system to fail nothing turns on even getting it in neutral is a problem. The car can’t be repair and for it to be a lemon it need to be repaired a few more times I am not going to have my son risk his life and drive that car for us to have to wait for a potential car failure again that can put my sons life at risk. Car towed Aug 1 to dealership, returned Sept 3 and towed again sept 4 and still in dealership as of Sept 24, 2026. That is why you only see one invoice.

Filed Aug 20, 2026 · Electrical · TX

AC is not blowing cold air even after replacing refrigerant. Mechanic says the compressor has failed, even though the car is only a few years old and has never been involved in any major incidents.

Filed Jul 7, 2026 · VA

Air compressor broken Backup camera not working

Filed Jun 12, 2026 · NY

Vehicle: 2022 Kia Forte LXS I am filing this complaint regarding a complete air conditioning system failure on my 2022 Kia Forte LXS, which is fully covered under Kia's 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. The vehicle has been driven under 60,000 miles and has no accident history. The AC system failed completely. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Kia dealership for diagnosis and repair. The dealer recharged the refrigerant system, however the vehicle is still not cooling properly. The dealer has been unable to provide a confirmed diagnosis after multiple days, citing either the compressor or heating core as potential causes, but has not committed to a repair timeline or parts order. Of additional concern, the dealer has suggested 'outside influence' then said on the 4th say it maybe mechanical failure, but we have to check more of the compressor and heating coil as a possible cause despite my vehicle having no accident history, no modifications, and being only 4 years old. This appears to be an attempt to deny a valid warranty claim without evidence. I have an open case with Kia Consumer Affairs, however corporate has deferred entirely back to the dealer with no resolution or timeline. I am currently incurring out-of-pocket rental car expenses due to the dealer's backlog of loaner vehicles. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate this matter. A complete AC system failure on a nearly new vehicle with no external cause raises serious concerns about manufacturing defects in the 2022 Kia Forte AC system. Desired Resolution: Full warranty repair of the AC system at no cost to me, and reimbursement of rental car expenses incurred during the repair period.

Filed Jun 11, 2026 · CA

At low and moderate speeds, engine intermittently and slightly stalls? A rapid alarm sounds and no signal lights up on dashboard. This is corrected by tapping on the gas. This has been an ongoing issue since 2022. The last date this occcured 6/5/2026 mileage 32149 7:15pm traveling at 30 mph driving into direct sunlight signs: fast rapid alarm went on no light or visual alert on dashboard slight stalling and grinding sound in engine. While sunlight is known to activate forward collision avoidance, the lack of signal on dashboard leads me to believe it's something else. I have two case numbers filed with Kia America about this issue. I have taken it in for servicing at a Kia dealer as well. They can't reproduce the problem and are not clear on what it is, understandably. They changed some settings on the car the last time I took it in (June 2025) and said to bring it back if it continues. I asked and they said there were no recalls about such an issue.

Filed Mar 27, 2026 · Seat belts · TX

The front driver side door is ‘popping’ open while driving. In addition, the seatbelt randomly releases while driving.

Filed Jan 5, 2026 · Lights, Visibility · FL

The OEM projector halogen headlights on the 2022 Kia Forte provide insufficient illumination for safe nighttime operation. On unlit or poorly lit roads, the low-beam distance is inadequate to identify road hazards, pedestrians, or signage in time to react at standard posted speeds (45+ mph). This creates a "dead zone" where the driver is effectively over-driving their headlights. This is a known design deficiency reflected in the IIHS "Poor" safety rating for this model. The lack of light throw creates an unreasonable risk of collision. High beams offer a marginal improvement in angle but do not resolve the primary visibility failure. I am requesting an investigation into the headlight assembly design and a potential recall or dealer-installed remedy to meet acceptable safety visibility standards. For reference, my electric scooter (segway max g3) is triple the brightness of my automobile!

Filed Dec 29, 2025 · Steering, Suspension · OR

I've been experiencing issues with steering loosening/tighting for over 1 1/2 years.21,000 miles since I first reported the issue 5/23/24.Within a few months of reporting the steering issue,I started having issues with my car not staying in alligment after a few hundred miles. There are no warning lights.The tension in my steering wheel is inconsistent in a way that it shouldn't be. At first,I only noticed it at hwy speeds.Now,I notice it even at lower speeds.The faster the speed the worse it is.My steering wheel will have the stiffness it should,then suddenly briefly loosen,then go back to normal stiffness.Which causes constant minor corrections,risking over correcting leading to a wreck.I have had a couple close calls.As time has gone on,it's just gotten worse.It's now to a point that it's sketchy to drive on the freeway & nearly impossible (if not impossible)to drive on the freeway if its windy.I no longer drive the freeway & find back roads to drive at slower speeds & less traffic.I constantly feel all over the road & like the car is gonna wobble out of control.Picture taking your steering wheel & making frequent(almost constantly now)slight back and forth, back and forth, movements, that's basically what it feels like.The higher the speed while doing that, the higher risk to wreck.When I feel like I'm gonna wobble out of control,I tightly grip the steering wheel, straighten&lock my arms,& let off the gas &let the car slow on its own.I feel if I use the brakes in that moment,I'd lose control.It's almost like it briefly gets too much power steering,or disengages maybe?Dealership initially said I just need new tires & alligment (all tire tread @6)11/20/24 new tires&alligment.6 alligments&cameras calibrated in 3,285 miles.Gave up after 7. 3/25/25 dealership replaced steering column,housing,& reprogrammed.For a short while it helped,but didn't fix steering or alligment. Kia customer care has said to get a 2nd opinion. Wish I could write more on here.Multiple appts

Filed Dec 13, 2025 · Steering, Suspension · CA

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.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2022 Kia Forte before you buy

Compare the 2022 Kia Forte

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2022 Kia Forte

Is the 2022 Kia Forte reliable?

Owners have filed 28 complaints about the 2022 Kia Forte, fewer than a typical Forte model year.

What is the 2022 Kia Forte year score?

The 2022 Kia Forte scores 93 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Kia Forte: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2022 Kia Forte?

Engine and cooling, with 6 complaints. Next is driver assistance (4).

How many recalls does the 2022 Kia Forte have?

1 recall, covering steering.

What year does the Kia Forte have bad engine?

The Kia Forte model years with the most engine complaints are 2014 (220 complaints), 2012 (167 complaints) and 2015 (164 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2022 Kia Forte get?

Official estimates for the 2022 Kia Forte range from 26 to 35 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 29-31 city and 39-41 highway.

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