Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2021 Forte5.
The 2021 Kia Forte5 is a compact five-door hatchback that expands the Forte sedan lineup with enhanced cargo flexibility and a sportier roofline. Owner-reported data identifies 154 total complaints across this model year, with the Electrical System emerging as the predominant concern among drivers. This vehicle was also subject to 6 separate recall campaigns during its production cycle. With a complaint count and recall volume that suggests elevated mechanical concerns compared to typical vehicle benchmarks, the 2021 Forte5 warrants heightened scrutiny from prospective buyers—particularly a comprehensive inspection of electrical components and verification that all applicable recall remedies have been completed prior to purchase.
Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.
From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 121R · 550 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Overall length | 178 in |
| Overall width | 70.9 in |
| Overall height | 56.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in |
| Curb weight | 2864 lb |
| Track (front / rear) | 60.2 / 60.2 in |
| Weight distribution (front / rear) | 61/39 |
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
| Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts | 14.0-17.0 ft-lbs |
| Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts | 26.0-30.0 ft-lbs |
| Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts | 14.0-17.0 ft-lbs |
| Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts | 25.0-29.0 ft-lbs |
| Curb Idle Speed (No Load) | Checking Speed: 640 in Neutral rpm |
| Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load) | Checking Speed: 100 rpm |
| Curb Idle Speed (Secondary Under Load) | Speed-Up Speed: 680 in Neutral rpm |
| Curb Idle Speed Variance (Secondary Under Load) | Speed-Up Speed: 100 rpm |
| Curb Idle Speed (No Load) | Checking Speed: 640 rpm |
| Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load) | Checking Speed: 100 rpm |
| Curb Idle Speed (Secondary Under Load) | Speed-Up Speed: 680 rpm |
| Curb Idle Speed Variance (Secondary Under Load) | Speed-Up Speed: 100 rpm |
| Standard BCI Group Number | 121R |
| Standard BCI Cranking Performance | 550 cca |
| Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum) | 70.0-75.0 psi |
| Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum) | 48.0-54.0 psi |
| Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum) | Pressure must be > 42.0 psi |
| Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum) | 70.0-75.0 psi |
| Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum) | 47.0-53.0 psi |
| Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum) | Pressure must be > 73.0 psi |
| Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum) | Pressure must be > 42.0 psi |
| Minimum Pad Thickness | Disc: 0.079"; Drum: 0.039" in |
| 1 | 22.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°, Step 3: 90° | 22 ft. lbs |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
Owner complaints about the 2021 Kia Forte5 top in one area — the electrical system, 18 of 154 reports (12%), well ahead of the next concern. None of this vehicle's 6 recall campaigns target the electrical system, so those reports read as owner-reported wear-and-tear rather than an acknowledged defect. 7 of the reports describe a crash and 2 a fire — a small share of the total, but worth weighing against the electrical system pattern above. These are tallies of what owners actually reported to the federal government, not an editorial score — and higher-selling models naturally rack up more reports.
All 154 complaints on record, top 8 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 2 of 6 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021 Telluride, K5, and Forte vehicles. The Occupant Classification and Detection System (OCS/ODS) unit may not detect the presence of a child restraint system in the front… Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCS/ODS unit, free of charge. The recall began March 18, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542…
Kia Motor America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021 Sorento and 2021-2022 K5 vehicles equipped with 2.5L turbocharged engines. Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail. Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the fuel pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer…
Showing 5 of 134 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| SC307_OWNR_301 | 2026-06-17 | Electrical System | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN & WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION… |
| SC307_REIMB | 2026-06-17 | Electrical System | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAINGN: REIMBURSEMENT FORM (SC307 Flight#301) - This document is a… |
| CS2312_TSB_R2 | 2026-06-08 | Structure | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER… |
| TSB_ELE422 | 2026-05-27 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATE USING UPDATE.KIA.COM… |
| TSB_ELE417 | 2026-04-14 | Electrical System | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SOFTWARE UPDATE PROCEDURE - This bulletin… |
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.