# Kia Forte power steering warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 9 - **Most complaints:** 2017 (4) - **Related recalls:** 2 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 9 owner complaints about the power steering warning light on the Kia Forte (2015-2026 models), most for the **2017** model year (4). There are **2 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: If steering still feels normal, you can drive carefully to a shop. ## Kia Forte power steering warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the power steering light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2016 | 2 | 138 | 1% | | 2017 | 4 | 305 | 1% | | 2021 | 1 | 69 | 1% | | 2022 | 1 | 28 | 4% | | 2023 | 1 | 66 | 2% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Kia Forte recalls related to the power steering warning light **[22V906000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V906000)** (2023 models, reported 2022-12-08): A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** 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. **[22V304000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V304000)** (2021-2022 models, reported 2022-05-05): 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. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Kia Forte owners report - "...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..." -- owner of a 2022 Kia Forte, complaint filed 2025 - "Component/System Involved: Electric Power Steering (EPS) - specifically, a potential malfunction with the assist motor response timing. Description of Incident: While driving, primarily on the highway, I have experienced a recurring issue with the power steering system. The steering assist appears to delay..." -- owner of a 2021 Kia Forte, complaint filed 2025 - "When my engine shut off the I had three check lights come on eps, oil, and battery. There was no warning prior to the engine shutting off." -- owner of a 2017 Kia Forte, complaint filed 2023 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the power steering warning light means The power steering light means the car has detected a fault in the steering assist system, and steering may feel much heavier, especially at low speed and when parking. On most newer cars with electric power steering, a low battery or charging voltage is a common cause. On older cars with hydraulic steering, low fluid or a slipping belt is more likely. You can still steer without assist, but it takes much more effort. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Low battery or charging voltage** (common) 2. **Electric power steering motor or module fault** (common) 3. **Low power steering fluid (hydraulic systems)** (common) 4. **Steering torque or angle sensor fault** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Power steering warning light](/warning-lights/power-steering). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Kia Forte power steering light? Yes. NHTSA lists 2 related recalls (22V906000, 22V304000) covering 2021-2023 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Kia Forte years have the most power steering light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2016, 2017 and 2021 Forte model years have the most complaints mentioning the power steering warning light, with 4 for 2017. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Kia Forte with the power steering light on? Drive to a shop this week. If steering still feels normal, you can drive carefully to a shop. If steering becomes heavy, jerky or locks up, or the light is red, pull over and stop driving; have the car towed, because sudden loss of assist at speed or in a tight turn can cause a crash. ### How do I check if my Kia Forte has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Kia dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Kia Forte warning lights - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/kia-forte): 19 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/kia-forte): 10 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/kia-forte): 13 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-forte): 184 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/kia-forte): 19 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/kia-forte): 54 complaints ## Power steering warning light on other models - [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ram-1500): 1061 complaints - [Chevrolet Colorado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-colorado): 810 complaints - [Ford Explorer](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ford-explorer): 498 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-silverado): 389 complaints - [Honda Civic](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-civic): 387 complaints - [Honda CR-V](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-cr-v): 362 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chrysler-pacifica): 252 complaints - [Jeep Wrangler](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-wrangler): 248 complaints - [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-grand-cherokee): 231 complaints - [Honda Accord](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-accord): 220 complaints ## Kia Forte - [Kia Forte specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/kia-forte) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/kia-forte Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.