Recall 21V260 affects 4,069 2017-2018 Kia Forte vehicles for oil-pump failure and engine-stall risk. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 4,069 2017-2018 Forte vehicles with 2.0L Nu MPI engines because foreign particles can stick inside the oil pump. Oil pump failure can damage the engine and lead to a stall, increasing crash risk, and Kia dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The oil pump in the 2017-2018 Kia Forte with the 2.0L Nu MPI engine circulates engine oil under pressure. It sends oil through internal passages so bearings, camshafts, and other moving parts stay coated while the engine is running. Without steady oil flow, hot metal parts rub against each other and engine damage follows.
On affected Forte vehicles, foreign particles get stuck inside the oil pump variable relief plunger. This plunger helps control oil pressure, so when it sticks, the pump no longer manages pressure the way it was designed to. A stuck plunger causes oil pump failure, and that failure leads to engine damage.
Owners can notice abnormal engine noise, an illuminated Malfunction Indicator Lamp, or an oil pressure warning lamp before the failure is confirmed. The check engine light and oil pressure light are warning signs that the engine lubrication system needs attention.
Who's affected?
Both model years use the same Kia oil pump part, 21350-2E740.
| 2017 Kia Forte | Pump |
|---|---|
| 2018 Kia Forte | Pump |
| Units affected | 4,069 |
Not every 2017-2018 Kia Forte is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
A damaged engine can stall, increasing the risk of a crash. Abnormal engine noise, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp, or the oil pressure warning lamp are warning signs that the engine needs attention now. If any of these appear, pull over safely, shut the engine off, and call a Kia dealer before continuing. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Kia Forte is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free oil-pan replacement that addresses oil-pump contamination and engine-stall risk.
- Bring the recall notice Kia mailed, or reference recall number 21V260 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Pull over safely and contact a Kia dealer if the engine stalls.
- Call Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 with questions and reference Kia recall SC210.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician replaces the oil pan covered by the recall. The replacement parts and labor are free. The repair addresses the oil pan issue tied to foreign particles that can stick inside the oil pump, lead to oil pump failure, and damage the engine. If you already paid for this repair, Kia's general reimbursement plan covers repair expenses already incurred. Bring your receipts or repair paperwork to the service desk and ask how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 13, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 4, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| June 4, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 11, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| August 16, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V260?
Recall 21V260 covers 4,069 2017-2018 Kia Forte vehicles equipped with a 2.0L Nu MPI engine. Foreign particles can stick inside the oil pump, which can cause oil pump failure and engine damage. A damaged engine can stall and raise crash risk. Kia dealers replace the oil pan for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Kia Forte is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Forte is included in recall 21V260. If it is included, call a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the oil pan replacement. Reference recall number 21V260 or Kia recall number SC210 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Kia's remedy says dealers will replace the oil pan free of charge. Any franchised Kia dealer can perform the recall repair, regardless of where you bought the vehicle.
Is it safe to drive my 2017-2018 Kia Forte before the repair?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive order, but the defect is serious. Kia says foreign particles can cause oil pump failure, engine damage, and an engine stall. If your VIN is included, schedule the free oil pan replacement and ask the dealer what to do if the engine stalls or warning lights appear.
When were owners notified about recall 21V260?
Kia mailed owner letters on August 16, 2021. If you bought the Forte used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the recall applies. Check your VIN, then contact a Kia dealer or Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 with recall number 21V260 or SC210.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V260000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V260 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V260000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →