Recall 23V649 covers 3,866 2023 Kia Forte vehicles for a lower-control-arm weld defect. Do not drive. Free repair at any franchised Kia dealer.
Front lower control arm failure can cause a sudden loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before failure. Do not drive the vehicle, even for short trips. If it must move, ask the dealer about towing. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 3,866 2023 Forte vehicles because the right front lower control arm was improperly welded and can fail. Front lower control arm failure can cause a sudden loss of steering control and increase crash risk. Do not drive an included Forte until a Kia dealer completes the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The right front lower control arm on the 2023 Kia Forte is part of the front suspension. It connects the right front wheel area to the vehicle structure and helps keep the tire positioned while the suspension moves over bumps, turns, and braking forces.
On affected Forte vehicles, the lower control arm assembly has an improperly welded joint from the supplier. That weld is supposed to hold the arm together under normal suspension loads. If the joint fails, the arm no longer supports the right front suspension the way it was designed to, and the wheel position changes instead of staying controlled.
There is no warning sign before failure. Owners should not count on a noise, warning light, or change in steering feel before the control arm fails.
Who's affected?
| 2023 Kia Forte | lower control arm |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 3,866 |
Not every 2023 Kia Forte sedan is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
Front lower control arm failure can cause a sudden loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before failure. Do not drive the vehicle, even for short trips. If it must move, ask the dealer about towing. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2023 Kia Forte is included in this recall.
- Do not drive the vehicle until the right front lower control arm replacement is complete.
- Arrange a tow if the vehicle has to be moved to the dealer; do not drive it there yourself.
- Contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free right front lower control arm replacement that fixes the improperly welded arm.
- Bring the recall notice if Kia mailed one. If not, reference recall number 23V649 and Kia recall SC283 when you call.
What happens at the repair
Do not drive the Forte until this repair is complete. At the dealer, a Kia technician replaces the right front lower control arm, the suspension part that was improperly welded and can fail. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. If you already paid for this related repair before the recall notice, Kia's standard reimbursement plan covers eligible repair expenses. Bring your repair paperwork and payment documentation to the service desk, or contact Kia customer service and ask how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 22, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 22, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| September 22, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 27, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
| September 27, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V649?
Recall 23V649 covers 3,866 2023 Kia Forte vehicles with a right front lower control arm that was improperly welded and can fail. Failure can cause a sudden loss of steering control, increasing crash risk. Kia dealers will replace the right front lower control arm for free.
What should I do if my 2023 Kia Forte is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Forte is included in recall 23V649. If it is, Do not drive the vehicle until a Kia dealer replaces the right front lower control arm. Reference recall SC283 or 23V649 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the defect repair at no cost, and Kia's remedy says dealers will replace the right front lower control arm free of charge. Use a franchised Kia dealer and reference recall SC283 or 23V649 when scheduling.
What does do not drive mean for this Kia Forte recall?
Do not drive the vehicle until the dealer completes the repair. The recalled lower control arm can fail and cause a sudden loss of steering control. If the car has to move, call a Kia dealer and ask about towing before driving it.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V649000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V649 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V649000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →