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Model year record

2012 Kia Forte recalls & problems

The 2012 Kia Forte has 4 safety recalls and 292 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine (161 complaints).

Recalls4safety recalls
Complaints292filed by owners
Crashes · fires20 · 23reported in complaints
NHTSA overall4 ★crash-test stars
2012 Kia Forte in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

1 recall for this model year carries an NHTSA park outside advisory. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Safety recalls

Service brakes, hydraulicSep 25, 2023

Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module

Recall 23V6520001,730,192 vehicles

NHTSA advisory: park outside and away from buildings until repaired (fire risk).

Problem
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Risk
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
EngineDec 2, 2020

Engine

Recall 20V750000294,756 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
Risk
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.
Air bagsJun 1, 2018

Air bag/restraint control module

Recall 18V363000507,587 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.
Risk
If the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Fix
Kia will notify owners. For model year 2011 Sedona vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to verify the ACU part number and, if necessary, install an extension wire harness kit between the ACU Connector and the Vehicle Harness Connector. For all other affected vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to install the extension wire harness kit. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.
Service brakes, hydraulicDec 1, 2017

Pedals and linkages

Recall 17V773000134,366 vehicles

Problem
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Forte and Forte Koup vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. This will allow the brake lights to remain illuminated continuously. It can also allow the shift lever to be moved without depressing the brake pedal, or activate the engine management brake pedal override feature.
Risk
If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 30, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC158.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2012 Kia Forte 5 HB FWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk10.3%

2012 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk10.3%
2012 Kia Forte NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2012 Kia Forte NHTSA side pole crash test
NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Forte Eco

30mpg combined
City / highway27 / 35 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,250/year to fuel

Forte

29mpg combined
City / highway25 / 35 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,300/year to fuel

Forte

28mpg combined
City / highway25 / 34 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,400/year to fuel

Forte

26mpg combined
City / highway23 / 31 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,600/year to fuel

Forte

26mpg combined
City / highway22 / 31 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,600/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Engine1613173100,000 mi
Air bags371521274,500 mi
Electrical system3206071,450 mi
Service brakes3030165,000 mi
Exterior lightingBrake lights; Brake lights › Switch2301063,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic21030130,000 mi
Unknown or other2012158,718 mi
Vehicle speed controlAccelerator pedal1430225,000 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift; Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)1100078,500 mi
StructureBody922258,280 mi
Fuel/propulsion system921036,400 mi
SteeringColumn910181,500 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations