Is the 2011 Kia Forte Koup reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Kia Forte Koup?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2011 Kia Forte Koup have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

2011 Kia Forte Koup

○ Not enough data

2011 Kia Forte Koup
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:57:52.085Z

Only 8 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 8 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 8
Recalls: 2
Investigations: 3
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

2011: 8 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2010	11
2011	8
2012	14
2013	16
2014	1
2015	0
2016	2
2017	0

Known problem areas

Only 8 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Engine

3 of 8 total reports mention: engine.

Show complaint excerpts

Upon entering a highway, a knock occurred and as RPM dropped the knocking subsided. Next day and check engine light turned on and while while in motion on a city street, vehicle stalled and RPM drop to zero.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-09-05

I took the car in to have a coolant line recall installed. The service manager and later a mechanic remarked that the engine had a serious "Knock" And both mentioned that the engine either needed to be rebuilt or replaced. It only has 81K miles.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-04-13

Vehicle speed control

2 of 8 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.

Show complaint excerpts

When I'm driving my car it jerks feels like it's going to turn off and the engine light come on. 2011 Kia Forte Koup.. Updated 04/13/17

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-04-11

Power train

1 of 8 total reports mentions: power train.

Show complaint excerpts

My car broke down in December 2015, when I took it to the Kia service department and they fix it. I paid over 1000 usd. 2 months later there was a safety recall for the same reason my car broke down couple monts before that recall.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-14

Fuel/propulsion system

1 of 8 total reports mentions: fuel/propulsion system.

Electronic stability control (esc)

1 of 8 total reports mentions: electronic stability control (esc).

Show complaint excerpts

One morning I started the car and the "Check engine" Light came on. The car also made a knocking/ticking sound that was not usual and the engine had an abnormal sound to it when stationed and in motion.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-03-01

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

I
2018-03-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 2019-08-30 Air bags may be disabled during crash
R

2018-09-28Air bags18V363000 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.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
I
2023-11-17Audit queryOpen Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
R

2024-03-29Service brakes, hydraulic23V652000 Kia America, Inc.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2011 Kia Forte Koup — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 3 reports on file for this year.
Vehicle speed control: 2 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 18V363000 · Air bags
Recall 23V652000 · Service brakes, hydraulic

FAQ

Is the 2011 Kia Forte Koup reliable?: There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Kia Forte Koup?: The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 Kia Forte Koup have?: 2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.