2011 Kia Forte

● Typical for this model

2011 Kia Forte
RENDERED 2026-08-02T11:34:52.410Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2011: 152 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2009	1
2010	221
2011	152
2012	289
2013	195
2014	437
2015	257
2016	130
2017	300
2018	134
2019	145
2020	71
2021	67
2022	25
2023	56
2024	22

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE 30%

30% of complaints: engine — 45 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

On 8/28/2022 my 2011 Kia Forte's engine caught on fire and it caused damage to my entire garage along with my personal belongings.

NHTSA ODI report, 20231122

AIR BAGS 22%

22% of complaints: air bags — 34 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATH

Show complaint excerpts

TRAVELING 45 TO 55 MPH RAN INTO FOUR LARGE DEERS AND RAN OFF ROAD. DAMAGE FRONT OF CAR. AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON BUT DID NOT FLATE. I SUBSTAIN SEVERE SHOULDER INJURY.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180317

I WAS STOPPED ON THE FREEWAY AND REAR ENDED THEN PUSHED INTO A PKUP IN FRONT OF ME AND MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. MY VEHICLE ENDED UP BEING TOTALED OUT DUE TO THE EXTENSIVE REAR AND FRONT END DAMAGE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20121128

I WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION IN WHICH I WAS ONLY TRAVELING 20 MPH. BOTH THE FRONT DRIVER AIRBAG AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG BOTH DEPLOYED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20111110

POWER TRAIN 11%

11% of complaints: power train — 17 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 11%

11% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 16 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owned a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact stated that he had parked the vehicle and upon walking towards the vehicle, he noticed that the front end of the vehicle had caught on fire. The origin of the fire was unknown.

NHTSA ODI report, 20231127

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 11%

11% of complaints: electrical system — 16 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20160330 — power train

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2011 Forte vehicles manufactured August 27, 2010, to November 11, 2010.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission cooler hose, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC129.

Campaign 16V070000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20180316 — PE (closed 20190830)

Air bags may be disabled during crash

R 20180928 — air bags

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.

Campaign 18V363000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20220912 — DP (closed 20231212)

Loss of Motive Power

I 20231117 — AQ (open)

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

R 20240329 — service brakes, hydraulic

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.

Campaign 23V652000 — check if this car was fixed