Is the 2011 Kia Forte reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Kia Forte is rated "typical".

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

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2011 Kia Forte have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2011 Kia Forte

● Typical for this model

2011 Kia Forte
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:39:50.318Z

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: 154
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 3
Top problem: Engine

Complaints per year

2011: 154 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2009	1
2010	221
2011	154
2012	291
2013	195
2014	443
2015	262
2016	136
2017	305
2018	135
2019	150
2020	78
2021	69
2022	27
2023	65
2024	25

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

29% · 45 reports

CRASHFIRE

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, 2023-11-22

Air bags

23% · 35 reports

Most commonly citing frontal.

CRASHFIREINJURYDEATH

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, 2018-03-17

Also filed under Structure

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, 2012-11-28

Tl* tl* the contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, she veered into the opposite lane and crashed into another vehicle. The impact was to the driver's side of both vehicles. The air bags did not deploy.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-06-19

Service brakes

19% · 29 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Power train

12% · 18 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission.

CRASH

Electrical system

10% · 16 reports

CRASHFIRE

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

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

R

2016-03-30Power train16V070000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
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 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 45 reports on file for this year.
Air bags: 35 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 29 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 16V070000 · Power train
Recall 18V363000 · Air bags
Recall 23V652000 · Service brakes, hydraulic

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2011 Kia Forte reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Kia Forte is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Kia Forte?: The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 Kia Forte have?: 3 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.