2011 Kia Forte

● Typical for this model

2011 Kia Forte
RENDERED 2026-09-16T16:52:23.530Z

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: 153 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2009	1
2010	221
2011	153
2012	290
2013	195
2014	440
2015	259
2016	135
2017	301
2018	135
2019	147
2020	75
2021	67
2022	26
2023	61
2024	24

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

ENGINE 29%

29% 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 23%

23% of complaints: air bags — 35 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.

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

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, 20121128

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, 20120619

SERVICE BRAKES 18%

18% of complaints: service brakes — 28 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

POWER TRAIN 12%

12% of complaints: power train — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission.

CRASH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 10%

10% 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