2012 Kia Forte
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than 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.
- Complaints
- 291
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 4
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2012
Opened by NHTSA
55% of complaints
Complaints per year
2012: 291 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 221 |
| 2011 | 153 |
| 2012 | 291 |
| 2013 | 195 |
| 2014 | 443 |
| 2015 | 260 |
| 2016 | 136 |
| 2017 | 305 |
| 2018 | 135 |
| 2019 | 147 |
| 2020 | 77 |
| 2021 | 69 |
| 2022 | 27 |
| 2023 | 63 |
| 2024 | 25 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
55% · 161 reportsShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE & INCIDENT DETAILS * Vehicle: 2012 Kia Forte Hatchback * VIN: KNAFU5A26C5641380 * Incident Date: August 21, 2026 * Relevant Recalls: NHTSA Campaign 23V652000 (Recall SC284) & NHTSA Campaign 20V750000 (Recall SC200) * Kia Corporate Case...
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-18
The contact owned a 2012 KIA Forte.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-24
We were driving our 2012 Kia Forte ex (Sedan) which we had purchased brand new in December 2011 to the store to get bread and were on our way home (Only about 2 minutes into the drive) when we saw smoke coming from the front of the car.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-10-17
Also filed under Air bags and structure
Service brakes
18% · 51 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and air.
Air bags
13% · 37 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Fatal mva involving front-end collision. Air bag failed to deploy. Seat belt failed to restrain driver.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-05-31
Also filed under Seat belts
Tl* the contact owned a 2012 Kia Forte. While driving 60 MPH, the contact was involved in a crash. None of the air bags deployed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a tow yard.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-20
Airbag light came on August 21, 2026. I tried several steps to troubleshoot with no resolution. I took it to the local Kia dealership for further inspection. I was terrified to drive the vehicle because of the airbag failure.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-28
Electrical system
11% · 32 reportsExterior lighting
8% · 23 reportsMost commonly citing switch and brake lights.
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2012Complaint volume 291 complaints filed for this model year.
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2018-01-30Service brakes, hydraulic17V773000 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.
Remedy: 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.
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2018-03-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 2019-08-30 Air bags may be disabled during crash
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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.
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2021-01-25Engine20V750000 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.
Remedy: 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.
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2021-12-22Engineering analysisClosed 2024-02-05 Engine Fires
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2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
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2023-11-17Audit queryOpen Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
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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.
Buy-smart checklist
2012 Kia Forte — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 161 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 51 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 37 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 17V773000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 18V363000 · Air bags
- Recall 20V750000 · Engine
- Recall 23V652000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2012 Kia Forte reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Kia Forte is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Kia Forte?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 55% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2012 Kia Forte have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.