MYRModel Year Report

2012 Kia Forte

◆ Worse than typical
2012 Kia Forte
BUILT 2026-08-02

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Kia Forte Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2012 highlighted. 2009: 1 complaints 2009 2010: 221 complaints 2011: 152 complaints 2011 2012: 289 complaints 2012 2013: 195 complaints 2013 2014: 437 complaints 2015: 257 complaints 2015 2016: 130 complaints 2017: 300 complaints 2017 2018: 134 complaints 2019: 145 complaints 2019 2020: 71 complaints 2021: 67 complaints 2021 2022: 25 complaints 2023: 56 complaints 2023 2024: 22 complaints 2024
2012: 289 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
20091
2010221
2011152
2012289
2013195
2014437
2015257
2016130
2017300
2018134
2019145
202071
202167
202225
202356
202422

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE 55%

55% of complaints: engine — 160 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The contact owned a 2012 KIA Forte.

NHTSA ODI report, 20231124

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, 20121017

AIR BAGS 12%

12% of complaints: air bags — 36 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

FATAL MVA INVOLVING FRONT-END COLLISION. AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. SEAT BELT FAILED TO RESTRAIN DRIVER.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180531

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, 20180320

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, 20121017

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 11%

11% of complaints: electrical system — 32 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
SERVICE BRAKES 10%

10% of complaints: service brakes — 30 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 7%

7% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 20 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

The contact owned a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the seat belt warning light was illuminated.

NHTSA ODI report, 20241031

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2012 — complaint volume: 289
R 20180130 — service brakes, hydraulic

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.

Campaign 17V773000 — 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

R 20210125 — engine

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.

Campaign 20V750000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20211222 — EA (closed 20240205)

Engine Fires

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

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2012 Kia Forte — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine issues (160 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (36 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (32 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 17V773000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 18V363000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 20V750000 (engine) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 23V652000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2023 ▲ 2021 ▲ 2020

WORST YEARS

■ 2014 ■ 2017 ◆ 2015

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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.