2012 Kia Forte
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 292 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 16 Forte model years with reports.
Of the 2012 reports, 20 involved a crash and 23 involved a fire. 16 people were injured and 3 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideSep 25, 2023
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
Campaign 23V652000 on NHTSA.gov
EngineDec 2, 2020
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.
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
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. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.
Campaign 20V750000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, air bag/restraint control moduleJun 1, 2018
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. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.
If the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
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. For all other affected vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to install the extension wire harness kit. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.
Campaign 18V363000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, pedals and linkagesDec 1, 2017
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. This will allow the brake lights to remain illuminated continuously. It can also allow the shift lever to be moved without depressing the brake pedal, or activate the engine management brake pedal override feature.
If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
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 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
292 reports, newest first.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Dec 10, 2023
NHTSA safety recall 23V652000 addresses this defect with my vehicle, but the manufacturer has provided no credible or valid solution that positively remedies the vehicle defect. I am horrified of driving my vehicle since reading about the fire hazard that exists. Preliminary findings provided by Kia confirm the HECU/ABS module may leak brake fluid due to a faulty seal. Leaking fluid can come in contact with an adjacent multi-pin electrical connector, igniting the brake fluid and quickly leading to an engine fire. Kia has also stated a permanent solution is not yet available, while only issuing an interim recall. Furthermore, the proposed replacement part, consisting of a fuse, is unavailable for now. I am confused and frustrated with this solution. How will a fuse remedy a leaking brake fluid defect, which is the primary fault? This unacceptable action is a flagrant example of Kia's painfully slow and inadequate response to a serious defect. Drivers of affected vehicles are forced to endure aggravation, exasperation and much anxiety during the long wait for a repair. Already, my vehicle is on a list of models identified by Kia to have been manufactured without immobilizer modules. Kia has done nothing about remedying my immobilizer problem beyond providing a steering wheel locking device, which my auto insurance has deemed as insufficient and subsequently raised my premium. Lastly, my well-maintained vehicle, with only 28,570 miles on the odometer, may also be affected by the familiar Theta engine design manufacturing defect in the crankshaft bearings that fail and indirectly cause a connecting rod to break. The broken connecting rod then smashes through the engine block, hot engine oil spills out and onto the neighboring exhaust manifold. The end result is a raging engine compartment fire. Kia has never contacted me about this defect.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 4, 2023
I have had this car for only a couple of months and all of a sudden every time I excelerate my car wont move and it will either jerk or wont go unless you take your foot off the gas then redo it. Then we find out there was a recall now I am scared to drive my car at all. My car has the tire pressure light flashing, the abs light, the brake light, and traction control light on.
Engine, Nov 24, 2023, fire
The contact owned a 2012 KIA Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while her grandson was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed. The contact's grandson stopped the vehicle and noticed a glow coming from under the front hood. The contact's grandson and his brother exited the vehicle. The vehicle burst into flames. The contacts grandsons flagged down a nearby driver and asked them to call the fire department. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. A fire report was filed. The were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.
Engine, Nov 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle briefly jerked before returning to normal functionality. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the camshaft. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 139,000.
Engine, Nov 11, 2023
I own a 2012 Kia Forte . My engine started knocking, ticking sound. A mechanic used a mechanics stethoscope and the cylinder is collapsed, bad lifter. I always keep the oil changed regularly since the day I purchased. This is the same problem reported by thousands of Kia owners. I expect Kia to cover a new engine as I know a lawsuit was filed for the same year and model that I have and they covered the replacement of engines.
Engine, Oct 28, 2023
So my check engine light kept coming on and my car has trouble starting. Light is now on all the time.The code says it's a intake manifold runner control. I called kia they said the part is obsolete because my car is 11 years old. It makes my engine knock and shake and kia here in parma has been no help. They originally said part was around $79 kia motors was able to find 1 but now dealer telling. Me it's $400 can't get check engine light off or my engine to stop shaking without the part but not when the price is tripled. It's been in kias shop for a recall and they didn't know what to do about the part or the knocking .
Engine, Oct 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after each failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 109,705.
Air bags, Oct 2, 2023
Air bag light is on and dealership can't find cause. There is obvious reason for this and the kia dealership is at a loss. They've Replace coil/spring and acm it didn't fix it. Now they think it's a possible wire issue. Im the original owner and My car is a 2012 with about 75000 miles on it. I understand that older cars have issues but I still don't feel like there's enough "wear" for all this "tear"
Steering, Sep 30, 2023
The steering wheel makes a clunking sound and can be felt when turning the wheel. There appears to be a recall/extended warranty for this part for other years of this car but not sure why mine was not included.
Air bags, Sep 29, 2023
The air bag light came on. I brought it to the dealer and was told it was the clock spring. I was charged over $700.00 for this repair. It appears that other years of the same make and model had problems with the clock spring as well and received an extended warranty. I want to know since my car had the same issue why my car 's clock spring is not covered in this class action suit for the extended warranty.. Thank you for any assistance . I contacted Kia USA and they would not refund the cost.
Service brakes, Sep 28, 2023
I don't see anywhere else on this site to give feedback on the recalls 23V652000 and 23V651000 issued on 09/25/2023, so I will give it here. Hyundai/Kia's "fix" for this recall isn't a fix at all, but a band-aid meant to save them money, so they don't have to fix the vehicles. A fuse isn't going to stop the o-ring in the HECU from leaking and disabling the HECU (and the ABS) - it's just going to stop the vehicles from burning to the ground. The HECU and the ABS will still be non-functional, decreasing owners' safety, and increasing the likelihood of loss of control of the vehicles and the likelihood of a crash. The HECU (the part alone) can cost $2000, and the owners will be responsible for that repair. Hyundai/Kia should be forced to repair or replace the HECUs in the affected vehicles, instead of implementing a band-aid fix. This just proves that Hyundai/Kia is more interested in saving money than taking care of their customers.
Engine, Sep 13, 2023
I was driving and out of nowhere my engine stalled on me, and now when I drive it it engine fails on the road without warning
Air bags, Jul 26, 2023
Recall #SC165,for the airbag frontal deploy module failure was fixed but now the same problem along with the airbag malfunction indicator light is illuminating on my dash. Kia won't call me back or email me back when I asked them if this is something they will fix again since the first fix failed for this same issue? And randomly while driving I smell a electrical burn smell but no smoke? When I was leaving for work that morning and I stared my car the indicator light came on and never has gone off since that day?
Engine, Jul 12, 2023
While driving on the highway I had the Check Engine light come on. After approximately 5 minutes, while accelerating, all the system lights flashed, and then turned off. The engine stalled and the vehicle was coasting. I pulled the vehicle to the side of the road, and though the vehicle had power, the engine would not start. I towed the vehicle to a mechanic who told me the engine could not be salvaged or repaired. As a replacement engine would cost as much as the vehicle is worth, I am now seeking to sell the car to a junkyard or other interested party. I believe this vehicle's Theta II engine's design is what led to its failure. However, Kia's SC200 recall campaign only covers 2012 Kia Forte's with a 2.4-liter MPI engine, and my vehicle has a 2.0-liter MPI engine. After spending 2 hours with Kia on the phone, they told me I had no recourse with them.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 6, 2023, fire
Is the car still available: UNKNOWN. The Police report saids the Engine caught fire, it was while parked and was not driven since around 7pm that night, it was inspected by Geico insurance company and by the Police Dutchess County Sheriff's Office, Case Number: 2020-00014944 Reporting Officer: 151 - Sheppard. The vehicle would have put me and my girlfriend in danger if we drove again or further that night or had it been parked in a garage. The vehicle was parked in front of my apartment and was fully engulfed in flames, my girlfriend heard an explosion and saw the car in flames on our surveillance camera. The time of total loss was around 2am that night. The Fire department extinguished the vehicle and said it was a Total loss. It was 20ft from my apartment. Other residents live and park their vehicles near mine. Other residents moved their vehicles before police arrived. The problem wasn't confirmed with Kia Motors nor the Kia Dealership: Dutchess Kia in Poughkeepsie, NY. My VIN number and car model doesn't qualify for the current engine HECU recall, Other models have been recalled except the 2012 Kia Forte EX Automatic. There were no warning lights, no signs, no messages, no other symptoms of a problem prior. Also, no phone call, voicemail, no letters, no emails was sent to me regarding this issue nor about other related models with the HECU engine or similar. Some websites say the 2012 Kia Forte EX has the HECU Engine but I'm unsure. I initially thought this was a problem with just my car but the manufacturer has since made many faulty vehicles under other models and possibly even the same model as mine that have gone unreported. I was made aware of this by videos of current and prior Kia owners, the news and car related websites. I paid off my car in Full with no compensation for the faulty engine or total loss of my vehicle. These are the videos and pictures, I can't upload them because it reaches Max file size: https://photos.app.goo.gl/cT3XrBS3R1WNYuqg9
Engine, Jun 19, 2023
I saw that 2012-2015 kia fortes had a recall for engines but mine was not a part of it. My car had a ticking/knocking sound and I took it to the mechanic and he said that I needed a new engine, he said the knocking could have started because of low oil which is impossible because I have kept up on my oil changes. So now I don’t have a car, it’s almost $5000 to fix my engine. I would like kia to fix my car
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while the daughter was driving at various speeds a knocking noise was present coming from the engine compartment and the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Recall Campaign number: 20V750000(Engine). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was The failure mileage was 104,000. The contact has made several attempts to contact KIA America customer Service in regards to faulty engine failures with no response beyond we have received your email.
Engine, Jun 3, 2023
I have owned my 2012 Kia Forte EX since 2013 when I purchased used from a car dealership (not a kia dealer). I have kept all oil changes, filters up to date since purchase, plus in Pennsylvania we have annual car inspections, which my car has always passed. In early Jan 2023, I noticed a 'ticking sound' and was not related to low oil, leak, etc. The sound became increasingly loud and took to my mechanic. After he took off the engine cover and was able to put a camera down into the motor, the cylinders are bad. So, here I am with a 2012 Kia, mileage 83,836 and the motor is shot! I want Kia to replace my motor at no cost as I have read that Kia has agreed that all Kia's produced between 2011 through 2015 have engine failure. How do I have my engine replaced by Kia? I currently am without transportation,
Engine, May 29, 2023
UNKNOWN: 04/11/23 I purchased (as second owner) a 2012 Kia Forte (less than 2 months ago) only had 107,799 miles. Purchased as a Senior Citizen for doctor appointmenta & food shopping....after a short while I noticed a tap/knock from the engine that has gotten louder with every ride....Took the vehicle to Dealer Matt Blatt Kia in Egg Harbor Township for diagnostics. Couldn't believe I was charged $190.82 to receive a paper telling me it has a "knock" which I knew & took it there for & that it NEEDS A NEW ENGINE! The car fax a Kia lady printed out for me, shows vehicle was maintained wonderfully....from the info I've located those engines are bad so the KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK that's grown louder would be engine replaced? Can you assist me I purchased a vehicle that now can BLOW UP! Thank You for your time.
Engine, Apr 28, 2023
Engine described as making a knocking sound and having total engine failure. The car is not covered under the current 2020 Kia engine recall as it is a 2.0 litre engine. It has been inspected by Kia and an independent auto shop. It was not eligible to receive the software upgrade which would register the knock engine failure. No warning signs appeared beforehand besides a knocking sound which started a week or so before I took it in. This engine could have failed while I was driving and caused an accident. This is a common problem across Kia’s that Kia knows about and this should have been covered by them since they manufactured a faulty engine.
Engine, Apr 18, 2023
This past winter (December 2022 ish), my car started ticking whenever I turned it on and the ticking never went away as the car warmed up. I took the vehicle to my mechanic who told me it was piston slap and that the issue was caused by a manufacturing defect in the piston and engine block sizing. I confirmed the issue myself with a borescope camera in April, and anyone who is able can view the damage as well. Since the issue is damaging a vital part of the engine, any time the car is driven puts all individuals in the car at risk. It has been confirmed by an independent mechanic, but has not been inspected by anyone outside of myself. The closest warning light I had came up over 2 years ago, but no warning lights or other symptoms appeared before the sound was audible around December 2022.
Engine, Apr 15, 2023
2012 kia forte Long story short I was sitting at a red light foot on brake once light turned green went to accelerate car did not move at all I was stuck holding up traffic turned the car off turned it on still nothing after some time i was able to crank the car and go 2nd time same issue but I took a brief stop engine shook car shut down as if i turned it off without it being in park I had to put the car in park cut it off and crank back up I also recently had an issue when fueling once Ive fueled the car Does not respond when trying to crank it will turn over engine shake power back off like it would as mentioned while at stops it just stops responding cuts off , AND wont move ENGINE PROBLEMS ARE KIA BIGGEST ISSUE BUT THEY FAIL TO RECALL
Tires, Mar 21, 2023
We are having to replace tires every two years and we don’t put a lot of mileage on car maybe 10000 a year this car does something to tire and no one can explain it I have aligned my vehicle do rotate them and still it’s like they eat any type of tire