Worst 2011 Kia Forte Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
ENGINE
AIR BAGS
POWER TRAIN
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2011 Kia Forte.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 45 | 1 | 6 | 108,477 mi | |
| AIR BAGS | 34 | 19 | 1 | 65,922 mi | |
| POWER TRAIN | 17 | 1 | — | 72,008 mi | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 16 | 1 | 5 | 104,076 mi | |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 16 | — | 2 | 143,360 mi | |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 13 | 1 | 1 | 83,860 mi | |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 11 | 3 | — | 83,422 mi | |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 10 | 6 | 1 | 41,420 mi | |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 8 | 1 | 1 | 68,250 mi | |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 7 | 3 | 2 | 63,667 mi | |
| SEAT BELTS | 6 | 3 | — | 41,254 mi | |
| ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | 5 | — | — | 67,080 mi | |
| STEERING | 5 | — | — | 80,250 mi | |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 4 | 2 | 1 | 66,667 mi | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 2 | — | — | 600 mi | |
| SEATS | 2 | 2 | — | 22,500 mi | |
| TIRES | 2 | — | — | 30,950 mi | |
| AIR BAGS:FRONTAL | 1 | 1 | — | 12,000 mi | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY | 1 | — | — | 80,600 mi | |
| EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS | 1 | — | — | 90,000 mi | |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 1 | — | — | 16,532 mi | |
| STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID | 1 | — | — | — | |
| SUSPENSION | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM | 1 | — | — | 96,000 mi | |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 1 | — | 1 | 68,000 mi | |
| VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM | 1 | — | — | 20,000 mi | |
| WHEELS | 1 | — | — | 90,000 mi |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2011 Kia Forte. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2011 Kia Forte
4 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~3,978,211 vehicles.
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.
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.
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.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2011 Forte vehicles manufactured August 27, 2010, to November 11, 2010. The affected vehicles have a transmission fluid cooler hose that may have been improperly manufactured, resulting in a transmission fluid leak.
Other Kia Forte Years
Wider context: See the full Kia Forte reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2011 Kia Forte
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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