Worst 2012 Kia Forte Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
ENGINE
AIR BAGS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2012 Kia Forte.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 159 | 3 | 16 | 99,765 mi | |
| AIR BAGS | 35 | 15 | 2 | 64,546 mi | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 31 | — | 6 | 75,077 mi | |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 29 | 3 | — | 66,467 mi | |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 20 | — | 2 | 112,120 mi | |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 20 | 1 | 2 | 64,785 mi | |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 18 | — | 1 | 63,889 mi | |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 12 | 3 | — | 43,463 mi | |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 9 | 2 | 1 | 36,729 mi | |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 9 | 2 | 2 | 143,432 mi | |
| POWER TRAIN | 8 | — | — | 63,747 mi | |
| STEERING | 8 | 1 | — | 83,753 mi | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 4 | — | — | 111,526 mi | |
| ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | 3 | — | — | 55,000 mi | |
| SEAT BELTS | 3 | 2 | — | 116,000 mi | |
| SUSPENSION | 3 | 1 | — | 100,729 mi | |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS | 2 | — | — | 53,300 mi | |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH | 2 | — | — | 60,000 mi | |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 2 | 1 | — | 1,000 mi | |
| TIRES | 2 | — | — | 21,000 mi | |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 2 | — | — | 30,000 mi | |
| VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY | 2 | — | — | 32,900 mi | |
| EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY | 1 | — | — | 62,000 mi | |
| EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:VIDEO (TOUCH)SCREEN/MONITOR/UNIT | 1 | — | — | 119,000 mi | |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:BULBS | 1 | — | — | 119,000 mi | |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL | 1 | — | — | — | |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL) | 1 | — | — | 119,000 mi | |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT | 1 | — | — | 90,000 mi | |
| POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:CHAIN/BELT | 1 | — | — | 130,000 mi | |
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT | 1 | — | — | 119,000 mi |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Kia Forte. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2012 Kia Forte
5 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~4,397,093 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 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.
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 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.
Other Kia Forte Years
Wider context: See the full Kia Forte reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2012 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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