Worst 2012 Kia Forte Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Airbags
Electrical Faults
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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 Problems | 159 | 3 | 16 | 99,765 mi | |
| Airbags | 35 | 15 | 2 | 64,546 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 31 | — | 6 | 75,077 mi | |
| Brakes | 29 | 3 | — | 66,467 mi | |
| Hydraulic Brakes | 20 | — | 2 | 112,120 mi | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 18 | — | 1 | 63,889 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 12 | 3 | — | 43,463 mi | |
| Fuel System | 9 | 2 | 1 | 36,729 mi | |
| Body Structure | 9 | 2 | 2 | 143,432 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 8 | — | — | 63,747 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 8 | 1 | — | 83,753 mi | |
| Engine & Cooling | 5 | — | — | 119,144 mi | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | 2 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Switch | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Defects | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Sunroof/Moonroof | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment:Electrical:Infotainment:Video (Touch)Screen/Monitor/Unit | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Bulbs | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Gear Position Indication (Prndl) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Lever And Linkage:Column Shift | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Power Train:Driveline:Chain/Belt | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Service Brakes, Air:Antilock:Abs Warning Light | 1 | — | — | — |
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
4 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~2,666,901 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 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
2012 Kia Forte — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2012 Kia Forte reliable?
What are common problems with the 2012 Kia Forte?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Kia Forte?
How safe is the 2012 Kia Forte?
Does the 2012 Kia Forte have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2012 Kia Forte?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Kia Forte reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2012 Kia Forte
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