Recalls · problems · safety

2012 Kia Forte: recalls and problems

4 recalls and 306 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine.

4recalls
306complaints
20crashes reported
23fires reported
16injuries reported
1 recall with a “do not drive” or “park outside” warning

Check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA straight away and follow the instructions in the notice.

Recalls

Check recalls for your exact VIN

Most common problems

  • Engine174 · 57%
  • Air Bags33 · 11%
  • Electrical System33 · 11%
  • Service Brakes30 · 10%
  • Exterior Lighting23 · 8%
  • Service Brakes (Hydraulic)20 · 7%
  • Unknown Or Other20 · 7%
  • Vehicle Speed Control15 · 5%
  • Power Train11 · 4%
  • Fuel/Propulsion System9 · 3%

What owners report

Engine Fire

Vehicle & incident details * vehicle: 2012 kia forte hatchback * vin: knafu5a26c5641380 * incident date: august 21, 2026 * relevant recalls: nhtsa campaign 23v652000 (recall sc284) & nhtsa campaign 20v750000 (recall sc200) * kia corporate case number: 26367714 * dealership: allstar kia san bernardino, ca complaint description i am filing a formal safety complaint regarding a severe vehicle fire incident involving

Air Bags

Airbag light came on august 21, 2026. i tried several steps to troubleshoot with no resolution. i took it to the local kia dealership for further inspection. i was terrified to drive the vehicle because of the airbag failure. i explained to the technician that i had read that there was an warranty extension for the exact clock spring failure. i met the qualification (2011-2016 /unlimited mileage) but i was required t

Service Brakes, Hydraulic Fire

The contact owns a 2012 kia forte. the contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed an abnormal sound for approximately five minutes, and the check engine warning light illuminated. the contact then became aware of a fire underneath the vehicle. the contact opened the hood and extinguished the fire using water and dirt. the vehicle was unoccupied. the contact stated that the vehicle had just

Service Brakes

My vehicle is a 2012 kia forte ex. the vehicle experienced a corrosion-related brake line failure that affected braking performance and created a safety concern. the brake pedal became soft/sank, and the vehicle had unsafe braking behavior, requiring repair at a kia dealership. the failed component was a brake line, which is a safety-critical part of the braking system. the repair was completed at customer expense a

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. They are owner reports and have not been verified.

Crash-test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2012 Kia Forte 5 HB FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
2012 Kia Forte 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Source: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP APIs, covering FORTE, FORTE KOUP. Last refreshed 2026-09-29.