2012 Kia Forte Koup recalls and problems

The 2012 Kia Forte Koup has 4 safety recalls and 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.

Urgent: recall 23V-652 carries a "park outside" warning. Contact a dealer before driving.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

0 / 0

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2012 Kia Forte Koup vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2012 Kia Forte Koup recalls

Recall 23V-652: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Park outsideReported Sep 25, 2023 · 1,730,192 vehicles affected · Kia America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: 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.

Recall 20V-750: Engine

Reported Dec 2, 2020 · 294,756 vehicles affected · Kia Motors America

Problem: 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.

Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

Fix: 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.

Recall 18V-363: Air Bags

Reported Jun 1, 2018 · 507,587 vehicles affected · Kia Motors America

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 17V-773: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Dec 1, 2017 · 134,366 vehicles affected · Kia Motors America

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

2012 Kia Forte Koup problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Engine	13
Vehicle Speed Control	1
Power Train	1
Air Bags	1
Electrical System	1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 84,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2012 Kia Forte Koup complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Jun 9, 2025

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte Koup. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced, white smoke was coming from under the hood. While the independent mechanic was starting the vehicle, there was smoke coming from the vehicle. The mechanic turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that prior to the smoke on a separate occasion, while the contact's daughter was driving 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine had caused the battery, starter, and knock sensor to fail. The vehicle was…

Engine · at 77,800 miles · reported Mar 18, 2021

The contact owns a 2012 kia forte koup. The contact stated that the check engine warning light would illuminate intermittently for several months. The contact stated that the engine was previously replaced. The vehicle was taken to valley kia of fontana (16272 s. Highland ave, fontana, ca 92336) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed of an engine diagnostic code that was the cause for the failure. The contact stated that the consumption valve was replaced however, the failure recurred with the check engine warning light illuminated, and a knocking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle…

Engine · at 82,000 miles · reported Dec 20, 2018

While driving at 70mph on the highway heard a tapping sound from the engine. Towed to the kia dealership. Mechanic found that the connecting rod bearing failed, ruining the engine (2.4l). Quoted $6,000 for repair. 82,000 miles. All maintenance done on time. Dealer and kia corporate denied any help or that the 2.4l was defective at manufacture.

Engine · at 61,000 miles · reported Oct 15, 2018

I heard a knock coming from the engine and suddenly the car died while driving in the city the check engine light came on and would not start up again but the power was still on for lights, etc. I had to have it towed to the repair shop. I was told the engine is shot. After researching the kia forte I found a lot of reviews complaining of the same thing on the 2012 forte. Now with the recalls for the other kia engines with the same or similar engine types, this make and model needs to be included!!!

Engine · at 114,620 miles · reported Oct 15, 2018

While driving, engine made a sound like a ticking noise then just blew. Oil all over the engine bay and ground. A lot of smoke coming from under the hood. Would not start or do anything. Glad it didn't catch fire with all the oil everywhere. Had to have it towed. Took it to mechanic, come to find out the engine had seized up. This happen while driving on highway. Speed limit 70. It was like the engine went boom. Glad I was in the right lane to be able to get the car over to the side. Lost all power and unable to control car. Mechanic had to order and waiting on used engine coming from…

Other Kia Forte Koup years

2017 2015 2014 201320122011 2010

Compare all Kia Forte Koup years · All Kia models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Kia Forte Koup have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 Kia Forte Koup: 23V-652 (service brakes, hydraulic), 20V-750 (engine), 18V-363 (air bags), 17V-773 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Kia Forte Koup?

Owners report engine problems most often (13 reports), followed by vehicle speed control (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 84,000 miles.

Are Kia recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.