2011 Kia Forte recalls and problems
The 2011 Kia Forte has 3 safety recalls and 154 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2011 Kia Forte vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2011 Kia Forte recalls
Recall 23V-652: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
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 18V-363: Air Bags
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 16V-070: Power Train
Problem: 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.
Risk: If enough transmission fluid leaks out, the transmission may not function properly and the vehicle may stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission cooler hose, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC129.
2011 Kia Forte problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 45 | |
| Air Bags | 35 | |
| Power Train | 18 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 18 | |
| Electrical System | 16 | |
| Unknown or Other | 13 | |
| Service Brakes | 11 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 10 | |
| Structure | 8 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 8 | |
| Seat Belts | 6 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 5 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 7
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
- Structure › Body › Trunk Lid — 1
- Air Bags › Frontal — 1
- Equipment › Other › Labels — 1
- Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System — 1
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Radiator Assembly — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 77,706 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 2011 Kia Forte complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Kia Forte years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2011 Kia Forte have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2011 Kia Forte: 23V-652 (service brakes, hydraulic), 18V-363 (air bags), 16V-070 (power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2011 Kia Forte?
Owners report engine problems most often (45 reports), followed by air bags (35). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 77,706 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.