2012 Kia Forte recalls and problems
The 2012 Kia Forte has 4 safety recalls and 293 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2012 Kia Forte vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2012 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 20V-750: Engine
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
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
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 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 161 | |
| Air Bags | 37 | |
| Electrical System | 32 | |
| Service Brakes | 30 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 23 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 21 | |
| Unknown or Other | 20 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 14 | |
| Power Train | 11 | |
| Structure | 9 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 9 | |
| Steering | 9 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 9
- Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 2
- Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights — 2
- Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch — 2
- Visibility › Windshield — 1
- Wheels › Rim — 1
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Column Shift — 1
- Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 81,600 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 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 2012 Kia Forte have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 Kia Forte: 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?
Owners report engine problems most often (161 reports), followed by air bags (37). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 81,600 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.