Recalls, complaints, and safety data from NHTSA
The 2012 Kia Forte has 4 recalls, 285 complaints, and a 4-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.
4
Recalls
285
Complaints
★★★★★
Safety Rating
Data source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) · Last updated April 8, 2026
20V750000
ENGINE
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 Spo...
18V363000
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
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 vehicle...
17V773000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Forte and Forte Koup vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake...
23V652000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Op...
Overall
★★★★★
Front Crash
★★★★★
Side Crash
★★★★★
Rollover
★★★★★
Rating for: 2012 Kia Forte 5 HB FWD
| Date ↓ | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 3, 2026 | ENGINE | While driving, the engine suddenly shut off without warning. The vehicle lost power in traffic, crea... |
| Nov 30, 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | Engine started screeching out of nowhere, sounded like something fell through, there was no warning ... |
| Oct 25, 2025 | ENGINE | Back in July my car started jerking, stalling, and smoking. There was a recall 20v750 open for engin... |
| Oct 21, 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE | The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, th... |
| Oct 10, 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the brake lights failed to illuminate, an... |
| Oct 4, 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS,ENGINE | The contact's cousin owned a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked unattend... |
| Sep 16, 2025 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, th... |
| Sep 2, 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | In forte koups installed with a factory wing allows for water to collect in taillights causeing a no... |
| Jun 9, 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | Kia denied repair and replacement of components damaged by a known safety recall (Hydraulic Electron... |
| Apr 20, 2025 | ENGINE | Called the kia dealer in Springfield Missouri to find out if my engine was under the class action en... |
| Feb 26, 2025 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, sh... |
| Jan 30, 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | My vehicle is affected by NHTSA Recall Number 23V652000, I have taken my vehicle to Jim Ellis Kia of... |
| Jan 27, 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The security system is locked on my Kia forte 2014. This is the second time it's happened. Now can'... |
| Jan 11, 2025 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | the VCM motor has a "coupler" that operates intake manifold runner, this coupler brakes apart , caus... |
| Oct 30, 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | The contact owned a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the seat belt warning light was illumina... |
| Oct 27, 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | UNKNOWN |
| Sep 27, 2024 | SUSPENSION,ENGINE | The contact owned a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving at approximately 15 MPH, as the... |
| Sep 10, 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE | After taking my 2012 Kia Forte EX to the dealership for the fire risk recall (recall number 23V652),... |
| Aug 15, 2024 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that when her spouse started the vehicle, ther... |
| Jun 7, 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V65... |