2012 Model Year

Kia Forte

NHTSA Complaints & Reliability Data

Compare
Complaints
284
Recalls
0
Crashes
20
Severe
60

Recent Complaints

Latest owner reports

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE Fire
Dec 2025

Engine started screeching out of nowhere, sounded like something fell through, there was no warning of any kind, car was running seemingly fine prior...

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE
Oct 2025

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle...

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Oct 2025

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the brake lights failed to illuminate, and while inspecting the lights in the rear of the v...

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
Oct 2025

Every two months I have to change the bulb for the break lights. It burns out fast. Not only is it burning out fast but its melting and takes several...

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS,ENGINE Fire
Oct 2025

The contact's cousin owned a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked unattended by the privacy fence. The contact was alerted b...

Engine
Sep 2025

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine suddenly seized, with several unknown war...

Air Bags Crash
Jul 2025

My wife got an accident in June 2022 but air bag did not work so I contacted Kia 6/22/2022 sent proof photo but just no good excuse why air bag did n...

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Jul 2025

Kia denied repair and replacement of components damaged by a known safety recall (Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit) on my 2012 Kia Forte Coupe, VIN#...

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Apr 2025

the VCM motor has a "coupler" that operates intake manifold runner, this coupler brakes apart , causing vehicle to loose engine power, engine light co...

Engine
Apr 2025

Called the kia dealer in Springfield Missouri to find out if my engine was under the class action engine lawsuit and was redirected to the service dep...

VS

Vehicle Safety Research Team

Automotive Data Analysts

Independent researchers analyzing NHTSA data to help consumers make informed vehicle decisions.

Data updated: March 4, 2026

Summary

The 2012 Kia Forte has 284 complaints and 0 recalls on record. The most commonly reported issue is Engine. 20 crash-related incidents have been reported.

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