2012 KIA FORTE

4 recalls, 404 complaints - 108 TSBs - 4/5 safety rating

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Defect Description

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... Read more

Consequence

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

Remedy

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, 2... Read more

1,730,192 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.

ENGINE

Defect Description

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.

Consequence

An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

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, ... Read more

294,756 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Kia Motors America

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

Defect Description

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 deploy... Read more

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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 in... Read more

507,587 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Kia Motors America

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

Defect Description

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 c... Read more

Consequence

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... Read more

Remedy

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.

134,366 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Kia Motors America

Complaint Statistics

404 total complaints 40 crashes 22 fires 34 injuries 4 deaths

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
ENGINE	140
AIR BAGS	37
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	31
SERVICE BRAKES	29
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	23
POWER TRAIN	19
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	18
STEERING	13
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	12
STRUCTURE:BODY	12

Incident date: Jun 9, 2026

My vehicle is a 2012 Kia Forte EX. The vehicle experienced a corrosion-related brake line failure that affected braking performance and created a safety concern. The brake pedal became soft/sank, and the vehicle had unsafe braking behavior, requiring repair at a Kia dealership. The failed component... Read more

Incident date: Jan 17, 2026

Vehicle: 2012 Kia Forte Recall: NHTSA 23V-652 (Kia SC284) – HECU/ABS fuse recall My vehicle underwent this safety recall in 2025. The dealership replaced the HECU fuse. Immediately upon leaving the dealership after the recall repair, the same warning lights returned. I contacted the dealership... Read more

Incident date: Jan 17, 2026

Incident date: Jun 4, 2026

Honda has made it extremely easy for thieves to steal the front radar sensor on all 2024 CR-V models. Mine was recently stolen, and there is currently no approved protection or deterrent offered by Honda to prevent this. Even after replacing it, the risk of it being stolen again remains very high. A... Read more

Incident date: Oct 16, 2025

The rear subframe wiring harness on my Tesla contains a significant design flaw that creates an unreasonable safety risk. The factory-installed corrugated protective tubing (wire loom) terminates prematurely, leaving approximately 1 inch of critical wiring completely exposed at the connector. This s... Read more

Incident date: Mar 3, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 428I. The contact stated that while driving approximately 29 MPH, the vehicle started to overheat and experienced reduced power, and there was smoke coming from under the hood. The contact stated that there were unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to ... Read more

Incident date: Nov 30, 2025

Vehicle: 2018 Tesla Model X Recall Reference: Tesla eMMC Recall – NHTSA Campaign Number 21V-035 (Recall 21V035000) Defect Description: In March 2021, Tesla notified me by email of a recall involving failure of the eMMC memory chip in the Media Control Unit (MCU). This defect is known to cause loss... Read more

Incident date: Nov 30, 2025

Incident date: Oct 25, 2025

Around ~2017, power steering failed while driving and a safety recall was performed on the torque sensor cover. Later, the whole rack and pinion module was replaced. In ~2025, power steering failed again, and again the whole rack and pinion is getting replaced. Both times the failure occurred on a w... Read more

Incident date: Oct 21, 2025

While driving up hill in low gear, the vehicle suddenly will jerk, a service light will come on, and a powertrain warning will occur. When this happens, it warns that the pre-collision assist is unavailable, as well as the exhaust mode selection. Once this occurs, the vehicle becomes much more d... Read more

Incident date: Oct 21, 2025

Incident date: Oct 10, 2025

BMW USA has stopped providing warranty and service manuals, probably to save on costs. Instead, BMW requires a user to log into its website to find these documents. However, despite the 2026 model year BMW X3 being offered in the market since September 2025, the website does not offer these importan... Read more

Incident date: Jan 5, 2024

The car installed an upgrade over the air, in the background, and while driving it shut down. It flashes the screens and shut down while in drive on a busy road. Steering wheel locked and had to turn on and off aeveral times just to move slowly to the side away from oncoming vehicles. After lookin... Read more

Incident date: Jan 5, 2024

Engine malfunction putting my safety at risk. This is a known issue under Hyundai’s active campaign, and the issue was verified by the manufacturer. A PA was required and Hyundai is refusing to repair vehicle due to service records prior to my ownership not being available. This issue was identifi... Read more

Incident date: Oct 4, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the vehicle was retrieved from a dealer after a recall regarding the air bags; however, while driving approximately 25 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle lunged forward. The contact stated that the Stability Contr... Read more

Incident date: Oct 4, 2025

The contact owned a 2026 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal to attempt to stop at a stop sign, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The contact mentioned that when attempting to make a left turn, the steering wheel seized and became difficult to maneuver, a... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Sep 16, 2025

Passenger side front seat. When occupied, airbag sensor located inside the seat is malfunctioning. My husbands safety is at risk when he's in the car. He tries moving the seat up, back, etc. Sometimes works and the airbag sensor works. We are fearing that if there were any accident or need, that his... Read more

Incident date: Sep 2, 2025

My car was part of the piston ring recall. It burns over half a quart of oil per 1,000 miles. When I took the car in for the recall inspection, it was deemed that it needed a new engine. They then called me and told me that they “revised” the test, and it no longer would be getting a new engine.... Read more

Incident date: Jun 13, 2022

Engine burns oil about every 200, need to top off oil. Dealership and Hyundai corporate office will not take responsibility.

Incident date: Jun 9, 2025

Truck went into limp mode wile driving on highway had to have trailer towed 980 miles egr cooler rubbing on wire harness on firewall staffing wires ro short out fuel injection this is a manufacturer defect.why would egr cooler and electrical wire harness be placed so close is a big safety and fire h... Read more

Incident date: Jun 9, 2025

Incident date: Jan 11, 2025

I have had to replace the vapor canister on 2 dodge chargers I have owned seems to be a common issue. Check engine light came on both instances one causing issues with inspection the other with emissions test and I had to replace the vapor canister on both in order to fix my issues delayed the proce... Read more

Incident date: Jan 30, 2025

I setup my camper and turn the hot water heater on using the propane setting. I left the camper and came back and could smell something hot/burning inside the camper. I looked at the rubber propane line connected to the hot water heater was on fire. I opened the cover to the hot water heater and ... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Jan 30, 2025

• The airbag system failed to deploy during a collision that resulted in the total loss of the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle was operating with a 17” spare tire (undersized compared to the standard 20” wheels), which may have contributed to the accident. The vehicle has been totaled and i... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Apr 20, 2025

Knock sensor code P1326 has set my car into limp mode twice from getting wet after a car wash once and the other driving on a rainy day. Both times the dealership has replaced the knock sensor. The car suddenly loosing power on the highway going 65pmh and stock at only able 2k rpm is not safe. It's ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 26, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 428I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, smoke was coming from under... Read more

Incident date: Jan 27, 2025

My Jeep Cherokee has lost power twice. Once while idling at a red light and once while going 70 MPH on the Interstate. The gas pedal went to the floor without resistance and would not give any fuel to the engine. The lights were still on so I didn't lose power completely, but the engine was not r... Read more

Incident date: Sep 27, 2024

Leak in roof rail seam causes interior water leak and fried liftgate opener. Known issue manufacturer is not willing to address. Recent class action: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident date: Sep 27, 2024

Incident date: Oct 30, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the ABS and engine warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the failure was not related to the repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydrau... Read more

Incident date: Oct 27, 2024

The engine went on fire and smoke’s up. I had to remove the battery and get out of the car before it burn. Luckily I am okay but the engine seized

Fire

Incident date: Aug 15, 2024

I read that there is a recall on 2021/2022 Fords with Eco Boost but not the 2020. I have had my vehicle into the dealership multiple times due to misfires and loss of all power which has almost caused multiple accidents on the interstate. I accelerate to get into the left lane and lose all power and... Read more

Incident date: Aug 1, 2017

This Vehicle was bought back in Jun of this year. Since purchasing the vehicle with only 49,933 miles this Sentra has broken down 4 times, been in the shop for 1Month 2weeks consecutively. The first incident was 4.5 hrs after purchase. The Passenger side Tide Rod snapped in half on the highway causi... Read more

Incident date: Aug 1, 2017

The side mirrors, which are power adjusted, either will not properly adjust to the same setting when they first fold out when you start the car, or they will start moving when you start driving. This happens nearly every time the car is started. I have talked to fellow Ford F-150 owners who have the... Read more

Incident date: Sep 10, 2024

Brake noise from rear whenever backing out. After several visits to Space Coast Honda was assured it is nothing. Because it is getting worse and braking involved, I am concerned. This began with purchase of vehicle and continues today. Wrote letter to American Honda Motor Co ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 10, 2024

Steering sticks at any speed. Feels like the steering wheel gets stuck. When I put pressure to move the wheel I often put too much pressure causing me to turn the wheel too far.

Incident date: Sep 10, 2024

Just pulled out of the garage, put it into drive, and some red words were displayed for about 5 to 15 seconds stating something to the effect that “your steering is inoperative, take to dealer or something like that,

Incident date: Jun 11, 2023

Brand new car bought in Nov 2023. On February 12, 2024, this Recall Campaign No. 24V-104: Integrated Brake (IB) Module came out - albeit with no remedy. It is now Jun 22nd - 4 months later - and there is still no remedy. I am adversely affected in the following ways: - I have been unable to driv... Read more

Incident date: Jun 11, 2023

In or around October I reported my Seatbelt tensioner/retractor explosive device deployed almost causing me to have an accident. After really complaining to Ford, they finally fixed it. Now my warning light came on pertaining to my passenger side tensioner. I also received the notice, and went to m... Read more

Incident date: Jun 11, 2023

Incident date: Jan 1, 2024

The contact owned a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 50-60 MPH, the vehicle experienced excessive steering efforts, which required keeping both hands on the steering wheel to prevent the vehicle from drifting out of the lane. The contact stated that the failure recurred while drivin... Read more

Incident date: Jun 7, 2024

This is an updated report with additional detail. Sorry for any confusion this may have caused. * Baggage door routinely open while travelling. A number of items may have been sucked out of the RV while moving down the road. We try to be hypervigilant and pull over as soon as we notice the door flap... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2022

The engine cooling failed inside the block on cylinder #2. The cooling system is not operable and resulted in blue smoke under acceleration. The car is no longer under warranty and only has 65K miles on it and is otherwise in good working order. I am told the whole engine needs to be replaced.

Incident date: Mar 29, 2024

The contact owns a contact owns a 2023 Ford Bronco equipped with Continental Tires, Tire Line: ProContact, Tire Size: 225/65/R17, DOT Number: IP50GBV3K. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, the contact heard a loud booming sound. The contact stated that after stopping and insp... Read more

Incident date: Dec 7, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz E550. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH and depressing the vehicle brake pedal, the vehicle failed to immediately stop. During the failure, the "Forward Collision Avoidance" feature had malfunctioned. The contact stated that the failure had o... Read more

Incident date: Nov 14, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was not functioning as intended. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle stalled. In addition, the check engine warning light was illuminate... Read more

Incident date: Feb 8, 2024

I was driving my normal route utilizing the autosteer functionality of the Tesla that I purchased and it suddenly jerked and crashed into a parked vehicle, which resulted in a total loss of my vehicle by the insurance company. Thank god nobody was injured during the accident but it was scary, danger... Read more

Crash

Showing 50 of 404 complaints.

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2012 KIA FORTE

2012 Kia Forte 5 HB FWD

Category	Rating
Overall Rating	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash, Passenger	3 / 5 ★★★☆☆
Side Crash	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Side Crash, Driver	3 / 5 ★★★☆☆
Side Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Rollover Risk	10.3%

Safety Technology

Feature	Status
Electronic Stability Control	Standard
Forward Collision Warning	No
Lane Departure Warning	No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Ratings are based on crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

EPA Fuel Economy, 2012 KIA FORTE

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	25.0	35.0	29.0	Regular	$2,150
2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	25.0	34.0	28.0	Regular	$2,200
2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	23.0	31.0	26.0	Regular	$2,400
2.4L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	22.0	31.0	26.0	Regular	$2,400

CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Midsize Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2012 KIA FORTE

108 manufacturer communications from 61 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
010000 STEERING	16
350000 EQUIPMENT	12
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	12
100000 POWER TRAIN	8
161100 STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS	6
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	6
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY	6
060000 ENGINE (PWS)	5

010000 STEERING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2311) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indic

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

160000 STRUCTURE

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia now has an additional vehicle modification available for installation to help deter or thwart attempted thefts. This modification

160000 STRUCTURE

010000 STEERING

012200 STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE

160000 STRUCTURE

115000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM

160100 STRUCTURE:CRITICAL FASTENERS

010000 STEERING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2311) - This bulletin provides information to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022M

012200 STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE

160000 STRUCTURE

115000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM

160100 STRUCTURE:CRITICAL FASTENERS

350000 EQUIPMENT

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER RE-NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner re-notification advising that Kia is now making steering wheel lock devices available directly to certain Kia vehicle owners. These devices can help deter a

353100 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES

010000 STEERING

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is now making steering wheel lock devices available directly to certain Kia vehicle owners. These devices can help deter a theft

350000 EQUIPMENT

100000 POWER TRAIN

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmis

010000 STEERING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI2002Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This b

160000 STRUCTURE

010000 STEERING

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

010000 STEERING

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

034510 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

PITSTOP - BRAKE CALIPER LEAK INSPECTION - This PITSTOP provides information related to a brake caliper fluid/oil substance found on some Kia vehicles, due to possible excess assembly oil applied during assembly.

350000 EQUIPMENT

100000 POWER TRAIN

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: - TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requ

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HALOGEN HEAD LAMP LOW BEAM BULB CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information regarding the procedure to repair the bulb connector on some 2010MY~ vehicles listed on the table below, which may exhibi

010000 STEERING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor D

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

010000 STEERING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TSB084_R3: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of t

010000 STEERING

TSB: MDPS FLEXIBLE COUPLING REPLACEMENT - This bulletin is issued to provide information about the replacement of the flexible coupling in the MDPS motor of some vehicles which might experience a ??A?A?knock??A?A? noise originating from the

016000 STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

350000 EQUIPMENT

PITSTOP: CYLINDER HEAD STEEL BALL INSPECTION AND INSTALLATION - This Pitstop provides information regarding the inspection and installation of the steel sealing ball on: * 3.3L & 3.8L Lambda engines for 2007-2008MY Sorento (BL), * 2.0L Nu e

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.

106200 POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

TSB - DRIVESHAFT SERVICEABILITY - This bulletin has been revised most recently to include additional information. This bulletin provides information regarding axle shaft serviceability for Kia vehicles equipped with a six-speed automatic tr

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

TSB - IDENTIFYING HEAD UNIT SOFTWARE VERSION FOR DIRECT EXCHANGE - This bulletin provides the procedure on how to identify and record the head unit software level on various head unit platforms and generations.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

PITSTOP: TPMS SENSOR POSITION - When diagnosing TPMS-related DTCs, make sure you are investigating the correct sensor. The TPMS positioning from the manufacturer may be different from the positioning shown on a KDS.

130000 VISIBILITY

TSB: DEFOGGING LOGIC ? NORMAL OPERATION, DISABLING, AND ENABLING - Starting with 2010MY, all Kia vehicles, except Rio (JB), incorporate a defogging logic to prevent the interior windows from becoming excessively fogged. Depending on the spe

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

161100 STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

TSB: SC141 - SERVICE CAMPAIGN - APPLICATION OF ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL - To improve customer satisfaction, Kia is launching this service campaign to apply additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody components of certain

354000 EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL

TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some example

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

063100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL

PITSTOP: MANUAL EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS TEST FOR HARD TO FIND/SMALL LEAKS - If the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is illuminated with DTC(s) P0442, P0455, P0456, or P0457 (Evaporative Emissions System-Leak detected) and the evaporative (EVA

161100 STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER LETTER - Advises Owners of certain 2011-2013 MY Forte and Forte Koup vehicles currently registered in the states where heavy amounts of road salt are used of a service campaign to add additional anti-corrosion materi

161100 STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO: SC141 - SERVICE CAMPAIGN - Attention: All Kia Dealer Principals - Kia Motors America, Inc. will be conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign, as a preventative measure, to apply additional anti-corrosion material to the

161100 STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

SERVICE MANAGER MEMO: SC141 - SERVICE CAMPAIGN - Attention: All Kia Service Managers - Kia Motors America, Inc. will be conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign, as a preventative measure, to apply additional anti-corrosion material to the u

161100 STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN SC141 ? UNDERBODY ? ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION TREATMENT

170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with sta

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TSB: INHIBITOR SWITCH DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION - This bulletin gives information regarding the steps to take regarding the diagnosis of the Inhibitor Switch.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

TSB: INHIBITOR SWITCH DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION - This bulletin gives information regarding the steps to take regarding the diagnosis of the Inhibitor Switch.

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

PITSTOP: HVAC RECEIVER/DRYER - DESICCANT REPLACEMENT - IN THE EVENT OF A HVAC SYSTEM CONCERN IN WHICH METAL PARTICLES OR SHARDS HAVE CONTAMINATED THE SYSTEM, THE DESICCANT OR THE ENTIRE A/C RECEIVER/DRYER ASSEMBLY MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED. T

010000 STEERING

TSB REV1: MDPS FLEXIBLE COUPLING REPLACEMENT - THIS BULLETIN IS ISSUED TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FLEXIBLE COUPLING IN THE MDPS MOTOR OF SOME VEHICLES WHICH MIGHT EXPERIENCE A ?KNOCK? NOISE ORIGINATING FROM THE MDPS

010000 STEERING

TSB: MDPS FLEXIBLE COUPLING REPLACEMENT - THIS BULLETIN IS ISSUED TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FLEXIBLE COUPLING IN THE MDPS MOTOR OF SOME VEHICLES WHICH MIGHT EXPERIENCE A ?KNOCK? NOISE ORIGINATING FROM THE MDPS, WHE

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their head units th

350000 EQUIPMENT

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TSB: KDS - AUDIO UPDATE MODULE (AUM) - THE GDS AUDIO UPDATE MODULE (AUM) WAS INTRODUCED IN FOURTH QUARTER OF 2013. THIS SPECIAL SERVICE TOOL (SST) WAS DEVELOPED TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF UPDATING 2010MY, AND LATER, KIA

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TSB: IDENTIFYING HEAD UNIT SOFTWARE VERSION FOR DIRECT EXCHANGE - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES THE PROCEDURE ON HOW TO IDENTIFY AND RECORD THE HEAD UNIT SOFTWARE LEVEL ON VARIOUS HEAD UNIT PLATFORMS AND GENERATIONS. THIS PROCEDURE WILL NOW BE REQ

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

TSB: IDENTIFYING HEAD UNIT SOFTWARE VERSION FOR DIRECT EXCHANGE - Identifying Head Unit Software Version For Direct Exchange (ELE091) (Rev 1) - This bulletin provides the procedure on how to identify and record the head unit software level

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

100000 POWER TRAIN

TSB: 6-SPD. A/T ADAPTIVE VALUE RESET /RELEARN - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES THE PROCEDURES NECESSARY TO RESET AND RELEARN THE ADAPTIVE VALUES AFTER TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT OR REPROGRAMMING/REPLACEMENT OF THE PCM/TCM. AFTER THE ADAPTIVE VALUES A

100000 POWER TRAIN

TSB: 6 SPD A/T SOLENOID REPLACEMENT ? MULTIPLE DTCS - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE REPLACEMENT OF VARIOUS SHIFT SOLENOIDS ON 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES WITH DTCS P0741, P0743, P0748, P0753, P0758, P0763, P0768, P0773

103100 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

100000 POWER TRAIN

180000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

PITSTOP: SMART PEDAL FEATURE - THE ?SMART PEDAL? IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (EMS) FUNCTIONALITY WHICH MONITORS AND PREVENTS THE SIMULTANEOUS ACTIVATION OF ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDALS. WHEN ENGAGED, THE FEATURE REDU

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

PITSTOP: BLUETOOTH? ISSUES AFTER IPHONE? IOS 8 SOFTWARE UPDATE - THIS ARTICLE PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATED TO POSSIBLE BLUETOOTH CONCERNS WHEN USING AN IPHONE? WITH IOS 8.X (IOS 8, 8.0.1, 8.0.2, 8.1, 8.1.2, 8.1.3, ETC.) WHILE PAIRED TO A HE

350000 EQUIPMENT

010000 STEERING

TSB: MDPS FLEXIBLE COUPLING REPLACEMENT - Rev 2 - This bulletin provides information related to the replacement of the flexible coupling in the MDPS motor of some of vehicles, which may experience a ?clicking? noise emanating from the MDPS

010000 STEERING

TSB: MDPS FLEXIBLE COUPLING REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information related to the replacement of the flexible coupling in the MDPS motor of some of vehicles, which may experience a ?clicking? noise emanating from the MDPS when tur

350000 EQUIPMENT

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

010000 STEERING

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

TSB: 6 SPD A/T SOLENOID REPLACEMENT ? DTC P0741 - This bulletin provides information relating to the replacement of the Damper Clutch (D/C) Solenoid on 6-speed automatic transaxles with DTC P0741 (active or history), instead of replacing th

100000 POWER TRAIN

TSB: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE CORRECT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUIDS THAT ARE REQUIRED FOR EACH KIA MODEL. REFER TO THE SHOP MANUAL ON KGIS FOR THE SPECIFIC KIA MODEL

140000 AIR BAGS

PITSTOP: ACU VARIANT CODING AFTER PARTS SUPERSESSION - KMA HAS RECEIVED REPORTS OF SOME 2011~13MY OPTIMA AND 2010~13MY FORTE VEHICLES NOT ACCEPTING THE VARIANT CODE LISTED ON KGIS, FOLLOWING REPLACEMENT OF THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE. IN SOM

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

350000 EQUIPMENT

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

100000 POWER TRAIN

TSB: 6-SPEED A/T TRANSMISSION ADAPTIVE VALUES RESET/RELEARN - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES THE PROCEDURES NECESSARY TO RESET AND RELEARN THE ADAPTIVE VALUES AFTER TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT OR REPROGRAMMING/REPLACEMENT OF THE ECM/PCM.

350000 EQUIPMENT

TSB: WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP INLET FILTER REPLACEMENT - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO POSSIBLE FOREIGN DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ON THE WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP INLET FILTER. OVER TIME, SOME KIA VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A LIMITED APPLI

130000 VISIBILITY/WIPER (PWS)

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

PITSTOP: THERMOSTAT RE-INSTALLATION PROCEDURE - REPEAT REPAIR (DTC P0128) - WHEN DIAGNOSING A FORTE RETURNING WITH A REPEAT DTC P0128 AFTER REPLACEMENT OF THE THERMOSTAT, REMOVE THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING TO VERIFY IF THE THERMOSTAT WAS INSTAL

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

350000 EQUIPMENT

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

Showing 100 of 108 bulletins.

KIA FORTE - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the KIA FORTE across all model years (2010, 2023).

34 Total Recalls

3,569 Total Complaints

0 Investigations

362 Reported Crashes

166 Reported Fires

21 Reported Deaths

KIA FORTE - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2024	0	40	View
2023	3	94	View
2022	1	41	View
2021	2	95	View
2020	0	97	View
2019	2	213	View
2018	3	188	View
2017	3	431	View
2016	1	198	View
2015	1	325	View
2014	3	640	View
2013	5	272	View
2012 (current)	4	404
2011	3	213	View
2010	3	317	View
2009	0	1	View

Other KIA Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
SORENTO	188	13,593	View
SPORTAGE	165	6,601	View
SEDONA	118	3,350	View
OPTIMA	100	10,128	View
TELLURIDE	70	2,186	View
SOUL	66	7,233	View
SORENTO HYBRID	62	159	View
SOUL EV	62	50	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2012 KIA FORTE

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2012 KIA FORTE

Safety Technology

EPA Fuel Economy, 2012 KIA FORTE

Technical Service Bulletins, 2012 KIA FORTE

Most Affected Components

KIA FORTE - All Years Overview

KIA FORTE - Year by Year

Other KIA Models