10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
41,849 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2012 Kia Forte brakes problems

brakes problem

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2012 Kia Forte Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #27

Jun 112023

Forte

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Over the past 4 years I-??ve had ongoing issues with the air in the car where it won-??t blow cold air & my defroster will not work and I-??ve gotten it fixed still the same issue. Along with the break lights after many attempts to replace them they still don-??t come on but sometimes it will. Many problems with the engine I also here ticking noises as well as other sounds but can-??t find the issue as well with the engine rpm going to 2 while I-??m on the breaks or in park

- Lufkin , TX, USA

problem #26

Sep 272023

Forte

  • miles
This is in regards to: Manufacturer Recall Number SC284TD NHTSA Recall Number 23V652 This recall is deemed a serious fire risk to my Kia Forte Koup 2012. There has been no updates on any sign of when the remedy will become available. This is a serious problem for me. I need a remedy part to be supplied and become available so I can fix my car in a timely manner so I can drive my car knowing I will be safe and to those around me.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #25

Aug 152023

Forte

  • miles
In 2003 I purchased a KIA minivan and couldn't promote the company enough. In 2012 I bought a KIA Sportage and Forte. In 2023 KIA issued a recall on all cars having a key start ignition to update them with some software to prevent the cars from being stolen. I called KIA corporate after notification and they sent me a club for my forte as an interim fix until the software could be updated. Later on checking with the dealership I was told not only do they not have the software fix yet that my VIN number was not on the list, KIA corporate did not hesitate to provide me with a club which I use until today because Kia has failed to provide a fix and even if they did my vehicle seems to be exempt even though it is of the model year affected and a key start. KIA RECOMMENDATION WAS TO HAVE OWNERS TO PARK THEIR CAR IN THE GARAGE. On top of that another recall, interim notice. dated November 14th, 2023 warns of potential fire hazard from the Hydraulic electrical control unit (HECU) even while the vehicle is parked. KIA's recommendation is to PARKYOUR CAR OUTDOORS AND AWAY FROM OTHER VEHICLES AND STRUCTURES IN THE MEANTIME. So now you have it, I have a car which can be stolen easily TO BE PARKED IN THE GARAGE which might catch fire so IT IS TO BE PARKED OUTSIDE. Please, broadcast this message to people potentially wanting to purchase a KIA vehicle. How many other KIA owners are in the same boat with me?

- Soddy Daisy, TN, USA

problem #24

Sep 012023

Forte

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

NHTSA safety recall 23V652000 addresses this defect with my vehicle, but the manufacturer has provided no credible or valid solution that positively remedies the vehicle defect. I am horrified of driving my vehicle since reading about the fire hazard that exists. Preliminary findings provided by Kia confirm the HECU/ABS module may leak brake fluid due to a faulty seal. Leaking fluid can come in contact with an adjacent multi-pin electrical connector, igniting the brake fluid and quickly leading to an engine fire. Kia has also stated a permanent solution is not yet available, while only issuing an interim recall. Furthermore, the proposed replacement part, consisting of a fuse, is unavailable for now. I am confused and frustrated with this solution. How will a fuse remedy a leaking brake fluid defect, which is the primary fault? This unacceptable action is a flagrant example of Kia's painfully slow and inadequate response to a serious defect. Drivers of affected vehicles are forced to endure aggravation, exasperation and much anxiety during the long wait for a repair. Already, my vehicle is on a list of models identified by Kia to have been manufactured without immobilizer modules. Kia has done nothing about remedying my immobilizer problem beyond providing a steering wheel locking device, which my auto insurance has deemed as insufficient and subsequently raised my premium. Lastly, my well-maintained vehicle, with only 28,570 miles on the odometer, may also be affected by the familiar Theta engine design manufacturing defect in the crankshaft bearings that fail and indirectly cause a connecting rod to break. The broken connecting rod then smashes through the engine block, hot engine oil spills out and onto the neighboring exhaust manifold. The end result is a raging engine compartment fire. Kia has never contacted me about this defect.

- El Paso, TX, USA

problem #23

Sep 282023

Forte

  • miles
I don't see anywhere else on this site to give feedback on the recalls 23V652000 and 23V651000 issued on 09/25/2023, so I will give it here. Hyundai/Kia's "fix" for this recall isn't a fix at all, but a band-aid meant to save them money, so they don't have to fix the vehicles. A fuse isn't going to stop the o-ring in the HECU from leaking and disabling the HECU (and the ABS) - it's just going to stop the vehicles from burning to the ground. The HECU and the ABS will still be non-functional, decreasing owners' safety, and increasing the likelihood of loss of control of the vehicles and the likelihood of a crash. The HECU (the part alone) can cost $2000, and the owners will be responsible for that repair. Hyundai/Kia should be forced to repair or replace the HECUs in the affected vehicles, instead of implementing a band-aid fix. This just proves that Hyundai/Kia is more interested in saving money than taking care of their customers.

- Wylie, Tx, TX, USA

problem #22

Aug 312022

Forte

  • miles
My car is affected by recall 17V773000, though it is not listed. Dealership refusing to fix.

- Longwood, FL, USA

problem #21

Jul 012021

Forte 4-cyl

  • 116,136 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start up. The contact stated that the ABS, the check engine and traction control warning lights, and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where she was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. Additionally, there was an ABS module electrical short. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 116,136.

- Needville, TX, USA

problem #20

Jul 052021

Forte

  • miles
The break pedal stopper pad deteriorated causing break lights to constantly illuminate.

- Lake Worth, FL, USA

problem #19

Dec 022020

Forte

  • 120,000 miles
The engine light suddenly came on and engine was tapping stalling and I smelled burnt melted plastic smell. The oil light was intermittently coming on and off. The fuel was consumed quickly than normal. I had brakes remaing engaged when foot not pressing pedal and could feel contact to road. Engine has failed car was moving.

- Tampa, FL, USA

problem #18

Feb 232021

Forte

  • miles
Slow to stop when coming off the highway slowing down

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #17

Oct 212020

Forte

  • 100,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I didn't get the recall for the brakes in 2018 radio just went out last year for no reason window on passenger just stopped working

- Gary, IN, USA

problem #16

May 282020

Forte 4-cyl

  • miles
My brake pedal stopper for my brake lights crumbled.

- Fort Hood, TX, USA

problem #15

Feb 142020

Forte

  • 43,400 miles
He contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while parked in the driveway it was discovered that the rear brake light remained illuminate with the ignition in the off position. Additionally, the gear shifter could be shifted without depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer South dade Kia (17120 South dixie hwy, miami) who diagnosed that the brake pedal stopper pad was defective and needed to be replaced. The stopper pad was replaced and the failure was remedied. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA campaign number: 17V773000 (service brakes). The contact indicated that the vehicle experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 43,400.

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #14

May 062017

Forte

  • 70,000 miles
When had my accident in on going traffic my air bags did not deploy, my brakes system went out, also my horn doesn't work, and my cv axle messes up and can't find another cv axle.

- Birmingham, AL, USA

problem #13

Aug 122019

Forte

  • 50,000 miles
My brake lights would not go off last week and I found that the stopper was defective and that the only way to turn them off was by removing the brake switch behind the brake pedal. This item has been recalled (17V773000), but my VIN is not included in the recall. How do I get my VIN included in the recall?

- Tierra Verde, FL, USA

problem #12

Aug 112019

Forte

  • 93,000 miles
Kia, Hyundai theta 2.4 engine failure, under 100K miles. I have a 2012 Kia Forte hatch sx with the 2.4 engine. I purchased it from sunset Kia of auburn valley wa with 66,000 miles not quite 3 years ago. In that time I've put about 30K miles on the car. I've had the oil changed regularly, and it has never been low. Last week, on August 11, 2019, while driving to work the engine seized on the highway. I lost power steering and brake assist. I was able to pull off the road without causing an accident, but only because of the time of day. Had it happened during heavier traffic a significant accident could have occurred. From online research it appears that this is a common problem for this car and others that that use the same theta II engine. This car/engine should be recalled.

- Marysville, WA, USA

problem #11

Jun 262019

Forte

  • 70,000 miles
The brake lights stay on even after the vehicle is shut off. Forte brake pedal stoppers and switches could be faulty. The material for the stopper can fall apart over time and allow the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released.

- Plantation, FL, USA

problem #10

Aug 042018

Forte

  • 36,400 miles
I was making a left turn into a parking spot at a corner store parking lot. As I was turning the accelerater dropped to the floor. I pushed the brake all the way and it still pulled forward. I impacted the front left corner of the store causing damage to the wall of the store. Also damage to the front of the car headlights, fender, tire well lining and more. No warning lights came on or airbags deployed. I just received a letter today in the mail about recall issues. Kia has not warned me of anything and I take my car to the Kia dealership. I was not notified I'm trying get help with this. I'm looking for lawyer now because I just got this information. After owning this car since 2012. I'm working on the claim now so the full report is not done.

- Bryan, TX, USA

problem #9

Apr 142018

Forte

  • 65,000 miles
Break light still on with out press the pedal

- Toa Alta, PR, USA

problem #8

Feb 012018

Forte

  • 90,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. Whether the vehicle was stationary or driving various speeds, the traction control indicator illuminated. In addition, the brake lights did not illuminate when prompted. Furthermore, upon depressing the brake pedal to shift out of the park position, the shift lock release had to be engaged in order to shift out of the park position. A dealer was not made aware of the failures. The manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 90,000.

- Rio Vista, TX, USA

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