2.6

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
55,779 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 drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2012 Kia Forte Owner Comments

problem #8

May 272021

Forte

  • miles

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

This complaint it about Kia Motors. My motor sent a rod through the block due to a recall. However, i called a week before because of rod knock that started on 05/22/21(blew 05/27/21), i was told parts were ordered. A week after i was told that the engine blew. I towed it to a dealership (05/28/21) Its been an additonal 2 and a half weeks with no update as to when itll be repaired, no loaner offered. Ive already lost one job because of Kia's lack of quality control. This engine failure is common and i believe common enough to not have to wait this long for work to be done.

- Port Charlotte, FL, USA

problem #7

Dec 082020

Forte

  • 75,000 miles
I have had an engine knock for about a year and a half now and have seen all the recalls for same engines in other vehicles. My car engine has not been recalled as of yet it appears. We have the same theta 2 engines that have already been recalled.

- Corinth, NY, USA

problem #6

Sep 012018

Forte

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the engine was emitting a sound like that of a diesel engine. The contact stated that the engine was revving at high speeds. The contact stated that there was a loud clunking sound while starting the vehicle. Several unknown dealers were contacted were contacted and the contact was informed that the issue was common with similar vehicles. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not subjected to a recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that there was a known issue with the crank bearing however, there was no recall on the vehicle. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

- Cleveland, OH, USA

problem #5

Nov 192019

Forte 4-cyl

  • 80,000 miles

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

March of 2020 we bagan noticing a knocking noise coming from the motor upon cold starts which increases as the idle speed increases. Also makes the same knocking noise while engine is at running temperature. Upon further investigation it has been determined to be a connector rod or connector rod bearing issue. This is a known defect of the theta II motor. Also around the same time the vehicle had the same problem as recall SC158 brake pedal stopper pad. We were informed that it was not a safety issue and had to pay out of pocket for the repair expense. The vehicle came out of park with engine off and keys not in ignition, almost causing collision when car rolled into street. Again, Kia stated that was not a safety issue.

- Albuquerque, NM, USA

problem #4

Aug 202019

Forte

  • 69,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the rear brake lights remained illuminated at all times without the key in the ignition switch. In addition, while the vehicle was parked in the driveway and the contact was testing the transmission shifter, it was noticed that the gear shifter easily shifted out of park without the brake pedal being depressed. The contact called crown Kia St petersburg (5500 34th St N, St petersburg, fl 33714, (844) 921-3247) and scheduled an appointment. The vehicle was later taken to the dealer where it was determined that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 17V773000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The approximate failure mileage was 69,000.

- St Petersburg, FL, USA

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problem #3

Apr 032019

Forte

  • 77,000 miles
Car having knocking, pinging noise under the hood when you turn the key and start the car. Now, if you keep on driving, the engine will stall and there is a risk of an accident. Soon will lock. My car started with a knocking sound in engine. Then light came up and the car started losing speed in middle of high way. The Forte has the same issue than those subject of a recall. Three strangers brought the noise to me in three different occasions: 2 people sat work and one while parked at the street before I experienced that issue. I went online and many have the same issue. My car dealer told me that the only way it can be fixed was to buy a new engine. The mileage on it is just 77,000.

- Florence, KY, USA

problem #2

Oct 152016

Forte

  • 67 miles
When driving on freeway at flow of traffic motor shuts down at high speed and on the highways.

- Riverside, CA, USA

problem #1

Feb 152017

Forte

  • 45,162 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. After reversing the vehicle, the vehicle and the gear shifter became stuck. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission cable slipped off and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 45,162.

- Maple Shade, NJ, USA

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