2011 KIA FORTE Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2011 Kia Forte. This model year has 160 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2011 Kia Forte Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Airbag Malfunctions
Brake System
Considering a 2011 Kia Forte?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2011 Kia Forte. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 51 | 1 | 6 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 36 | 20 | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 27 | 3 | 2 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 19 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 16 | — | 2 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 16 | 1 | 5 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 13 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 12 | 6 | 1 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 8 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 8 | 3 | 2 | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 6 | 3 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 5 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2011 Kia Forte. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 160 most recent complaints
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the TPMS, red brake light, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was jumping and jerking during acceleration and deceleration. After restarting the …
See attached document for complaint.
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from under the hood, and the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact noticed a burning odor in the interior of the vehicle. The vehicl…
The centered high mounted brake light overheated during normal vehicle operation. The plastic bulb socket and housing melted, causing the bulb to dislodge and fall into the interior of the vehicle. The bulb was extremely hot and burned holes through an interior fabric item that w…
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an unusual ticking sound and smoke coming from under the hood. In addition, the contact stated that several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was dr…
I just bought this car with 79873 miles on it it now has 81853 miles and its making a ticking noise.I been looking over the engine and wondering why my check engine light doesn't come on when I left my gas cap off.I bought this car from a used car dealership..I been doing some re…
WCS Sensor Defect B1322-20 - Airbag Code WCS Communication Error B1324-20 - Airbag Code Door Ajar Lamp Circuit Failure B1323-20 - Airbag Code
Took the car to a mechanic for suspension work. While the Forte was on the lift, it was discovered that the condensation from the air-conditioning unit drops directly on the car's subframe. This is on the right passenger side under the motor which could give way at anytime. The…
While driving on my home the car started accelerating on its own.Good thing I was already close to my house.
The NECU system failed and blew the engine and caused a fire no longer available for inspection. No move running. No warning lamps at all of any sort.
Recalls
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that there was an abnormal burning wiring odor inside the vehi…
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time…
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time …
Engine was replaced 97218 miles - under warranty - now the second engine needs to be replaced with 106607 miles - there is a limited warranty of 20 years /200000 miles - isn't the second engine still under warranty two engines and both have been under 200000 miles isn't the se…
tHEY SAID MY CAR MAY CATCH ON FIRE DUE A FUSE. tHIS HAS BEEN SINCE sEP AND IT IT IS NOW ALMOST mAY. tHIS COULD FIRE UP MY CAR AT ANY TIME AND COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS. aLSO HAVE TO PARK CAR OUTSIDE SO WIND RAIN AND BIRD POOP HAS TAKE A TOLL ON MY CAR. wHAT IS THE BIG PROBLEM W…
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time …
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had e…
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exce…
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2011 Kia Forte.
Recalls for 2011 Kia Forte
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2011 Kia Forte. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2011 Kia Forte — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2011 Kia Forte reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2011 Kia Forte has 160 NHTSA owner complaints, 28 crash-related, and 3 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Engine Problems (51 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Kia Forte?▾
#1: Engine Problems (51 complaints). #2: Airbag Malfunctions (36 complaints). #3: Brake System (27 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2011 Kia Forte?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2011 Kia Forte?▾
The 2011 Kia Forte has 28 crash-related complaints and 11 fire reports out of 160 total NHTSA complaints. 34 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2011 Kia Forte have any recalls?▾
Yes — 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2011 Kia Forte. The largest issue: AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2011 Kia Forte?▾
The 2011 Kia Forte has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Engine Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Kia Forte reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2011 Kia Forte
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.