2012 KIA FORTE Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2012 Kia Forte. This model year has 286 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 2012 Kia Forte Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Brake System
Airbag Malfunctions
Considering a 2012 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 2012 Kia Forte. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 164 | 3 | 16 | — | |
| Brake System | 50 | 3 | 2 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 35 | 15 | 2 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 31 | — | 6 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 23 | — | 1 | — | |
| Hydraulic | 20 | — | 2 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 20 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 13 | 3 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 9 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 9 | 2 | 2 | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 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 2012 Kia Forte. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 286 most recent complaints
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormal knocking sound, and there was a burning oil odor coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Ca…
While driving, the engine suddenly shut off without warning. The vehicle lost power in traffic, creating a safety risk. There were no warning signs before the failure. The oil level was properly maintained and oil changes were performed regularly. The dealership diagnosed the veh…
Engine started screeching out of nowhere, sounded like something fell through, there was no warning of any kind, car was running seemingly fine prior to this, car was jolting and not going anymore and something also sounded as if it had popped, it started knocking and caught fire…
Back in July my car started jerking, stalling, and smoking. There was a recall 20v750 open for engine fires. The dealership check it out and said everything looked good. They installed a knock sensor related to the problem. Last week my car did it again leaving me stalled on the …
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, followed by a loss of motive power. The malfunction indicator light and ABS warning light were illuminated. The contact was able…
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 vehicle, the contact became aware that the socket where the brake light bulb was located was melting from the light overheating. Th…
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 days for pry the melted material out. Also smells like something is going to catch fire with this. This started over a year ago …
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 by her nephew and observed that the vehicle was on fire. The front windshield had shattered, and smoke was visible inside the cabin…
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine suddenly seized, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not able to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with eng…
In forte koups installed with a factory wing allows for water to collect in taillights causeing a no start issue for my vehicle
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 not work. It should be recalled for this matter. Defective airbag or sender.
Kia denied repair and replacement of components damaged by a known safety recall (Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit) on my 2012 Kia Forte Coupe, VIN# [XXX] . There was also a recall on the “Knock Sensor”, but I was unaware of the recall and paid for the repair out of pocket. Spec…
the VCM motor has a "coupler" that operates intake manifold runner, this coupler brakes apart , causing vehicle to loose engine power, engine light comes on, code P200. kia dealer recommends to replace the intake manifold that comes with new VCM motor, if you replace it you're se…
My vehicle is affected by NHTSA Recall Number 23V652000, I have taken my vehicle to Jim Ellis Kia of Kennesaw on several occasions, I believe 3 separate occasions to try and get this recall resolved. Each time I am told that the fix, a replacement fuse, is not being accepted by m…
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 department the lady said someone would text me they ignored all my texts about seeing if my engine was under kia class action lawsuit…
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she observed smoke emanating from the engine compartment, after which the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle w…
The security system is locked on my Kia forte 2014. This is the second time it's happened. Now can't get it to unlock the system.
The contact owned a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving at approximately 15 MPH, as the contact was turning to the left and ascending a slight grade in the road the vehicle's rear end was swaying to the left and the right. The contact stated she was not able to regai…
The contact owned a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the seat belt warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated while he was occupying the parked vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and the contact noticed fire coming from underneath the hood. Th…
UNKNOWN
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2012 Kia Forte.
Recalls for 2012 Kia Forte
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2012 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.
2012 Kia Forte — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2012 Kia Forte reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2012 Kia Forte has 286 NHTSA owner complaints, 20 crash-related, and 4 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Engine Problems (164 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Kia Forte?▾
#1: Engine Problems (164 complaints). #2: Brake System (50 complaints). #3: Airbag Malfunctions (35 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Kia Forte?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2012 Kia Forte?▾
The 2012 Kia Forte has 20 crash-related complaints and 21 fire reports out of 286 total NHTSA complaints. 16 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2012 Kia Forte have any recalls?▾
Yes — 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2012 Kia Forte. The largest issue: ENGINE. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2012 Kia Forte?▾
The 2012 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 2012 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.