This page covers 4 recalls, 152 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 Kia Forte.
26–29 mpg combined
8.1–9 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Engine complaints dominate the 2011 Kia Forte's complaint profile, with owners frequently reporting ticking noises, smoke from under the hood, burning smells, and illuminated warning lights during normal driving. Several describe the engine stalling or struggling under acceleration, sometimes accompanied by jerking or hesitation that persists even after restarting. Airbag-related complaints make up the second-largest group, with owners reporting warning light activations and fault codes tied to the airbag system and passenger seat sensor communication errors. Powertrain complaints follow, largely echoing the acceleration hesitation and drivetrain shudder themes seen in the engine reports. A smaller but notable cluster describes the center high-mount brake light overheating, with the plastic socket and housing melting and the bulb dislodging during routine use.
152
Total Complaints
28
Crash-Related
11
Fire-Related
20
With Injuries
By System
The 2011 Kia Forte has 4 recalls, the most serious being a fire risk from the ABS control module, which can overheat and ignite in the engine compartment whether the car is parked or moving.
On the safety equipment side, the airbag control unit can short circuit in a crash and prevent the front airbags and seatbelt pretensioners from firing, leaving occupants without that protection when they need it most. Automatic transmission models also have a recall for a transmission fluid cooler hose that can leak, causing erratic gear changes or, if enough fluid escapes, the transmission to stop working entirely and the vehicle to lose forward motion.
At a glance
What can fail
The hydraulic electronic control unit may short electrically, potentially causing an engine compartment fire while the vehicle is parked or driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the HECU fuse at no charge to restore proper electrical function.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The air bag control unit may short circuit during a crash, stopping the front air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.
What the fix does
Dealers will install an extension wire harness kit to the air bag control unit connectors to restore proper function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission fluid cooler hose may have been made incorrectly, causing transmission fluid to leak. This can lead to abnormal gear shifts, warning light activation, or loss of engine power if too much fluid escapes.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the cooler hose with a corrected version.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission fluid cooler hose may have been improperly manufactured, causing transmission fluid to leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the transmission cooler hose at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
