NHTSA (USA)CriticalPark Outside
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
This page covers 5 recalls, 286 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2012 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
The dominant story across 2012 Kia Forte complaints is the engine, which accounts by far for the largest share of reports. Owners frequently describe sudden engine failure with little or no prior warning, the car is running normally, then it stalls, loses power, or begins knocking heavily. Many report a burning oil smell, visible smoke, or a fuel odor alongside the failure. The check engine light often comes on at or after the event, and P1326 knock sensor codes show up in multiple accounts. Several owners say the dealership concluded the engine needed full replacement. Stalling in moving traffic, sometimes on highways, is a recurring detail in these reports. Airbags and exterior lighting each draw a smaller but notable share of complaints, though neither approaches the volume of engine-related reports.
286
Total Complaints
20
Crash-Related
21
Fire-Related
16
With Injuries
By System
The 2012 Kia Forte has 5 recalls, the most serious being two separate fire risks: the engine compartment can catch fire while driving, and a faulty anti-lock brake control module can cause a fire whether the vehicle is parked or moving.
On the safety equipment side, the airbag control unit can short-circuit in a crash, preventing the front airbags and seatbelt pretensioners from deploying when they are needed most. There is also a brake lighting concern that appears in two related recalls: a small rubber stopper pad on the brake pedal assembly can deteriorate over time, causing the brake lights to stay on continuously even when the driver's foot is off the pedal. Following drivers can no longer tell when the brakes are actually being applied, which raises the risk of a rear-end collision.
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
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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 →
Dealers will replace the HECU fuse at no charge to restore proper electrical function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
An engine compartment fire can occur while driving due to fuel or engine oil leaks and engine issues.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect for leaks, test the engine, repair or replace the engine as needed, and update the knock sensor software.
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 brake pedal stopper pad can wear down, allowing the stop lamp switch to stay pressed when you release the brake. This causes brake lights to stay on continuously and may trigger unintended engine safety features.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad with a new one.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake pedal stopper pad can wear down, causing the brake light switch to stay activated when you release the pedal. This keeps your brake lights on continuously and lets you shift gears without using the brake pedal.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
