Vehicle recalls by model year

2012 Kia Forte recalls

Every NHTSA recall campaign that covers the 2012 Kia Forte, newest first.

4 recalls on record for the 2012 Kia Forte. The most recent was on Sept. 25, 2023. Owners also sent NHTSA 292 complaints (since 1995).

Most often about: service brakes, hydraulic (2), air bags (1), engine (1). 1 of them came with a do-not-drive or park-outside warning. A recall applies only to the vehicles in it: check your VIN with Kia or NHTSA to see whether yours is included and still needs the repair.

Owner complaints to NHTSA

292 complaints about the 2012 Kia Forte were sent to NHTSA since 1995; 20 mention a crash, 23 a fire, 16 injuries.

Engine161recall on record
Air Bags37recall on record
Electrical System32
Service Brakes30recall on record
Exterior Lighting23
Service Brakes, Hydraulic21recall on record

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…
Dec. 17, 2025 · Engine

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…
Oct. 16, 2025 · Service Brakes

Complaints are owners' own reports to NHTSA; NHTSA has not confirmed them. Many complaints about one part can lead to an investigation or a recall. Read them on NHTSA.

NHTSA investigations

4 on record

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires AQ23002 · opened Nov. 17, 2023 · open
Loss of Motive Power DP22003 · opened Sept. 12, 2022 · closed Dec. 12, 2023
Engine Fires EA21003 · opened Dec. 22, 2021 · closed Feb. 5, 2024
Air bags may be disabled during crash PE18003 · opened March 16, 2018 · closed Aug. 30, 2019

An NHTSA investigation is a review of a possible safety defect. Opening one is not a finding that a defect exists; it can close with a recall or without one.

All 2012 Kia Forte recalls

Sept. 25, 2023Kia Borrego, Cadenza, Forte and others: Control unit/module Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015…
Dec. 2, 2020Kia Forte, Forte Koup, Optima Hybrid and others: Engine Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012…
June 1, 2018Kia Forte, Forte Koup, Optima and others: Air bag/restraint control module Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona…
Dec. 1, 2017Kia Forte, Forte Koup: Pedals and linkages Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Forte and Forte Koup vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake…