After its launch, the Kia Forte brought a complete and appealing package in its class at a competitive price tag; however, newer offerings have started to make it look dated. Moreover, the sedan has been a reliable machine too when compared to its peers. However, the current 2012 model has had some engine fire complaints from some owners and Kia did issue a recall too to address the possible cause for the failures. Other than that, there have been numerous complaints about engine knocking but no recalls are there yet to address those. The car has also been investigated twice for engine fires and airbags getting disabled during crashes. Officially, the sedan has faced 202 complaints to date with most of them regarding problems with the powertrain of the car. In its class, the Kia Forte rivals the Ford Focus, the Toyota Corolla, and the Chevrolet Cruze.
Kia Forte user complaints and problems
Engine problems
- Clicking and knocking noise from engines: There are plenty of reports mentioning the clicking and knocking noises from engines. The connecting rod failures of the engines resulted in the failures and in several cases, caused engine seizures as well. The seized engines were replaced.
- Engine fire: While driving, the engine of a few 2012 Kia Forte sedans caught fire. In one case, the fire destroyed the vehicle completely when it was parked.
- Sudden engine stall: The engine stalling issues were primarily caused by transmission problems. In some instances, the previously mentioned connecting rod failures also resulted in the stalling of the engines while driving, posing a safety risk.
Safety problems
- Non-deployment of airbags: In a few 2012 Kia Forte models, the airbags failed to deploy completely during crashes, injuring the drivers and the occupants.
- Seatbelt failure: In a case of a crash, along with the airbags not deploying, the driver seat’s seatbelt also failed to restrain the driver causing injuries.
- Intermittent brake failure and premature wearing of brake pads: One owner complains about the premature wearing of brake pads on a single wheel but the dealership insisted on getting all the brakes changed. In another case, the owner faced intermittent issues where the brake would slip and fail to stop the vehicle in time.
Miscellaneous problems
- Power steering failure: In a few 2012 Kia Forte sedans, the power steering failed to operate correctly while driving. In one instance, the owner experienced a loss of power from the power steering system while in another case, the steering became too loose to drive.
2012 Kia Forte recalls
|
S.No. |
Recall Date |
NHTSA Campaign ID |
Issues noticed |
Additional remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
December 1, 2017 |
17V773000 |
Brake Pedal Stopper may Deteriorate |
If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash. |
Kia will notify the owners, and the dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on January 30, 2018. |
|
2 |
June 1, 2018 |
18V363000 |
Airbags/Seat Belt Pretensioners may be Disabled |
If the frontal airbags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems. |
Kia will notify the owners. For the 2011 Sedona, Kia will instruct the dealers to verify the ACU part number and, if necessary, install an extension wire harness kit between the ACU Connector and the Vehicle Harness Connector. For all other affected vehicles, Kia will instruct the dealers to install the extension wire harness kit. The recall began on September 28, 2018. |
|
3 |
December 2, 2020 |
20V750000 |
Engine Damage May Cause Fire |
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury. |
Kia will notify the owners, and the dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System software, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2021. |
Should you buy a used Kia Forte?
The Kia Forte has been a steady seller of the brand due to its impressive traits and dashing looks. Furthermore, all the good bits are offered with significant price tags too. However, the sedan did hit a rough patch on its way with its current model due to the engine fire cases along with other engine issues that resulted in complete engine failures and engine replacements. A used example of the Mazda3 sedan would make an excellent option from the used car lots rather than a used Kia Forte due to the former’s excellent reliability aspect and appealing design.
