2012 Kia Forte Koup: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 14 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Sep 2023
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“While driving at 70mph on the highway heard a tapping sound from the engine. Towed to the kia dealership. Mechanic found that the connecting rod bearing failed, ruining the engine (2.4l). Quoted $6,000 for repair. 82,000 miles. All maintenance done on time. Dealer and kia corporate denied any help or that the 2.4l was defective at manufacture.”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2018
“I heard a knock coming from the engine and suddenly the car died while driving in the city the check engine light came on and would not start up again but the power was still on for lights, etc. I had to have it towed to the repair shop. I was told the engine is shot. After researching the kia forte I found a lot of reviews complaining of the same thing on the 2012 forte. Now with the recalls for the other kia engines with the same or similar engine types, this make and model needs to be included!!!”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2018
“While driving, engine made a sound like a ticking noise then just blew. Oil all over the engine bay and ground. A lot of smoke coming from under the hood. Would not start or do anything. Glad it didn't catch fire with all the oil everywhere. Had to have it towed. Took it to mechanic, come to find out the engine had seized up. This happen while driving on highway. Speed limit 70. It was like the engine went boom. Glad I was in the right lane to be able to get the car over to the side. Lost all power and unable to control car. Mechanic had to order and waiting on used engine coming from california to put into car. Will cost 4000.00 for this repair. Still owe on this car too.”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2018
Show 5 more owner reports
“While driving this car, I heard a knock coming from the engine!! I had it towed to a kia dealer and was told that I needed a new engine! This is unacceptable for car that is only 6 years old and all maintenance kept up to date!! I did some checking and other kia engines with similar or same engine types have been recalled. This make and model needs to included!!”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2018
“My car started over heating at stop and go traffic so I checked everything and found out my coolant fan resister was melting..I checked to see if it was a recall on that part and it was but I dont think it was change because everything the recall web site said would happen did.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2018
“I was turning left and car chugged back and forth and burning smell with a ton of gray and white smoke pouring out of back of car. Fought with kia got a rebuilt engine. 2 weeks later same problem. Took back to a different dealer and faulty valve was never replaced. Happened again 3 weeks later. Can't find anything wrong. Happened again 3 weeks later and this time smoke and burning smell was so intense you couldn't see in back of car. Dealership said that I just need to drive it more. I am a mother to 3 young kids. The car smells like it's going to explode and the smoke alone is dangerous to who is behind me.”Owner report · Engine · Nov 2017
“The srs light came on on this vehicle while driving, at 109,381 miles. I know there is an investigation going on, and I read that there's a recall now, but I just checked the VIN both here and on kia's owners site, and both say zero recalls.”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2017
“Rod bearing failure on a 2012 kia forte koup 2.4l engine at approx. 93,300 miles with no prior issues. Engine was properly maintained and never abused. Began rattling while driving normally on the freeway and was subsequently determined to be the #2 piston hitting the head. No prior indication of anything wrong, no unusual engine noise, no "idiot" lights, no misfire, no vibration, nothing, just a sudden pulsing noise that was first thought to be the exhaust sound from a passing harley.”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2017
Recalls - 4 campaigns
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
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 vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners. For model year 2011 Sedona vehicles, Kia will instruct 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 dealers to install the extension wire harness kit. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.
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 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and 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 (KSDS) software, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Forte and Forte Koup vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. This will allow the brake lights to remain illuminated continuously. It can also allow the shift lever to be moved without depressing the brake pedal, or activate the engine management brake pedal override feature.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 30, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC158.
How other years compare
Check your exact Forte Koup by VIN
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Is the 2012 Kia Forte Koup reliable?
NHTSA has 14 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2012 Kia Forte Koup. The most complained-about area is engine.
Does the 2012 Kia Forte Koup have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.