2011 Kia Forte Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

3 safety recalls on file

The 2011 Kia Forte has 3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 154 complaints with NHTSA, including 28 crashes, 13 fires, 35 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Engine (45 reports).

3Recalls
154Owner complaints
28Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your Forte?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2011 Kia Forte recalls

Brake control module short can cause engine fire

Recall 23V652Sep 25, 20231,730,192 vehicles affected

The hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU), which runs the antilock brake and traction control system, may develop an electrical short.

Front Airbags May Fail to Deploy in a Crash

Recall 18V363Jun 1, 2018507,587 vehicles affected

The air bag control unit in these Kia vehicles may short circuit during a crash.

Transmission Fluid Leak Can Cause Loss of Drive Power

Recall 16V070Feb 5, 201610,240 vehicles affected

A transmission fluid cooler hose on certain 2011 Kia Forte vehicles built between August 27, 2010 and November 11, 2010 may have been improperly manufactured and can leak transmission fluid.

Most common 2011 Kia Forte problems

Problem areas named in the 154 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Engine45
Air Bags35
Power Train18
Service Brakes, Hydraulic18
Electrical System16
Unknown Or Other13
Service Brakes11
Vehicle Speed Control10
Structure8
Exterior Lighting8

What owners report

2026-10-13, Service Brakes, Hydraulic
The contact owned a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at approximately 60 MPH, the RPMs rose and the vehicle hesitated upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The driver pulled over into the emergency lane when an abnormal popping sound emitted from the vehicle without warning. Black smoke then entered through the interior vents, and the vehicle caught fire. The driver and two passengers exited before the vehicle became fully engulfed in flames. Emergency services were notified, and the fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard and was deemed a total loss. Upon investigation, the cont
2026-07-31, Service Brakes, Hydraulic
The contact owned a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied, a bystander went into the contact's place of employment and stated that there was a fire inside the vehicle in the parking lot. The contact became aware that his vehicle was the one on fire. No warning lights were illuminated prior to parking the vehicle. The cause of the failure was unknown. The contact's wife attempted to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher but was unable to extinguish the fire. The contact called the Fire Department, and the firemen were able to extinguish the fire and were required to remove the dashboard in order to extinguish it. The Fire Department filed a
2026-02-26, Service Brakes, Hydraulic
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the TPMS, red brake light, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was jumping and jerking during acceleration and deceleration. After restarting the vehicle, there was resistance while accelerating, and the jerking persisted. The contact stated that the failures started one week after the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was then driven to a dealer, but was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The fail
2026-02-02, Engine And Engine Cooling
See attached document for complaint.
2026-01-05, Service Brakes, Hydraulic
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from under the hood, and the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact noticed a burning odor in the interior of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a failed pollution control system. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was taken for the State Inspection, and the vehicle failed the inspection due to a failed pollution system. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652

2011 Kia Forte questions

Does the 2011 Kia Forte have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2011 Kia Forte: Brake control module short can cause engine fire; Front Airbags May Fail to Deploy in a Crash; Transmission Fluid Leak Can Cause Loss of Drive Power. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Kia Forte?

Based on 154 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (45), Air Bags (35), Power Train (18).

How do I check if a recall on my 2011 Kia Forte has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Kia Forte years

Other 2011 Kia models