CarRecallWatchThe 2012 Kia Forte has 4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 292 complaints with NHTSA, including 20 crashes, 23 fires, 16 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Engine (161 reports).
2012 Kia Forte recalls
Brake control module short can cause engine fire
The hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU), which runs the antilock brake and traction control system, may develop an electrical short.
Engine Fire Risk While Driving: Free Inspection and Repair
An engine compartment fire can occur while the vehicle is being driven.
Front Airbags May Fail to Deploy in a Crash
The air bag control unit in these Kia vehicles may short circuit during a crash.
Brake Lights May Stay On or Shifter May Release Without Brake
A worn brake pedal stopper pad can keep the brake light switch plunger extended after the pedal is released.
Most common 2012 Kia Forte problems
Problem areas named in the 292 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine | 161 |
| Air Bags | 37 |
| Electrical System | 32 |
| Service Brakes | 30 |
| Exterior Lighting | 23 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 21 |
| Unknown Or Other | 20 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 14 |
| Power Train | 11 |
| Structure | 9 |
What owners report
VEHICLE & INCIDENT DETAILS * Vehicle: 2012 Kia Forte Hatchback * VIN: KNAFU5A26C5641380 * Incident Date: August 21, 2026 * Relevant Recalls: NHTSA Campaign 23V652000 (Recall SC284) & NHTSA Campaign 20V750000 (Recall SC200) * Kia Corporate Case Number: 26367714 * Dealership: AllStar Kia San Bernardino, CA COMPLAINT DESCRIPTION I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding a severe vehicle fire incident involving a vehicle subject to active fire safety recalls, and subsequent corporate misconduct that threatens the integrity of the federal safety recall evidence. On August 21, 2026, my 2012 Kia Forte Hatchback suffered an engine compartment fire while parked. The fire originated in t
Airbag light came on August 21, 2026. I tried several steps to troubleshoot with no resolution. I took it to the local Kia dealership for further inspection. I was terrified to drive the vehicle because of the airbag failure. I explained to the technician that I had read that there was an warranty extension for the exact clock spring failure. I met the qualification (2011-2016 /unlimited mileage) but I was required to pay $493.05 for this repair.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed an abnormal sound for approximately five minutes, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact then became aware of a fire underneath the vehicle. The contact opened the hood and extinguished the fire using water and dirt. The vehicle was unoccupied. The contact stated that the vehicle had just been parked, and the engine was off prior to the failure. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Se
My vehicle is a 2012 Kia Forte EX. The vehicle experienced a corrosion-related brake line failure that affected braking performance and created a safety concern. The brake pedal became soft/sank, and the vehicle had unsafe braking behavior, requiring repair at a Kia dealership. The failed component was a brake line, which is a safety-critical part of the braking system. The repair was completed at customer expense after Kia declined goodwill or reimbursement assistance. Kia Customer Care case number: 2622663. My concern is that this does not appear to be ordinary wear only. This vehicle had prior Kia underbody corrosion campaign history under SC141, titled âApplication of Additional Anti
Vehicle: 2012 Kia Forte Recall: NHTSA 23V-652 (Kia SC284) â HECU/ABS fuse recall My vehicle underwent this safety recall in 2025. The dealership replaced the HECU fuse. Immediately upon leaving the dealership after the recall repair, the same warning lights returned. I contacted the dealership immediately before fully leaving the area to report the issue. I also contacted Kia Corporate after the warning condition returned. Kia was aware the warning lights returned immediately after recall completion. I was advised if the vehicle later entered limp mode again, to contact Kia roadside assistance for towing support per prior guidance. The warning condition was not resolved by the recall r
2012 Kia Forte questions
Does the 2012 Kia Forte have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2012 Kia Forte: Brake control module short can cause engine fire; Engine Fire Risk While Driving: Free Inspection and Repair; Front Airbags May Fail to Deploy in a Crash; Brake Lights May Stay On or Shifter May Release Without Brake. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Kia Forte?
Based on 292 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (161), Air Bags (37), Electrical System (32).
How do I check if a recall on my 2012 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.