What Kia Forte Koup years should I avoid?

NHTSA data points to 2012 and 2013, with complaint indexes of 86 and 100, well above other years. Engine problems drive most complaints in both years, at median mileages of 83,000 and 83,500.

Is the 2013 Kia Forte Koup reliable?

The 2013 model has the highest complaint index (100) among Forte Koup years, with 16 complaints, 75% engine-related, plus a crash and a fire reported. It also carries four recall campaigns.

What is the top problem area for the Kia Forte Koup?

Across all years, engine complaints account for 40 of 52 total complaints, or 77%, making it the dominant problem area for this model.

Which Kia Forte Koup year is the best choice?

No year is flagged as best in NHTSA data. 2014-2017 have very low complaint counts (0 to 2 each), but 2015 and 2017 have zero complaints and only minor recalls listed.

Are there engine fire recalls on the Kia Forte Koup?

Yes. Recall 20V750000 covers 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup vehicles for engine compartment fires that can occur while driving, tied to fuel or oil leaks.

Kia Forte Koup Best and Worst Years (2010–2017)

Kia Forte Koup years to avoid are 2012 and 2013, with complaint indexes of 86 and 100 and engine problems making up 93% and 75% of their complaints. 2010 and 2011 warrant caution. No model year stands out as best; 2014-2017 have very low complaint counts.

Avoid 2012 Avoid 2013

Model years: 8; 2010–2017
NHTSA complaints: 52
Recall campaigns: 5
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 2
Top problem area: Engine

Forte Koup Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Kia Forte Koup problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2010	Caution	71	11	0	1	2	Engine	—	—
2011	Caution	57	8	0	0	2	Engine	26.5	—
2012	Avoid	86	14	0	0	4	Engine	26.5	—
2013	Avoid	100	16	1	1	4	Engine	26.5	—
2014	No verdict	29	1	0	0	2	Electrical System	26	—
2015	No verdict	0	0	0	0	1	—	26	—
2016	No verdict	43	2	0	0	0	Engine	26	—
2017	No verdict	14	0	0	0	1	—	27	—

Forte Koup years to avoid: what went wrong

2013 Kia Forte Koup Index 100 · 16 complaints · 4 recalls

The 2013 Forte Koup has the highest complaint index of any year in this model, 100, from 16 complaints. Engine issues make up 75% of them, at a median 83,500 miles, including reports of engines losing power at highway speed, seizing, and smoking. One complaint involved a fire and one a crash. This year carries four recalls, including the same engine fire and airbag control unit campaigns as 2012. Owners also reported delays getting parts for the airbag recall repair.

2012 Kia Forte Koup Index 86 · 14 complaints · 4 recalls

The 2012 Forte Koup has a complaint index of 86, second-worst of the model, with 14 complaints. Engine problems account for 93% of them, with a median failure mileage of 83,000 miles. Owners describe rod bearing failures and engines rattling or stalling without warning lights. This year is covered by four recalls, including one for engine compartment fires and one for airbag control units that may short circuit. Airbag and electrical complaints round out the picture, with one owner reporting a coolant fan resistor melting.

Most common Kia Forte Koup problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Engine40 (77%)
Airbags5 (10%)
Electrical System5 (10%)
Seat Belts4 (8%)
Fuel System3 (6%)
Brakes2 (4%)
Structure & Body2 (4%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (4%)
Transmission & Powertrain2 (4%)
Other1 (2%)

Frequently asked questions

What Kia Forte Koup years should I avoid?: NHTSA data points to 2012 and 2013, with complaint indexes of 86 and 100, well above other years. Engine problems drive most complaints in both years, at median mileages of 83,000 and 83,500.
Is the 2013 Kia Forte Koup reliable?: The 2013 model has the highest complaint index (100) among Forte Koup years, with 16 complaints, 75% engine-related, plus a crash and a fire reported. It also carries four recall campaigns.
What is the top problem area for the Kia Forte Koup?: Across all years, engine complaints account for 40 of 52 total complaints, or 77%, making it the dominant problem area for this model.
Which Kia Forte Koup year is the best choice?: No year is flagged as best in NHTSA data. 2014-2017 have very low complaint counts (0 to 2 each), but 2015 and 2017 have zero complaints and only minor recalls listed.
Are there engine fire recalls on the Kia Forte Koup?: Yes. Recall 20V750000 covers 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup vehicles for engine compartment fires that can occur while driving, tied to fuel or oil leaks.