2011 Kia Forte Koup Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
57/100
#4 most-complained of 8 Forte Koup years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2011 Kia Forte Koup has a Complaint Index of 57 and ranks 4th worst of 8 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Engine problems dominate, making up 63% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 78,000 miles across 2 recalls.
- Complaints
- 8
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 26.5
- 23.5 city / 31.5 hwy
Top 2011 Kia Forte Koup problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine5 (63%)
- Airbags1 (13%)
- Brakes1 (13%)
- Fuel System1 (13%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (13%)
What owners report
- Engine develops a knocking sound that worsens over time, sometimes leading to the engine locking up entirely.
- Check engine light comes on along with a rough-running or jerking sensation, in one case with only 300 miles on the odometer.
- Vehicle stalls suddenly while driving, with RPMs dropping to zero and the engine failing to restart.
- RPMs can shoot up on their own while driving at a constant speed, even when the car is fully stopped.
- Owners report the airbag control unit may be defective, raising concerns about crash performance.
- A powertrain issue caused a breakdown that was later linked to a factory defect covered by a subsequent recall.
2011 Kia Forte Koup recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V652000Sep 25, 2023Brakes1,730,192 vehiclesPark Outside
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
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.
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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.
- NHTSA 18V363000Jun 1, 2018Airbags507,587 vehicles
Air bags: air bag/restraint control module
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.
Risk: If the frontal air bags 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.
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.
2011 Kia Forte Koup fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 23.5 MPG
- Highway
- 31.5 MPG
- Combined
- 26.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,450
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2011 compared with other Forte Koup years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2011 Kia Forte Koup reliable?
- Compared to other Forte Koup model years, 2011 carries a Complaint Index of 57 and ranks 4th worst out of 8 years tracked, earning a Caution verdict. Engine problems account for 63% of complaints.
- What is the most common problem with the 2011 Kia Forte Koup?
- Engine issues are the top problem area, making up 63% of complaints, with a median mileage at failure of 81,000 miles for that category.
- Does the 2011 Kia Forte Koup have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2011 Kia Forte Koup, one for brakes (park-outside advisory) and one for airbags involving a possible short circuit in the air bag control unit.
- How does the 2011 Kia Forte Koup compare to other years?
- The 2011 model (Complaint Index 57) is better than 2012 (86) and 2013 (100), both rated Avoid, but worse than 2010 (71), 2014 (29), and later years with lower complaint counts.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2011 Kia Forte Koup?
- The 2011 Kia Forte Koup gets an EPA-rated 26.5 mpg combined (23.5 city / 31.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,450.