2012 Kia Forte Koup Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2012 Kia Forte Koup ranks third-worst of 8 model years, with a complaint index of 71 and 14 NHTSA complaints, 93% pointing to the engine. It carries 4 recalls, including an engine fire recall, earning a Caution verdict.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 71/100
- #3 of 8 Forte Koup years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 14
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- 1 Park Outside
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 26.5
- 23.5 city / 31.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2012 Kia Forte Koup problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine13 (93%)
- Airbags1 (7%)
- Electrical System1 (7%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (7%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Rod bearing failure with loud rattling or knocking noise around highway speeds, sometimes at 93,300 miles with no prior warning lights.
- Engine stalls unexpectedly at low mileage, followed by rough starting or failure to restart, with metal shavings later found in the oil.
- Loud knocking noise develops around 108,000 miles during highway driving with no visible leaks or damage on inspection.
- Engine loses power while turning, accompanied by a burning smell and heavy smoke, recurring even after a rebuilt engine was installed.
- Airbag warning light activates around 109,381 miles despite the vehicle showing no recall listed on the owner's VIN check.
- Coolant fan resistor overheats and melts during stop-and-go traffic, a failure tied to a recall that reportedly wasn't corrected.
2012 Kia Forte Koup recalls
4 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 20V750000Dec 2, 2020Engine294,756 vehicles
Engine
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.
Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
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.
- 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.
2012 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.
2012 compared with other Forte Koup years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Kia Forte Koup reliable?
- Compared to other Forte Koup years, 2012 ranks third-worst out of 8 model years with a complaint index of 71 and a Caution verdict. Engine problems make up 93% of its complaints.
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Kia Forte Koup?
- NHTSA complaints show the engine is the top problem area, accounting for 13 of 14 complaints, including rod bearing failure and stalling. Median mileage at failure for engine issues is 83,000 miles.
- Does the 2012 Kia Forte Koup have an engine fire recall?
- Yes. Recall 20V750000 covers 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup vehicles for a possible engine compartment fire while driving, and dealers inspect for fuel or oil leaks.
- How many recalls does the 2012 Kia Forte Koup have?
- NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 Kia Forte Koup, covering brakes, engine fire risk, and airbag control unit issues.
- Which Kia Forte Koup years are worse than 2012?
- The 2013 model year is worse, with a complaint index of 100 and an Avoid verdict, and 2010 also ranks Avoid with an index of 86, compared to 2012's index of 71.