2012 Kia Forte Koup Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
86/100
#2 most-complained of 8 Forte Koup years
The 2012 Kia Forte Koup ranks 2nd worst out of 8 model years, with a complaint index of 86 and 14 NHTSA complaints, 93% of them engine-related. It carries 4 recalls, including one for engine compartment fires, making it an Avoid year relative to other Forte Koup years.
- Complaints
- 14
- Recalls
- 4
- 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 2012 Kia Forte Koup problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine13 (93%)
- Airbags1 (7%)
- Electrical System1 (7%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (7%)
What owners report
- Rod bearing failure reported around 93,300 miles, with rattling noise traced to a piston hitting the cylinder head.
- Engine stalled repeatedly on city streets, with metal shavings later found in the engine and oil.
- SRS airbag warning light illuminated at 109,381 miles, tied to an airbag control unit issue.
- Coolant fan resistor melted during stop-and-go traffic, overheating the engine at 95,000 miles.
- Loud knocking noise developed at highway speed around 108,000 miles with no visible leaks or damage.
- Engine surged and produced gray and white smoke with a burning smell, requiring a rebuilt engine that failed again.
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
- Should I avoid the 2012 Kia Forte Koup?
- NHTSA data ranks it 2nd worst of 8 Forte Koup model years, with a complaint index of 86 and 93% of complaints tied to the engine. It is rated Avoid relative to other Forte Koup years.
- What is the most common problem with the 2012 Kia Forte Koup?
- Engine problems dominate, making up 13 of 14 NHTSA complaints (93%), with a median failure mileage of 83,000 miles.
- Does the 2012 Kia Forte Koup have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 4 recalls for this model year, covering brakes (park-outside advisory), an engine compartment fire risk, airbag control unit shorting, and a brake pedal stopper pad defect.
- How does the 2012 Forte Koup compare to the 2013?
- The 2013 Forte Koup has a higher complaint index of 100 and 16 complaints, ranking as the worst year, while the 2012 is close behind with a complaint index of 86.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Kia Forte Koup?
- EPA rates it at 26.5 mpg combined (23.5 city / 31.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,450.