How many airbag complaints does the 2011 Kia Forte have?

NHTSA lists 35 airbag-related complaints for the 2011 Kia Forte, which is 23% of all 153 complaints filed for that model year.

Is there an airbag recall for the 2011 Kia Forte?

Yes. Recall 18V363000, reported June 1, 2018, covers a risk that the air bag control unit could short-circuit on 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup and related Kia models.

Do 2011 Kia Forte airbags fail to deploy in crashes?

Owner complaints describe airbags not deploying in crashes, with NHTSA data showing 20 crashes and 28 injuries tied to airbag complaints for this year.

At what mileage do 2011 Kia Forte airbag problems usually appear?

The median mileage at failure for airbag complaints on the 2011 Kia Forte is 63,000 miles.

Is the 2011 Kia Forte worse than other years for airbag complaints?

Yes. The 2011 model's 23% airbag complaint share is higher than every other Forte model year listed, including 2010 at 19% and 2012 at 13%.

2011 Kia Forte Airbags Problems

Airbags account for 35 of 153 complaints (23%) on the 2011 Kia Forte, the highest share of any model year for this component. NHTSA links 20 crashes and 28 injuries to airbag issues, with a median failure mileage of 63,000, and recall 18V363000 covers an air bag control unit short-circuit risk.

Airbags complaints: 35; 23% of 153
Crashes reported: 20
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 28
Median mileage: 63,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical airbag symptoms owners report

Owners report front and side airbags failing to deploy in moderate-to-severe head-on and rear-end collisions, even at highway speeds.
Several drivers describe seat belts not locking during impact at the same time airbags failed to fire, increasing injury severity.
Some owners noted the airbag warning light illuminating before or after a crash in which the airbags never inflated.
Multiple complaints describe head rests separating or being ejected on impact alongside non-deploying airbags.
Owners involved in rear-end collisions at 40-70 mph report no airbag deployment despite significant vehicle damage.

When 2011 Kia Forte airbag complaints were filed

First complaint Aug 4, 2011, latest Oct 5, 2025.

35 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2011 to Oct 2025; peak Sep 2018 (5).

Airbags recalls for the 2011 Kia Forte

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.

Airbags complaints by Forte model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201041 (19%)
201135 (23%)
201237 (13%)
201316 (8%)
201463 (14%)
201523 (9%)
201613 (10%)
201718 (6%)
201816 (12%)
20196 (4%)
20205 (7%)
20217 (10%)
20222 (7%)
20235 (8%)
20247 (28%)

Frequently asked questions

How many airbag complaints does the 2011 Kia Forte have?: NHTSA lists 35 airbag-related complaints for the 2011 Kia Forte, which is 23% of all 153 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there an airbag recall for the 2011 Kia Forte?: Yes. Recall 18V363000, reported June 1, 2018, covers a risk that the air bag control unit could short-circuit on 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup and related Kia models.
Do 2011 Kia Forte airbags fail to deploy in crashes?: Owner complaints describe airbags not deploying in crashes, with NHTSA data showing 20 crashes and 28 injuries tied to airbag complaints for this year.
At what mileage do 2011 Kia Forte airbag problems usually appear?: The median mileage at failure for airbag complaints on the 2011 Kia Forte is 63,000 miles.
Is the 2011 Kia Forte worse than other years for airbag complaints?: Yes. The 2011 model's 23% airbag complaint share is higher than every other Forte model year listed, including 2010 at 19% and 2012 at 13%.