2012 Kia Forte Airbags Problems
NHTSA has 37 owner complaints about airbag problems in the 2012 Kia Forte, 13% of all 292 complaints for this model year. That is #3 highest airbag complaint count among 15 Forte model years. These complaints report 15 crashes, 2 fires, and 12 injuries. Median mileage at failure: 74,500 miles.
- Airbags complaints
- 37
- 13% of 292
- Crashes reported
- 15
- Fires reported
- 2
- Injuries reported
- 12
- Median mileage
- 74,500 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
When 2012 Kia Forte airbag complaints were filed
First complaint Oct 17, 2012, latest Aug 28, 2026.
Airbags recalls for the 2012 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.
Frequently asked questions
- Does the 2012 Kia Forte have airbag problems?
- NHTSA has 37 owner complaints about the airbag in the 2012 Kia Forte, 13% of all complaints for this model year, including 15 that report a crash. Median mileage at failure is 74,500 miles.
- Which Kia Forte year has the most airbag complaints?
- The 2014 Kia Forte has the most airbag complaints (63), compared with 37 for the 2012.
- Is there a airbag recall for the 2012 Kia Forte?
- Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for the 2012 Kia Forte concerns the airbag: 18V363000.