How many brake complaints does NHTSA have for the 2012 Kia Forte?

NHTSA lists 53 brake-related complaints for the 2012 Forte, which is 18% of all 292 complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a brake recall for the 2012 Kia Forte?

Yes. Recall 17V773000 covers a brake pedal stopper pad that can deteriorate on 2012-2014 Forte and Forte Koup vehicles, and recall 23V652000 covers a separate brake-related issue affecting several Kia models including the 2010-2013 Forte.

At what mileage do 2012 Kia Forte brake problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure for brake complaints on the 2012 Forte is 81,600 miles, though individual sample complaints range from very low mileage to well over 100,000.

Are the 2012 Kia Forte brake problems linked to fires?

NHTSA data shows 3 fires and 3 crashes among the 2012 Forte's brake complaints, with some recent reports describing fires starting near the dashboard or under the hood.

2012 Kia Forte Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 53 brake complaints for the 2012 Kia Forte, 18% of all complaints that year, with a median failure mileage of 81,600. Two brake-related recalls apply to this model, covering the brake pedal stopper pad and a separate fire-risk campaign.

Brakes complaints: 53; 18% of 292
Crashes reported: 3
Fires reported: 3
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 81,600 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical brake symptoms owners report

Owners describe the brake pedal sticking or failing to release fully after starting the ignition, requiring repeated force to free it.
Some report the car lurching or surging forward or backward while the brake pedal was applied, with the throttle seeming stuck at the same time.
Several owners say brake lights fail intermittently or stop illuminating, sometimes tied to brake bulbs burning out repeatedly every 60 to 90 days.
A number of complaints describe a feeling of the brakes slipping or not stopping the car promptly, especially when braking suddenly.
Multiple recent complaints describe fires starting near the dashboard or underneath the hood or vehicle, in some cases while the car was parked and unoccupied.
One owner reported premature rear brake wear that a dealer called normal for the model.

When 2012 Kia Forte brake complaints were filed

First complaint May 20, 2013, latest Aug 26, 2026.

53 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2013 to Aug 2026; peak Dec 2023 (6).

Brakes recalls for the 2012 Kia Forte

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 17V773000Dec 1, 2017Brakes134,366 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkages
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Forte and Forte Koup vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. This will allow the brake lights to remain illuminated continuously. It can also allow the shift lever to be moved without depressing the brake pedal, or activate the engine management brake pedal override feature.
Risk: If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 30, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC158.

Brakes complaints by Forte model year

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

20090 (0%)
201023 (10%)
201132 (21%)
201253 (18%)
201337 (19%)
201433 (7%)
201517 (7%)
201613 (10%)
201712 (4%)
20184 (3%)
20194 (3%)
20202 (3%)
20212 (3%)
20222 (7%)
20233 (5%)
20242 (8%)

Frequently asked questions

How many brake complaints does NHTSA have for the 2012 Kia Forte?: NHTSA lists 53 brake-related complaints for the 2012 Forte, which is 18% of all 292 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a brake recall for the 2012 Kia Forte?: Yes. Recall 17V773000 covers a brake pedal stopper pad that can deteriorate on 2012-2014 Forte and Forte Koup vehicles, and recall 23V652000 covers a separate brake-related issue affecting several Kia models including the 2010-2013 Forte.
At what mileage do 2012 Kia Forte brake problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure for brake complaints on the 2012 Forte is 81,600 miles, though individual sample complaints range from very low mileage to well over 100,000.
Are the 2012 Kia Forte brake problems linked to fires?: NHTSA data shows 3 fires and 3 crashes among the 2012 Forte's brake complaints, with some recent reports describing fires starting near the dashboard or under the hood.