2012 Kia Forte Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 170 engine-related complaints for the 2012 Kia Forte, 58% of all 292 complaints filed for that year, with a median failure mileage of 100,000. A related recall, campaign 20V750000, covers engine compartment fires on this and other Kia models.
- Engine complaints
- 170
- 58% of 292
- Crashes reported
- 5
- Fires reported
- 17
- Injuries reported
- 4
- Median mileage
- 100,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners describe the engine making a knocking or piston-slap noise before losing power, sometimes while driving at highway speeds.
- Multiple complaints describe the engine stalling suddenly at various speeds, occasionally with smoke or a vacuum-type noise coming from the engine compartment.
- Several reports describe the engine catching fire while driving or shortly after parking, with the car sometimes fully engulfed in flames.
- One owner reported the engine seals needing replacement after the engine stalled and produced smoke, with no warning light illuminated.
- An owner who received the recall remedy of an engine knock test reported new knocking noises and power loss appearing about two months later.
When 2012 Kia Forte engine complaints were filed
First complaint Oct 17, 2012, latest Sep 18, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2012 Kia Forte
- 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.
Engine complaints by Forte model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many engine complaints does the 2012 Kia Forte have?
- NHTSA lists 170 engine-related complaints for the 2012 Kia Forte, which is 58% of the 292 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2012 Kia Forte engine?
- Yes. Campaign 20V750000 covers 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup models, among other Kia vehicles, for engine compartment fires caused by fuel and/or engine oil leaks.
- At what mileage do 2012 Kia Forte engine problems usually appear?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 100,000 at the time engine failures were reported.
- Did the 2012 Kia Forte engine issues cause fires or injuries?
- NHTSA records 17 fires, 5 crashes, and 4 injuries linked to engine complaints for this model year.
- Does the recall fix fix all reported engine knocking problems?
- Not according to owner reports. At least one owner said knocking and power loss returned months after the recall's engine knock test remedy was performed.