What 289 owners told NHTSA about the 2012 Kia Forte

After taking my 2012 Kia Forte EX to the dealership for the fire risk recall (recall number 23V652), the dealership replaced fuses as part of the recall. Despite this, major safety issues persisted: 1. Brake fluid leak – The leak was not resolved after the recall repair, and my brake pedal continues to go all the way to the floor, creating a critical safety hazard. 2. Brake warning light – The brake warning light remains on, indicating ongoing brake system issues. 3. Traction control warning light – A squiggly line symbol appeared, suggesting further malfunctions related to the vehicle’s stability control system. 4. Burning smell – Despite the dealership’s claim that the recall repair was completed, I still detect a burning smell from the vehicle, raising serious concerns about unresolved fire risks. When I contacted Kia Customer Care at +1-800-333-4542, I was informed that the brake issues and fluid leak were “unrelated to the recall,” and I was told that I would have to pay out-of-pocket for towing, diagnostics, and repairs—exactly as the dealership had also insisted. This response has left me in a vulnerable position, both financially and in terms of vehicle safety, as I am unable to cover these unexpected costs on my own. Additionally, I was forced to drive my car home with the brake pedal going to the floor, endangering my life and the safety of others on the road. The dealership delayed addressing these serious issues, rushed the repair, and failed to fully assess the depth of the recall symptoms. Their negligence, coupled with Kia’s refusal to take responsibility, has exacerbated the situation. Given the financial strain and the unsafe condition of my vehicle, I urgently request a loaner car until all issues related to the recall are thoroughly addressed, whether Kia wants to take responsibility for these problems or not. The vehicle is simply not safe to drive in its current state, and I should not be expected to bear the financial burden of fixing what appe

NHTSA ODI 11614311

Over the past 4 years I’ve had ongoing issues with the air in the car where it won’t blow cold air & my defroster will not work and I’ve gotten it fixed still the same issue. Along with the break lights after many attempts to replace them they still don’t come on but sometimes it will. Many problems with the engine I also here ticking noises as well as other sounds but can’t find the issue as well with the engine rpm going to 2 while I’m on the breaks or in park

NHTSA ODI 11595849

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,600. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11594200

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, there was an abnormal banging and clicking sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted several times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 66,520. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11593056

The car shut off (engine died) when I was driving and it wouldnt restart. The car was in perfect working condition, low miles & well taken care of, no lights on the dash or anything. I had it towed to 2 different mechanics (first was private, 2nd was a Kia dealership) - they both told me I needed a new engine or I needed part of the engine fixed and told me it didn't fall under any of the recalls. From what I've read I feel like it is a manufacturer's defect due to all of the recalls on this model/engine.

NHTSA ODI 11583096

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11580050

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA ODI 11576786

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11574268

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, there was a burning plastic odor coming through the dashboard vents. The contact stopped the vehicle and opened the hood and became aware there was white smoke coming from under the right side of the engine compartment. The contact stated that the smoke dissipated; however, the failure had become a recurring failure. The failure mileage was approximately 173,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11571585

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was a rattling sound coming from the front end. After pulling into a driveway and turning off the vehicle, the contact looked at the belt and noticed it was still running and releasing a slight smoke. The contact stated that it took an extended amount of time for the belts to stop moving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic at the time of failure however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 130,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11570058

The engine started knocking just like all the other fortes and theta engines that blew up or gained the same knocking metal to metal noise. I have since found metal shavings in the oil which tells me that my engine is on its way out the door just like the rest that had this same problem. My engine needs to be recalled and replaced alongside the rest! Kia needs to own up to there engineering mistakes and install a new engine. My car should not be ignored on that recall seeing as it has the same engine as all the other fortes that were given new replacement engines. I refuse to be ignored on this matter and will not put forth my own money to fix something Kia is liable for. Kia is putting my life and others lives in danger. When will they take actions and responsibility for the rest of the Kia’s out there with the same engine symptom. I also haven’t got a recall for a knock sensor upgrade. I refuse to be without a vehicle because of Kia’s terrible engineering and poor production and assembly of these cars. I should not be experiencing an engine rod knock at 100k miles that has only become louder with time. I will be presenting the car to Kia for other recalls to be done and will be complaining about the other issues. Thousands of people have had to pay out of pocket to get a new motor. That’s on Kia to make things right with there customers for selling them a faulty product.

NHTSA ODI 11570061

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the O2 sensor had failed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The dealer had not been contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 130,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11567757

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11566496

This is in regards to: Manufacturer Recall Number SC284TD NHTSA Recall Number 23V652 This recall is deemed a serious fire risk to my Kia Forte Koup 2012. There has been no updates on any sign of when the remedy will become available. This is a serious problem for me. I need a remedy part to be supplied and become available so I can fix my car in a timely manner so I can drive my car knowing I will be safe and to those around me.

NHTSA ODI 11565667

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11564619

In 2003 I purchased a KIA minivan and couldn't promote the company enough. In 2012 I bought a KIA Sportage and Forte. In 2023 KIA issued a recall on all cars having a key start ignition to update them with some software to prevent the cars from being stolen. I called KIA corporate after notification and they sent me a club for my forte as an interim fix until the software could be updated. Later on checking with the dealership I was told not only do they not have the software fix yet that my VIN number was not on the list, KIA corporate did not hesitate to provide me with a club which I use until today because Kia has failed to provide a fix and even if they did my vehicle seems to be exempt even though it is of the model year affected and a key start. KIA RECOMMENDATION WAS TO HAVE OWNERS TO PARK THEIR CAR IN THE GARAGE. On top of that another recall, interim notice. dated November 14th, 2023 warns of potential fire hazard from the Hydraulic electrical control unit (HECU) even while the vehicle is parked. KIA's recommendation is to PARKYOUR CAR OUTDOORS AND AWAY FROM OTHER VEHICLES AND STRUCTURES IN THE MEANTIME. So now you have it, I have a car which can be stolen easily TO BE PARKED IN THE GARAGE which might catch fire so IT IS TO BE PARKED OUTSIDE. Please, broadcast this message to people potentially wanting to purchase a KIA vehicle. How many other KIA owners are in the same boat with me?

NHTSA ODI 11563545

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to exceed 15 MPH. The ABS and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 119,000.

NHTSA ODI 11563578

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in reverse, the vehicle seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and it was stated that an unknown part was disconnected near the gear shift. The contact was unsure what part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the display screen had seized. The contact also replaced the rear brake lights after being notified that the brake lights were inoperable. The contact stated that the bulbs were replaced and immediately fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 119,000.

NHTSA ODI 11563584

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11562352

Hello My complaint is why is it taking KIA so long on the HECU electrical short issue. According to your website this all started at the end of Sept. We got a recall notice on dated Nov 14. When I call and visit the Kia dealership they are on hold waiting for updates from corporate I guess. Same thing when I e-mail KIA Customer care. See response from Kia below. ========================================================== We are following up regarding your web submission for recall remedy status for repairs to begin. We apologize to hear of the concern and appreciate the opportunity to assist with this matter. Unfortunately we do not have an eta for the remedy however once made available an second notice will be sent to you. ============================================================ Their work around is to park the car outside. Since their previous recall was for the ease of stealing the car AND it's getting very cold here in Minnesota that is not a good option. Given the fact that the car could catch on fire and possibly burn a house down or kill someone this needs a higher priority. Thankyou for your time. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11560291

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the taillights and brake lights were inoperable due to an electrical short. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11560192

The contact's daughter owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the MIL warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11559887

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11559571

NHTSA safety recall 23V652000 addresses this defect with my vehicle, but the manufacturer has provided no credible or valid solution that positively remedies the vehicle defect. I am horrified of driving my vehicle since reading about the fire hazard that exists. Preliminary findings provided by Kia confirm the HECU/ABS module may leak brake fluid due to a faulty seal. Leaking fluid can come in contact with an adjacent multi-pin electrical connector, igniting the brake fluid and quickly leading to an engine fire. Kia has also stated a permanent solution is not yet available, while only issuing an interim recall. Furthermore, the proposed replacement part, consisting of a fuse, is unavailable for now. I am confused and frustrated with this solution. How will a fuse remedy a leaking brake fluid defect, which is the primary fault? This unacceptable action is a flagrant example of Kia's painfully slow and inadequate response to a serious defect. Drivers of affected vehicles are forced to endure aggravation, exasperation and much anxiety during the long wait for a repair. Already, my vehicle is on a list of models identified by Kia to have been manufactured without immobilizer modules. Kia has done nothing about remedying my immobilizer problem beyond providing a steering wheel locking device, which my auto insurance has deemed as insufficient and subsequently raised my premium. Lastly, my well-maintained vehicle, with only 28,570 miles on the odometer, may also be affected by the familiar Theta engine design manufacturing defect in the crankshaft bearings that fail and indirectly cause a connecting rod to break. The broken connecting rod then smashes through the engine block, hot engine oil spills out and onto the neighboring exhaust manifold. The end result is a raging engine compartment fire. Kia has never contacted me about this defect.

NHTSA ODI 11559408

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11559201