The Lemon Index2012 Kia Forte.
The 2012 Kia Forte is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 34 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 40, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 26 to 30 mpg combined. The best Kia Forte year is 2022.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 306 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Kia Forte year. 2012 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 50K to 115K miles on the car (192 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 69K–121K miles
- airbags complaints mostly came at 30K–111K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 49K–92K miles
Recalls 4
- brakes 2023
The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
- engine 2020
An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
- airbags 2018
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.
Show all 4 recalls
- brakes 2017
The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Kia told dealers about
Kia sent dealers 71 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- When engine is at 2000 rpm and operating temperature, it may experience, from the balance…
- Mdps flexible coupling replacement - this bulletin is issued to provide information about
- 6 spd a/t solenoid replacement multiple dtcs - this bulletin provides information relating
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenHyundai and kia abs module fires2023
- ClosedLoss of motive power2022–2023
- ClosedEngine fires2021–2024
- ClosedAir bags may be disabled during crash2018–2019
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Forte 5 HB FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Kia Forte 4 DR FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Kia Forte Koup 2 DR FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2150–2450 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Brake lights not working. Tail lights and turn signal lights working fine, but brake lights fail. No fuse issue.
2012 Kia Forte owner · NHTSA complaint 10789853
Quick answers
Is the 2012 Kia Forte reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.5× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 40; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Kia Forte year by this measure is 2022.
What are the most common 2012 Kia Forte problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (18%), lights (18%) and speed control (18%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2012 Kia Forte have?
4 safety recalls (latest: brakes). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Kia Forte get?
26 to 30 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2012 Kia Forte safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2012 Kia Forte problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 50,200 and 115,800 miles. The middle report was at 82,000 miles, from 192 complaints.
Does the 2012 Kia Forte have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2012 Kia Forte cost in fuel a year?
About $2150 to $2450 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2012 Kia Forte have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl.
What Kia Forte year is better than the 2012?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2022, 2011 and 2013.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works