repaired · 2025 Q4
Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
Park outsideRisk. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
2011 Kia Forte KoupProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 8 owner complaints about the 2011 Kia Forte Koup, most often about the engine. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-652 the manufacturer reports only 28% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 25, 2023. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2011 Kia Forte Koup has problems
8 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
3Engine
2Vehicle speed control
1Air bags
1Electronic stability control (ESC)
1Fuel/propulsion system
1Power train
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 0 |
| Air bags | 1 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 |
| Power train | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2011 Kia Forte Koup recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2020 Q1
Air bags: air bag/restraint control module
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…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Kia.
Best & worst years
2011 vs. every other Forte Koup year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Forte Koup median. How we score
'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2011 Kia Forte Koup safety ratings
2011 Kia Forte Koup 2 DR FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
3 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2011 Kia Forte Koup, and the recalls they led to.
- Hyundai and Kia ABS Module FiresOpen
- Loss of Motive PowerNo recall
- Air bags may be disabled during crashLed to recall 18E-043
In owners' words
What Forte Koup owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
ONE MORNING I STARTED THE CAR AND THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT CAME ON. THE CAR ALSO MADE A KNOCKING/TICKING SOUND THAT WAS NOT USUAL AND THE ENGINE HAD AN ABNORMAL SOUND TO IT WHEN STATIONED AND IN MOTION. IT PROGRESSIVELY GOT WORSE, ESPECIALLY AS IT WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER RIGHT AFTER THE LIGHT CAME…
UPON ENTERING A HIGHWAY, A KNOCK OCCURRED AND AS RPM DROPPED THE KNOCKING SUBSIDED. NEXT DAY AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON AND WHILE WHILE IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET, VEHICLE STALLED AND RPM DROP TO ZERO. CAR WOULD NOT TURN ON AN ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER. MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ENGINE…
I TOOK THE CAR IN TO HAVE A COOLANT LINE RECALL INSTALLED. THE SERVICE MANAGER AND LATER A MECHANIC REMARKED THAT THE ENGINE HAD A SERIOUS "KNOCK" AND BOTH MENTIONED THAT THE ENGINE EITHER NEEDED TO BE REBUILT OR REPLACED. IT ONLY HAS 81K MILES. SUBSEQUENTLY, WHEN I ASKED ABOUT POSSIBLE TRADE IN…
Own a 2011 Forte Koup?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.