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.
2012 Kia Forte KoupProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 14 owner complaints about the 2012 Kia Forte Koup, most often about the engine. It is covered by 4 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 June 9, 2025. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 Kia Forte Koup has problems
14 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
13Engine
1Air bags
1Electrical system
1Power train
1Vehicle speed control
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 13 | 0 |
| Air bags | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 |
| Power train | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2012 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 · 2022 Q4
Engine
Risk. An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
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…
repaired · 2019 Q2
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages
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…
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
2012 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
2012 Kia Forte Koup safety ratings
2012 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
4 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2012 Kia Forte Koup, and the recalls they led to.
- Hyundai and Kia ABS Module FiresOpen
- Loss of Motive PowerNo recall
- Engine FiresLed to recall 23V-877
- 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.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte Koup. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced, white smoke was coming from under the hood. While the independent mechanic was starting the vehicle, there was smoke coming from the vehicle. The mechanic turned off the vehicle. The contact stated…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA FORTE KOUP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VALLEY KIA OF FONTANA (16272 S. HIGHLAND AVE, FONTANA, CA…
WHILE DRIVING AT 70MPH ON THE HIGHWAY HEARD A TAPPING SOUND FROM THE ENGINE. TOWED TO THE KIA DEALERSHIP. MECHANIC FOUND THAT THE CONNECTING ROD BEARING FAILED, RUINING THE ENGINE (2.4L). QUOTED $6,000 FOR REPAIR. 82,000 MILES. ALL MAINTENANCE DONE ON TIME. DEALER AND KIA CORPORATE DENIED ANY HELP…
Own a 2012 Forte Koup?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.