2012
Kia
Forte
Starting at N/A USD | 0
156 hp @ 6200 rpm
Horsepower
Front-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
Explore
Discover every detail that makes this vehicle extraordinary
Performance
Engineered for the perfect balance of power and efficiency
156 hp
Horsepower
144 ft-lb
Torque
Front-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
6-speed
Transmission
Efficient
Advanced engineering for optimal fuel economy
Fuel TypeGasoline
Combined Efficiency5.7 - 8.1 L/100 km
Fuel Capacity52.0 L
Interior
Thoughtfully designed for comfort and functionality
5
Seating
416 L
Cargo
1,100 mm
Front Legroom
889 mm
Rear Legroom
Climate Control
Convenience
Power Windows
Power Door Locks
Seating
Technology
Advanced connectivity and intelligent features
Bluetooth
AM/FM Stereo
Steering Controls
Safety
Comprehensive protection for you and your passengers
Airbags
Driver Airbag
Passenger Airbag
Front Side Airbags
Stability
Traction Control
ABS Brakes
Monitoring
Security
Child Safety Locks
Dimensions
Carefully crafted proportions for optimal space and style
Length
14 ft10.4"
4.53m
Width
5 ft9.9"
1.78m
Height
4 ft9.5"
1.46m
Wheelbase
8 ft8.3"
2.65m
Gallery
See the 2012 Kia Forte from every angle
Colors
Express yourself.
Metal Bronze
#8E826A
Ebony Black
#000000
Titanium
#6A6A66
Spicy Red
#7D1515
Snow White Pearl
#F9F9F9
Bright Silver
#ACADAF
Clear White
#FFFFFF
Corsa Blue
#105EC3
Bronze
#8E7D6A
Racing Red
#69030A
Trim Levels
View all trim levels for the 2012 Kia Forte
Safety Reports
283 complaints reported to NHTSA
283
Total Reports
20
Crashes
16
Injuries
20
Fires
Most Common Issues
ENGINE
157
SERVICE BRAKES
50
AIR BAGS
35
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
30
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
23
HYDRAULIC
20
Recent Reports
ODI #11697284
Nov 3, 2025
ENGINE
Back in July my car started jerking, stalling, and smoking. There was a recall 20v750 open for engine fires. The dealership check it out and said everything looked good. They installed a knock sensor related to the problem. Last week my car did it again leaving me stalled on the interstate at night. There is now a P1326 code for the knock sensor which confirms that there was a issue. However I'm being told that due to my mileage the warranty had expired and there isn't anything they can do.
Incident: Oct 25, 2025VIN: KNAFW6A35C5***
ODI #11694846
Oct 21, 2025
SERVICE BRAKESHYDRAULICENGINE
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle, followed by a loss of motive power. The malfunction indicator light and ABS warning light were illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. The VIN was not available.
Incident: Oct 21, 2025VIN: ***
ODI #11694456
Oct 20, 2025
SERVICE BRAKESHYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the brake lights failed to illuminate, and while inspecting the lights in the rear of the vehicle, the contact became aware that the socket where the brake light bulb was located was melting from the light overheating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer did not diagnose the cause of failure. The brake lights were not repaired. It was confirmed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 18V363000 (Air Bags) and 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The dealer stated that NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); recall might have contributed to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 174,000.
Incident: Oct 10, 2025VIN: KNAFT4A27C5***
ODI #11693939
Oct 16, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSERVICE BRAKES
Every two months I have to change the bulb for the break lights. It burns out fast. Not only is it burning out fast but its melting and takes several days for pry the melted material out. Also smells like something is going to catch fire with this. This started over a year ago but I didnt know i can report it to be investigated as a recall.
Incident: Jan 5, 2024VIN: KNAFU4A25C5***
ODI #11692569
Oct 10, 2025
Fire
SERVICE BRAKESHYDRAULICAIR BAGSENGINE
The contact's cousin owned a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked unattended by the privacy fence. The contact was alerted by her nephew and observed that the vehicle was on fire. The front windshield had shattered, and smoke was visible inside the cabin. The fire appeared to originate from the dashboard area. The contact used a fire extinguisher to suppress the flames with the assistance of her brother. The local fire department arrived on the scene and completed extinguishing the fire. The airbags deployed during the incident, and the fire department declared the vehicle a total loss. Upon investigation, the contact was able to link the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Air Bags). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was unknown.
Incident: Oct 4, 2025VIN: KNAFU6A23C***
ODI #11687569
Sep 16, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine suddenly seized, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not able to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
Incident: Sep 16, 2025VIN: KNAFU4A28C5***
ODI #11684597
Sep 2, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
In forte koups installed with a factory wing allows for water to collect in taillights causeing a no start issue for my vehicle
Incident: Sep 2, 2025VIN: KNAFW6A38C5***
ODI #11676604
Jul 28, 2025
Crash
AIR BAGS
My wife got an accident in June 2022 but air bag did not work so I contacted Kia 6/22/2022 sent proof photo but just no good excuse why air bag did not work. It should be recalled for this matter. Defective airbag or sender.
Incident: Jun 13, 2022VIN: KNAFU5A2XC5***
Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are submitted by vehicle owners and may not represent verified defects.
View All Reports on NHTSA