Kia ยท 2012

2012 Kia Forte

Official EPA fuel economy and NHTSA recall record, best combined figure 29 MPG.

Decode this car's VIN All Kia models

Safety rating (NHTSA 5-Star)

Official crash-test ratings for the 2012 Kia Forte 5 HB FWD.

4/5
Overall
4/5
Frontal crash
4/5
Rollover

Fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionFuelCityHighwayCombinedCO2 g/mi
2.0L 4-cyl Automatic 6-spd Regular 25 35 29 306
2.0L 4-cyl Manual 6-spd Regular 25 34 28 317
2.4L 4-cyl Automatic 6-spd Regular 23 31 26 342
2.4L 4-cyl Manual 6-spd Regular 22 31 26 342

Safety recalls (NHTSA)

4 campaigns on record for this model year. Recall repairs are free at dealers; check your exact vehicle by VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Campaign 17V773000

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Forte and Forte Koup vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. This will allow the brake lights to remain illuminated continuously. It can also allow the shift lever to be moved without depressing the brake pedal, or activate the engine

Campaign 18V363000

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. 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.

Campaign 20V750000

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.

Campaign 23V652000

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driv

Owner complaints (NHTSA)

407 complaints filed by owners for this model year (34 involving a crash, 34 a fire). Complaints are owner reports, not confirmed defects - browse them in full on nhtsa.gov.

Engine 161 Air Bags 37 Electrical System 32

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fuel economy of a 2012 Kia Forte?

EPA figures for the 2012 Kia Forte reach 29 MPG combined depending on configuration; the table on this page lists every tested engine and transmission combination.

Are there recalls on the 2012 Kia Forte?

NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns for the 2012 Kia Forte. Check your specific vehicle by VIN on the official NHTSA site, recalls are fixed free of charge by dealers.

What are common problems with the 2012 Kia Forte?

Owners have filed 407 complaints with NHTSA for the 2012 Kia Forte, most often about: Engine, Air Bags, Electrical System. Complaint counts reflect what owners report, not confirmed defects.

What is the safety rating of the 2012 Kia Forte?

NHTSA gave the 2012 Kia Forte (2012 Kia Forte 5 HB FWD) an overall 4-star rating in the official 5-Star Safety Ratings program.

Sources: EPA fueleconomy.gov, the NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings databases (all US public data), refreshed monthly. Recall texts are quoted from the official record. Details on About & Data Sources.