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Vehicle safety record

2011 Kia Forte Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 162 complaints about the 2011 Kia Forte with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (51) and the airbags (36). Those complaints describe 28 crashes, 13 fires, 35 injuries and 1 death. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in September 2023 for the control unit / module. For comparison, the 2010 has 232 and the 2012 has 293.

NHTSA data checked

CAbout as many problems as a typical Forte year, for its age

#72 most complained-about 2011 vehicle

Complaints
162
Recalls
3
Crashes
28
Fires
13
Injuries
35
Deaths
1

Most common 2011 Kia Forte problems

Share of all 162 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2011 Kia Forte recalls 3

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Service brakes: control unit / module

23V6520001,730,192 vehicles affected

Park outside
The problem
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 driving.
The risk
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.

Air bags: air bag / restraint control module

18V363000507,587 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The 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 that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
The fix
Kia will notify owners. For model year 2011 Sedona vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to verify the ACU part number and, if necessary, install an extension wire harness kit between the ACU Connector and the Vehicle Harness Connector. For all other affected vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to install the extension wire harness kit. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.

Power train: cooling unit and lines

16V07000010,240 vehicles affected

The problem
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2011 Forte vehicles manufactured August 27, 2010, to November 11, 2010. The affected vehicles have a transmission fluid cooler hose that may have been improperly manufactured, resulting in a transmission fluid leak.
The risk
If enough transmission fluid leaks out, the transmission may not function properly and the vehicle may stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission cooler hose, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC129.

What owners say

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162 complaints about the 2011 Kia Forte

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 7.

BrakesFire

The contact owned a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at approximately 60 MPH, the RPMs rose and the vehicle hesitated upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The driver pulled over into the emergency lane when an abnormal popping sound emitted from the vehicle without warning. Black smoke then entered through the interior vents, and the vehicle caught fire. The driver and two passengers exited before the vehicle became fully engulfed in flames. Emergency services were notified,...

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and the fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard and was deemed a total loss. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 11770828
BrakesFire1 injury

The contact owned a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied, a bystander went into the contact's place of employment and stated that there was a fire inside the vehicle in the parking lot. The contact became aware that his vehicle was the one on fire. No warning lights were illuminated prior to parking the vehicle. The cause of the failure was unknown. The contact's wife attempted to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher but was unable to extinguish the fire. The...

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contact called the Fire Department, and the firemen were able to extinguish the fire and were required to remove the dashboard in order to extinguish it. The Fire Department filed a report. A Police report was filed. The contact stated that his wife sought medical attention for smoke inhalation. The contact was notified that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 300,000.

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 11754070
Brakes

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the TPMS, red brake light, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was jumping and jerking during acceleration and deceleration. After restarting the vehicle, there was resistance while accelerating, and the jerking persisted. The contact stated that the failures started one week after the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The...

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vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was then driven to a dealer, but was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 273,000.

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 11720801
Engine & cooling

See attached document for complaint.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11714989
Brakes

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from under the hood, and the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact noticed a burning odor in the interior of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a failed pollution control system. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the...

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vehicle was taken for the State Inspection, and the vehicle failed the inspection due to a failed pollution system. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that the failure described in the recall notification indicated a possible engine fire. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 11708830
Electrical systemLights

The centered high mounted brake light overheated during normal vehicle operation. The plastic bulb socket and housing melted, causing the bulb to dislodge and fall into the interior of the vehicle. The bulb was extremely hot and burned holes through an interior fabric item that was stored in the rear cargo area for less than 15 minutes. There was no collision or modification involved. This created a potential fire hazard inside the vehicle. No warning lights or dashboard messages appeared prior to the incident. The cause of overheating is unknown. The damaged bulb, socket, and surrounding components were available for inspection at the time of the incident.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Exterior lightingNHTSA 11703885
BrakesFire

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an unusual ticking sound and smoke coming from under the hood. In addition, the contact stated that several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed smoke that was coming from the HECU fuse box. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact stated that the vehicle had been at the dealer for three weeks...

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without any communication from the dealer. The contact was unsure if the vehicle had been inspected or not. The contact received a recall notification, NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 11694817
Engine & cooling

I just bought this car with 79873 miles on it it now has 81853 miles and its making a ticking noise.I been looking over the engine and wondering why my check engine light doesn't come on when I left my gas cap off.I bought this car from a used car dealership..I been doing some research on this type engine and most of them have me recalled.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11694631
Airbags

WCS Sensor Defect B1322-20 - Airbag Code WCS Communication Error B1324-20 - Airbag Code Door Ajar Lamp Circuit Failure B1323-20 - Airbag Code

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11691517
Body, doors & structure

Took the car to a mechanic for suspension work. While the Forte was on the lift, it was discovered that the condensation from the air-conditioning unit drops directly on the car's subframe. This is on the right passenger side under the motor which could give way at anytime. There are no known decals for the issue and to have the subframe "replaced" is equal to our more than what the car is worth. Additionally, mine was effected by the anti theft issues where 2 attempts to steal the car were mad. Various Kia...

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events to install the anti theft updates have insisted that my model is not part of recall, yet.... Based on the years effected and the impact, it was a part. So 2 issued that don't fit the recall or have no recall supposedly.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11670404
Other & unknown

While driving on my home the car started accelerating on its own.Good thing I was already close to my house.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11651644
Electrical systemEngine & coolingFuel systemCrashFire

The NECU system failed and blew the engine and caused a fire no longer available for inspection. No move running. No warning lamps at all of any sort.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11623917
Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemBrakes

Recalls

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · Service brakesNHTSA 11620503
Brakes

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that there was an abnormal burning wiring odor inside the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 28,800. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 11599217
Brakes

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the parts were available, an appointment was made. The contact stated when she arrived for the appointment, after waiting for 3 hours, the dealer made her...

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aware that the part was not available and that the system was down. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact attempted to make the manufacturer aware of the issue, however; the contact only had the option to hear an automated recording. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 11596116
BrakesEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the check engine, ABS, and Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) warning lights were illuminated. There was a burning odor emitting from underneath the hood near the engine compartment. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 200,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulic · EngineNHTSA 11594423
Engine & cooling

Engine was replaced 97218 miles - under warranty - now the second engine needs to be replaced with 106607 miles - there is a limited warranty of 20 years /200000 miles - isn't the second engine still under warranty two engines and both have been under 200000 miles isn't the second engine covered under the warranty??

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11591896
Brakes

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 11585223
Engine & cooling

They said my car may catch on fire due a fuse. This has been since sep and it it is now almost may. This could fire up my car at any time and could be very dangerous. Also have to park car outside so wind rain and bird poop has take a toll on my car. What is the big problem with making one fuse. Thanks

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11585192
Brakes

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 11583139
Brakes

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 11581068
Brakes

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 11576685
Brakes

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 11575535
Electrical systemBody, doors & structureEngine & coolingFire

I was driving and the car caught on fire.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Structure · EngineNHTSA 11572205
Brakes

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 11569594

Kia Forte: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
201526211620Engine & coolingC
201444533236Engine & coolingF
201319551613Engine & coolingC
201229342024Engine & coolingD
201116232813Engine & coolingC
20102323215Engine & coolingC
20091000Engine & coolingA
All Forte years

2011 Kia Forte vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 2011 Kia Forte

Does the 2011 Kia Forte have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2011 Kia Forte: control unit / module (September 2023); air bag / restraint control module (June 2018); cooling unit and lines (February 2016). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Kia Forte?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (51), airbags (36), brakes (29).

How many complaints has the 2011 Kia Forte had?

162 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on June 23, 2011 and the latest on October 13, 2026. Of these, 28 describe a crash and 13 a fire, and together they report 35 injuries and 1 death.

Is the 2011 Kia Forte a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 43 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Kia Forte year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Kia Forte years have the most complaints?

2014 (445), 2017 (305), 2012 (293). See every Kia Forte year compared.

What should I do if my 2011 Kia Forte has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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