2012 Kia Forte engine problems

The 2012 Kia Forte has 165 engine complaints filed with NHTSA — 41% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

165

Engine complaints

41%

Share of year

Crash-involved

Related recalls

Engine complaints by year

Forte engine complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

20V750000EngineDecember 2, 2020 · 294,756 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.

What owners report

“Car is not included in recall, engine noise piston knocking, loss of power. Took to dealer, dealer said this is normal. Car has loss of power on highways with excessive piston slap which is getting increasingly noiser . Engine mileage 156000. Problem was there since day one from dealer.”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 6, 2011 · fire

Common questions

How many engine complaints does the 2012 Kia Forte have?

NHTSA has 165 complaints about the 2012 Kia Forte engine — 41% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2012 Kia Forte engine?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the engine: 20V750000.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.