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Kia ForteModel year report

2011 Kia Forte Problems

Compared with other Kia Forte years

Typical for this model

50/100 1.0× a typical year · 50 = typical

Nearby years with a typical complaint level and no open NHTSA investigation: 2013

Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated

Complaints
154filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
77,706miles, 97 complaints with mileage
Recalls
3campaigns on record
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
4 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
EPA fuel economy
28 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 25 city / 34 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2011 Kia Forte (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of the 2011 Kia Forte most often describe engine noises — ticking at idle or knocking — that led some to engine replacement, and air bag concerns, both air bags that did not deploy in a crash and warning lights that came on beforehand. Brake and electrical complaints, including rusted brake lines, a brake light switch that hangs up, and burning odors tied to a brake-system recall, appear later in the sample and mostly at higher mileage.

  1. Engine

    Engine ticking or knocking noise, sometimes leading to

    • 27 complaints (18%)
    • median 110,945 mi at 8.2 yrs old (18 state mileage)
    • filed 2015–2025

    Owners describe a ticking sound at idle that grows louder with rpm, or a heavier knocking or clanking noise, often with the check engine light on. Some say the dealer replaced sensors or a wiring harness first and the noise returned, and several were told the engine itself needed replacement or repair, sometimes with the cost left to them. Complaints mention that other Kia models with the same 2.0/2.4L engine were recalled while the Forte was not. Mostly reported between about 75,000 and 150,000 miles, with a few as low as 47,000 miles.

    8 related service bulletins

    What to check: Listen for ticking at idle and just above idle on a cold start, and ask whether the knock-sensor software update described in the product improvement campaign was applied. Check oil level and look for metal in the oil filter.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Hi I believe u should have a recall on the engines for an example when I look up the timing change its says most had to replace then the piston slop is knocking and it seems like most had to replace that. I have been looking for a rebuild kit for my Kia and would like to just rebuild it myself but can't seem to find a 2.0 rebuild kit for a 2011 Forte ex online... Why is that?”

    NHTSA complaint #11387807, filed 2021-01, 153,578 miles

    “Car developed a knocking sound and check engine light came on. Took it to dealer to check out and they tell me need to replace motor. Also told me they are aware of problem with motor like mine. Apparently they have recalled same motors in different models but not the Forte”

    NHTSA complaint #11321722, filed 2020-04, 150,000 miles
  2. Air bags

    Air bags did not deploy in a crash; air bag warning light on

    • 32 complaints (21%)
    • median 53,507 mi at 5.7 yrs old (22 state mileage)
    • 19 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2011–2025

    Owners describe frontal or side impacts in which the air bags did not deploy, and in some cases describe the air bag warning light coming on before the crash or deploying unexpectedly while parked. Several mention head restraints or seat belts that did not hold. Complaint references to the air bag control unit recall appear throughout, and some owners say dealers reset the light or charged a diagnostic fee rather than repairing the sensor. Reported across a wide mileage range, from around 12,000 to 115,000 miles, and in crashes at various speeds.

    Recall 18V363000

    What to check: Ask whether the air bag control unit recall (18V363000) was completed and get written proof. With the key on, confirm the air bag warning light comes on and then goes out, and have any stored air bag codes read before purchase.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I had a false sense of security& safety behind the wheel of my 2011 Kia Forte when I was suddenly facing a habitual drunk driver, creaming us head-on and my airbags fato deploy. I have undergone 8 surgeries to try to repair my broken body. I lost my female reproductive organs because my airbags failed me. Is there a monetary value to Kia's responsibility?”

    NHTSA complaint #11130355, filed 2018-09, 13,000 miles

    “I was stopped on the freeway and rear ended then pushed into a pkup in front of me and my airbags did not deploy. My vehicle ended up being totaled out due to the extensive rear and front end damage. The car that hit me was skidding and traveling at approx 30-35 MPH.”

    NHTSA complaint #10486388, filed 2012-11, 41,800 miles
  3. Brakes

    Brake and ABS warning lights, burning odor, brake drag

    • 25 complaints (16%)
    • median 130,000 mi at 13.0 yrs old (13 state mileage)
    • 6 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2013–2026

    Owners describe brake, ABS and other warning lights coming on together, a burning smell under the hood or in the cabin, and a feeling that the brakes are dragging or applying on their own while driving. Some complaints were filed after the brake hydraulic control unit recall, saying the repair part was not available. Others describe brake lines rusted through near the middle of the car and a brake light switch that keeps the brake light on and interferes with shifting out of park. Mostly reported between about 100,000 and 300,000 miles, including on vehicles that had the brake control unit recall performed.

    Recall 23V6520001 related service bulletin

    What to check: Check whether recall 23V652000 was completed, and inspect the steel brake lines underneath for heavy rust, especially where they clip to the body. Confirm the brake lights go fully off with the pedal released.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Car would not come out of park. I had no idea at the time what the issue could be because in the Kia owners manual it does not state that once the brake lights go out, you can not take it out of park. Car would not go into gear until I used the shift lock release to take it out of gear. Drove it home and found a blown fuze (brake light fuse) .. Replaced it and drove fine (while it was doing this the electrical suspension light came on also). …”

    NHTSA complaint #10690252, filed 2015-02, 87,721 miles

    “Brake light illuminates when car is off, I have to push up on brake pedal to turn it off. While driving it seems like the brake engages causing the car to lose power, I have to step off the gas, and reapply and sometimes it still feels like the brake is still engaged. This issue does happen at least 3 times daily. Pushing up on the brake pedal does get it to stop until I have to brake. While driving my traction control light will illuminate. I have replaced the brake light switch twice in 2021, thinking this would fix the issue and it does not. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11408500, filed 2021-04, 200,000 miles
  4. Transmission and drivetrain

    Transmission fluid leak from cooler hose, harsh shifting or

    • 12 complaints (8%)
    • median 49,110 mi at 3.7 yrs old (12 state mileage)
    • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2011–2023

    Owners describe transmission fluid leaking from a cooler or radiator hose, followed by transmission damage and a recommendation to replace the transmission. Others report the car dropping speed suddenly on the highway, jerking and stalling when accelerating or stopping, and a gear shifter stuck in reverse or refusing to come out of park. Reported from roughly 16,000 to 200,000 miles, with several complaints under 60,000 miles.

    Recall 16V0700003 related service bulletins

    What to check: Look for red or brown fluid under the front of the car and check the transmission fluid level and condition. Ask whether the transmission cooler hose recall (16V070000) was completed, and drive the car through several upshifts and downshifts to feel for harsh engagement.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “When going 60 on the highway the car suddenly dropped down to 40 and I had to pull off the highway. Car was then taken to the dealership where the whole transmission was replaced. Upon recieving the car again it would jerk and stall when accelerating. Car was then taken back to the dealer and a relearn of the transmission was performed. This has not stopped the problem and has made it worse. It now jerks when stopping and when accelerating and peeds of 5 mi/hr or more. As well as when first shifting the car out of park.”

    NHTSA complaint #10464189, filed 2012-07, 40,000 miles

    “The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and reversing, the gear shifter became stuck in reverse(R). There was no warning light illuminated. An independent mechanic assisted the contact in shifting the gear shifter linkages into park(P) manually. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the gear shifter linkages might be damaged; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11556977, filed 2023-11, 200,630 miles

Buying note. A pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic is worthwhile on this model year, focusing on engine noises, brake line rust and the status of the air bag and brake-system recalls. Ask for written confirmation that any open recalls have been completed before buying.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 154 consumer complaints for the 2011 Kia Forte. 97 of the complaints include a mileage, and 37% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 77,706 miles. Of all complaints, 28 involved a crash, 13 a fire, 35 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 80 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 13 Kia Forte model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 50 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Electronic stability control (5), Steering (5), Fuel system (4), Engine cooling (3), Seats (2), Tires (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Equipment (1), Suspension (1), Wheels (1).

Example complaints

Engine: “Driving down the freeway 70 MPH loud clanking sound began and engine quit working, I coasted to the side of the highway and checked my fluids,all were at operating levels, there is a recall on the engine but not if it's in a Forte.”

NHTSA complaint #11344137, filed 2020-08, 218,000 miles

Air bags: “I was in a head on collision where the airbags did not deploy. My vehicle was in motion and hit another vehicle that then landed on my front windshield and top of my car causing it to be totaled. At impact and despite wearing a seatbelt my chest hit the steering wheel and caused extreme bruising and pain. The road was slick with rain.”

NHTSA complaint #11080284, filed 2018-03, 85,000 miles

Brakes: “I got into an auto accident a year ago and the airbags did not deploy but the vehicle was considered a total loss. I discovered that my vehicle was still drivable because I can't afford another one. Well just the other day my inside dash lights and brake lights , well basically all lights started flashing in and out. Made the car break down in the middle of the road. I bought a new battery. New fuel pump, checked starter and alternator. All of those are functioning properly. But my car is still broke down on the side of the road.”

NHTSA complaint #11170159, filed 2019-01, 150,000 miles

Transmission and drivetrain: “The check engine light came on, I heard a sound like metal scraping metal, I was driving about 20mph going straight down s. Main st downtown warrenton, oregon and was planning to pull over when suddenly my car stopped dead after a horrible noise of what sounded like a heavy metal snapping/crunching noise. I looked under the hood and everything looked ok, but some black fluid was dripping onto the ground. The oil had been changed about four days before this and they said it was 2.5 quarts low. …”

NHTSA complaint #11362492, filed 2020-10, 105,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

37% of the 97 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 33,000 and 115,000 miles.

7%0–1014%10–2515%25–509%50–7522%75–10020%100–15012%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (97 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 77,706 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

’12’14’16’1831’20’22’24’26
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2011 Kia Forte. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
Forte · sedan FWD★★★★☆5 / 3424 · 10.3% risk
Forte · wagon FWD★★★★☆5 / 3424 · 10.3% risk

Neighbouring years: 2012: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2011 Kia Forte version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Forte FWD2.0L 4-cyl6-speed automatic253529$2,300
Forte FWD2.0L 4-cyl6-speed manual253428$2,400
Forte FWD2.4L 4-cyl6-speed automatic233126$2,600
Forte FWD2.4L 4-cyl6-speed manual223126$2,600
Forte Eco FWD2.0L 4-cyl6-speed automatic273530$2,250

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 2011 Kia Forte → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

NHTSA investigations

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 80 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 80 bulletins →

Other model years of the Kia Forte

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
20242639,0000432Too new to compareToo new
20236627,500343284 · MoreToo new
20222821,84014332 · FewerRising
20216928,438243150 · TypicalStable
2020787,000043125 · FewerRising
201915010,403243472 · MoreStable
201813633,937352850 · TypicalRising
201730540,000352878 · MoreStable
201613644,500152834 · FewerStable
201526075,000152936 · TypicalFalling
201444479,250342879 · MoreFalling
201319579,979542849 · TypicalStable
201229281,600442862 · TypicalStable
201115477,706342850 · TypicalRising
201022170,1303—2857 · TypicalStable

All Kia Forte model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

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

Owners of the 2011 Kia Forte most often describe engine noises — ticking at idle or knocking — that led some to engine replacement, and air bag concerns, both air bags that did not deploy in a crash and warning lights that came on beforehand. The issues reported most often: Engine ticking or knocking noise, sometimes leading to; Air bags did not deploy in a crash; air bag warning light on; Brake and ABS warning lights, burning odor, brake drag.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2011 Kia Forte have?

NHTSA recorded 154 consumer complaints for the 2011 Kia Forte as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2011 Kia Forte is reported most often?

Engine is named most often, in 45 complaints (29% of the total), followed by air bags with 35.

Has the 2011 Kia Forte been recalled?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

How did the 2011 Kia Forte do in NHTSA crash tests?

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2011 Kia Forte 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.

What gas mileage does the 2011 Kia Forte get?

The EPA rates the 2011 Kia Forte (Forte, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 28 mpg combined, 25 city and 34 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,400 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2011 Kia Forte reported?

Among the 97 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 77,706 miles and the middle half falls between 33,000 and 115,000 miles; 37% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.