2012 Kia Forte Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 52about this part
- Share
- 18%of 292 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 81,600miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 52 complaints about the brakes of the 2012 Kia Forte, 18% of the 292 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 81,600 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The engine light suddenly came on and engine was tapping stalling and I smelled burnt melted plastic smell. The oil light was intermittently coming on and off. The fuel was consumed quickly than normal. I had brakes remaing engaged when foot not pressing pedal and could feel contact to road. Engine has failed car was moving.”
NHTSA complaint #11406487, filed 2021-04, 120,000 miles“Left rear brake wore out and the entire braking system was suggested to be replaced. The rear axle brakes were at our cost. Kia regional claims this is normal as the dealership (ficcillo Kia, liverpool, ny) says they have seen this before. That bothers me. If is a known problem...........? Kia regional has stopped responding.”
NHTSA complaint #10659504, filed 2014-11, 27,000 miles“When had my accident in on going traffic my air bags did not deploy,my brakes system went out, also my horn doesn't work, and my cv axle messes up and can't find another cv axle.”
NHTSA complaint #11307568, filed 2020-02, 70,000 miles“Kia,hyundai theta 2.4 engine failure, under 100k miles. I have a 2012 Kia Forte hatch sx with the 2.4 engine. I purchased it from sunset Kia of auburn valley wa with 66,000 miles not quite 3 years ago. In that time I've put about 30k miles on the car. I've had the oil changed regularly, and it has never been low. Last week, on august 11, 2019, while driving to work the engine seized on the highway. I lost power steering and brake assist. I was able to pull off the road without causing an accident, but only because of the time of day. …”
NHTSA complaint #11245143, filed 2019-08, 93,000 miles“The brake light on the car goes out often since I bought it, more commonly the right side. I have repeatedly checked and replaced fuses and bulbs. Sometimes the light won't last a month before someone tells me my brake light is not working. This is a hazard. I have not found any issues with the wires or fuses, but through research found earlier models of the Kia Forte had a recall for the same issue. The problem being the brake light switch by the pedal. Kia needs to find a fix for this and do a proper recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11022087, filed 2017-09, 60,000 milesRelated recalls
- 23V652000Sep 25, 2023Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima…Covers: Kia Forte 2010–2013, Borrego 2010–2019, RIO 2012–2017 +9 more
- 17V773000Dec 1, 2017Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Forte and Forte Koup vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light…Covers: Kia Forte 2012–2014, Forte Koup 2012–2014
Related service bulletins
- 10179255Aug 25, 2020PITSTOP - BRAKE CALIPER LEAK INSPECTION - This PITSTOP provides information related to a brake caliper fluid/oil substance found on some Kia vehicles, due to possible excess…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 8% |
| 2023 | 5 | 8% |
| 2022 | 2 | 7% |
| 2021 | 2 | 3% |
| 2020 | 2 | 3% |
| 2019 | 4 | 3% |
| 2018 | 4 | 3% |
| 2017 | 8 | 3% |
| 2016 | 10 | 7% |
| 2015 | 16 | 6% |
| 2014 | 28 | 6% |
| 2013 | 37 | 19% |
| 2012 | 52 | 18% |
| 2011 | 29 | 19% |
| 2010 | 19 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2012 Kia Forte
161 complaintsAir bags
37 complaintsElectrical system
32 complaintsExterior lighting
23 complaintsOther or unknown
21 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Kia Forte
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology