2012 Kia Forte Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 161about this part
- Share
- 55%of 292 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 161 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Kia Forte, 55% of the 292 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 17 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Car has less than 80,000 miles and I was driving it today and made a loud clicking noise. I pulled over and the car started smoking and then I heard all the oil drain out. I had a mechanic to look at it and he found pieces of the motor broke or crank casing. I had to get a tow truck to park it at my house. I have pictures but it says it's to big to upload.”
NHTSA complaint #11415651, filed 2021-05, 77,000 miles“At about 99,500 miles, my 2012 Kia Forte 2.0-l car began making a loud ticking sound, which I thought was the valve lifters. However, after taking it to the dealership, they diagnosed it, using a stethoscope, and determined it was the wrist pin on the piston connecting rod. In my opinion, this car is a safety hazard and should be immediately recalled for safety reasons.”
NHTSA complaint #11390717, filed 2021-01, 99,500 miles“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“I was driving my car on the highway and whilst driving my car the check engine light came on which proceeded to make it hard for me to steer and completely slowed down my car and it eventually gave out on me . I wasn't experiencing any other problems . When taken to a mechanic they stated it was the engine”
NHTSA complaint #11398016, filed 2021-02, 170,000 miles“Back in 2017 I needed to have the engine on my Kia repaired after only financing it for about a year due to loud knocking my oil levels were up to par. Present day, 2020 I am having the same exact issue once again. As I was driving in the freeway I felt a weird shift followed by loud knocking coming from my engine.”
NHTSA complaint #11316604, filed 2020-03, 145,000 milesRelated recalls
- 20V750000Dec 2, 2020Kia 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…Covers: Kia Forte 2012–2015, Forte Koup 2012–2015, Optima Hybrid 2011–2013 +3 more
Related service bulletins
- 11010507Nov 7, 2024TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI2002Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional…
- 10147325Oct 19, 2018PITSTOP: CYLINDER HEAD STEEL BALL INSPECTION AND INSTALLATION - This Pitstop provides information regarding the inspection and installation of the steel sealing ball on: * 3.3L &…
- 10089987Apr 24, 2015Pitstop: smart pedal feature - the smart pedal is an integral part of the engine management system (ems) functionality which monitors and prevents the simultaneous activation…
- 10090804Mar 15, 2013Pitstop: thermostat re-installation procedure - repeat repair (dtc p0128) - when diagnosing a forte returning with a repeat dtc p0128 after replacement of the thermostat, remove…
- 10060253Mar 1, 2013Summary to be provided on a future date.
- 10044946Jun 1, 2012Kia: when engine is at 2000 rpm and operating temperature, it may experience, from the balance shaft module (bsm), a whistling noise.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 8 | 31% |
| 2023 | 9 | 14% |
| 2022 | 4 | 14% |
| 2021 | 22 | 32% |
| 2020 | 20 | 26% |
| 2019 | 38 | 25% |
| 2018 | 57 | 42% |
| 2017 | 145 | 48% |
| 2016 | 66 | 49% |
| 2015 | 158 | 61% |
| 2014 | 216 | 49% |
| 2013 | 107 | 55% |
| 2012 | 161 | 55% |
| 2011 | 45 | 29% |
| 2010 | 74 | 33% |
Other parts of the 2012 Kia Forte
52 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 27, 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