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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2012 Kia Forte Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
11about this part
Share
4%of 292 total for the year
Median mileage
78,500miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2012 Kia Forte, 4% of the 292 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,500 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I have had an engine knock for about a year and a half now and have seen all the recalls for same engines in other vehicles. My car engine has not been recalled as of yet it appears. We have the same theta 2 engines that have already been recalled.”

NHTSA complaint #11378644, filed 2020-12, 75,000 miles

“March of 2020 we bagan noticing a knocking noise coming from the motor upon cold starts which increases as the idle speed increases. Also makes the same knocking noise while engine is at running temperature. Upon further investigation it has been determined to be a connector rod or connector rod bearing issue. This is a known defect of the theta ii motor. Also around the same time the vehicle had the same problem as recall sc158 brake pedal stopper pad. We were informed that it was not a safety issue and had to pay out of pocket for the repair expense. …”

NHTSA complaint #11349101, filed 2020-08, 80,000 miles

“Car having knocking, pinging noise under the hood when you turn the key and start the car. Now, if you keep on driving, the engine will stall and there is a risk of an accident. Soon will lock. My car started with a knocking sound in engine. Then light came up and the car started losing speed in middle of high way. The Forte has the same issue than those subject of a recall. Three strangers brought the noise to me in three different occasions: 2 people sat work and one while parked at the street before I experienced that issue. I went online and many have the same issue. …”

NHTSA complaint #11193846, filed 2019-04, 77,000 miles

“This complaint it about Kia Motors. My motor sent a rod through the block due to a recall. However, i called a week before because of rod knock that started on 05/22/21(blew 05/27/21) , i was told parts were ordered. A week after i was told that the engine blew. I towed it to a dealership (05/28/21) Its been an additonal 2 and a half weeks with no update as to when itll be repaired, no loaner offered. Ive already lost one job because of Kia's lack of quality control. This engine failure is common and i believe common enough to not have to wait this long for work to be done.”

NHTSA complaint #11420796, filed 2021-06

“The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. After reversing the vehicle, the vehicle and the gear shifter became stuck. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission cable slipped off and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 45,162.”

NHTSA complaint #10955021, filed 2017-02, 45,162 miles

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2024415%
2023812%
202227%
2021710%
20201621%
20194832%
201886%
2017124%
20161612%
2015176%
2014184%
2013105%
2012114%
20111812%
20102310%

Other parts of the 2012 Kia Forte

Engine
161 complaintsBrakes
52 complaintsAir bags
37 complaintsElectrical system
32 complaintsExterior lighting
23 complaintsOther or unknown
21 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsFuel system
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 30, 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