Is the 2012 Kia Forte a good car to buy?

The 2012 Kia Forte has an HXSCar buy confidence score of 47/100 (Caution). Some red flags were found in NHTSA recall/complaint data — verify all recalls are resolved and inspect carefully before buying.

Are there any recalls for the 2012 Kia Forte?

Yes, the 2012 Kia Forte has 4 recalls on file with NHTSA.

What is the safety rating of the 2012 Kia Forte?

The 2012 Kia Forte has an NHTSA overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Is the 2012 Kia Forte at risk of flood damage?

HXSCar rates the 2012 Kia Forte's flood damage risk as high, based on historical flood events near its model year.

2012 Kia Forte

47/100 — CautionHigh Flood Risk

Government recall data, consumer complaints & safety ratings

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Recall History

4 total

ENGINE
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.
Campaign: 20V750000
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.
Campaign: 18V363000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Forte and Forte Koup vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. This will allow the brake lights to remain illuminated continuously. It can also allow the shift lever to be moved without depressing the brake pedal, or activate the engine management brake pedal override feature.
Campaign: 17V773000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Campaign: 23V652000

Safety Ratings

Overall

Front Crash

Side Crash

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