Model year guide

2011 Kia Forte

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2011 Kia Forte is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 182 on record.

2011 Kia Forte — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2011 Kia Forte at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints160
Combined27 mpg
Typical price$6,790

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2011 Kia Forte recalls 3

Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module NHTSA Campaign #18V363000 · 01/06/2018

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.

Fix: Kia will notify owners. For model year 2011 Sedona vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to verify the ACU part number and, if necessary, install an extension wire harness kit between the ACU Connector and the Vehicle Harness Connector. For all other affected vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to i…

Power Train:automatic Transmission:cooling Unit And Lines NHTSA Campaign #16V070000 · 05/02/2016

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2011 Forte vehicles manufactured August 27, 2010, to November 11, 2010. The affected vehicles have a transmission fluid cooler hose that may have been improperly manufactured, resulting in a transmission fluid leak.

Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission cooler hose, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC129.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module NHTSA Campaign #23V652000 · 25/09/2023

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.

Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, …

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2011 Kia Forte common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 160 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.

2011 Kia Forte MPG & running costs

Combined27 mpg
City24 mpg
Highway33 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,250

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2011 Kia Forte worth?

Low
$4,100
Typical price
$6,790
High
$9,400

From 181 comparable 2011 Kia Forte listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2011 Kia Forte costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$11,250
Fuel only$11,250
Per mile$0.15

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2011 Kia Forte trims & engines on record

Trims
EX · Koup SX · LX · Koup EX · SX · GLS · HGS · GL
Engines
2.0L · 2.4L

2011 Kia Forte vehicles on record

2011 Kia Forte 2011 Kia Forte Koup EXKNAFU6A24B5431266 2011 Kia Forte 2011 Kia Forte SXKNAFW4A30B5444152 2011 Kia Forte 2011 Kia Forte SXKNAFW4A32B5405868 2011 Kia Forte 2011 Kia Forte Koup EXKNAFU6A2XB5319331 2011 Kia Forte 2011 Kia Forte EXKNAFU4A2XB5394048 2011 Kia Forte 2011 Kia Forte EXKNAFU4A29B5405167 2011 Kia Forte 2011 Kia Forte EXKNAFU5A25B5324365 2011 Kia Forte 2011 Kia Forte EXKNAFU4A24B5891533 2011 Kia Forte 2011 Kia Forte Koup SXKNAFW6A3XB5334446 2011 Kia Forte 2011 Kia Forte LXKNAFT4A20B5403231 2011 Kia Forte 2011 Kia Forte EXKNAFU4A2XB5885784 2011 Kia Forte 2011 Kia Forte EXKNAFU4A28B5365874 2011 Kia Forte 2011 Kia Forte LXKNAFT4A22B5330492 2011 Kia Forte 2011 Kia Forte EXKNAFU4A25B5373902 2011 Kia Forte 2011 Kia Forte Koup SXKNAFW6A35B5353759 2011 Kia Forte 2011 Kia Forte EXKNAFU4A20B5362807 2011 Kia Forte EXKNAFU4A20B5418471 2011 Kia Forte 2011 Kia Forte EXKNAFU4A23B5404077 2011 Kia Forte 2011 Kia Forte EXKNAFU4A27B5382357 2011 Kia Forte 2011 Kia Forte EXKNAFU5A21B5438198 2011 Kia Forte 2011 Kia Forte EXKNAFU5A24B5398926 2011 Kia Forte 2011 Kia Forte EXKNAFU5A20B5395618 2011 Kia Forte 2011 Kia Forte SXKNAFW5A30B5360693 2011 Kia Forte 2011 Kia Forte Koup SXKNAFW6A39B5430567

Other Kia Forte model years

2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2010

2011 Kia Forte — frequently asked questions

Does the 2011 Kia Forte have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2011 Kia Forte. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

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

Based on 160 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are service brakes, hydraulic, engine.

What gas mileage does the 2011 Kia Forte get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2011 Kia Forte at about 27 mpg combined (24 city / 33 highway).

How much is a 2011 Kia Forte worth?

Comparable 2011 Kia Forte listings run roughly $4,100–$9,400, typically around $6,790 (from 181 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.