Model year guide

2012 Kia Forte

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2012 Kia Forte is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 392 on record.

2012 Kia Forte — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2012 Kia Forte at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints289
Overall safety4 / 5 ★
Combined27 mpg
Typical price$8,475

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

2012 Kia Forte recalls 4

Engine NHTSA Campaign #20V750000 · 02/12/2020

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.

Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software,…

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…

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:pedals And Linkages NHTSA Campaign #17V773000 · 01/12/2017

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 p…

Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 30, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC158.

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.

2012 Kia Forte common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 289 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

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.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.

2012 Kia Forte safety ratings

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2012 Kia Forte 5 HB FWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2012 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 2012 Kia Forte worth?

Low
$5,900
Typical price
$8,475
High
$10,800

From 388 comparable 2012 Kia Forte listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2012 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.

2012 Kia Forte trims & engines on record

Trims
EX · LX · Koup EX · Koup SX · SX · GLS · GL · TOP · Outback
Engines
2.0L · 2.4L · 2.5L

2012 Kia Forte vehicles on record

Other Kia Forte model years

2012 Kia Forte — frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Kia Forte have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2012 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 2012 Kia Forte?

Based on 289 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, service brakes, electrical system.

What is the 2012 Kia Forte safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2012 Kia Forte an overall crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars (frontal 4★, side 4★, rollover 4★).

What gas mileage does the 2012 Kia Forte get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2012 Kia Forte at about 27 mpg combined (24 city / 33 highway).

How much is a 2012 Kia Forte worth?

Comparable 2012 Kia Forte listings run roughly $5,900–$10,800, typically around $8,475 (from 388 vehicles).

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