Federal safety data shows 1 recalls and 286 complaints for the 2012 Kia Forte, a high safety profile overall. Check the known issues section below for the most common problem areas.

Recalls

286

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

17V7730002017-01-12

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.

If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

Of 286 issues reported over 1 model years, engine problems are the most common for the 2012 Kia Forte. A pre-purchase inspection should focus here first.

01Engine118

02Air Bags22

03Service Brakes, Hydraulic15

04Service Brakes9

05Electrical System,engine8

286 total across 1 model years (2012–2012)Full data at NHTSA.gov

Kia Forte Fuel Economy

26–30mpg combined

22-27city

30-35hwy

$1,450-$1,700/yr

The 2012 Kia Forte delivers 26 to 30 MPG combined across 9 powertrain combinations. If fuel cost matters to you, pay attention to engine and drivetrain. The spread is significant.

By Trim

Forte Eco - Automatic 6-spd

30mpg

2.0L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

27 city35 hwy~$1,450/yr-1/10 Poor

Forte - Automatic 6-spd

29mpg

2.0L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

25 city35 hwy~$1,500/yr-1/10 Poor

Forte - Manual 6-spd

28mpg

2.0L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

25 city34 hwy~$1,550/yr-1/10 Poor

Forte Koup - Automatic 6-spd

28mpg

2.0L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

25 city34 hwy~$1,550/yr-1/10 Poor

Forte Koup - Manual 6-spd

27mpg

2.0L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

24 city32 hwy~$1,600/yr-1/10 Poor

Forte - Automatic 6-spd

26mpg

2.4L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

23 city31 hwy~$1,700/yr-1/10 Poor

Forte - Manual 6-spd

26mpg

2.4L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

22 city31 hwy~$1,700/yr-1/10 Poor

Forte Koup - Automatic 6-spd

26mpg

2.4L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

23 city30 hwy~$1,700/yr-1/10 Poor

Forte Koup - Manual 6-spd

26mpg

2.4L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

22 city31 hwy~$1,700/yr-1/10 Poor

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Where to Find 2012 Kia Forte

35States

25%in top 3

Florida has the most inventory at 9%, with options spread across 35 states. Willing to ship? Your selection opens up significantly.

FLFlorida

3379%

CACalifornia

3138%

TXTexas

3098%

PAPennsylvania

2196%

DCWashington DC

2035%

MDMaryland

1664%

NYNew York

1624%

NJNew Jersey

1554%

DEDelaware

1534%

OHOhio

1444%

AZArizona

1394%

GAGeorgia

1354%

ILIllinois

1303%

MOMissouri

1003%

NCNorth Carolina

942%

TNTennessee

742%

MIMichigan

732%

NH68

UT66

IN66

OROregon

602%

WA57

OK56

MA54

RI49

VA46

CO40

HI36

NV32

MN31

WI30

KY30

CT26

AL23

NE23

Geographic distribution reflects all active listings for this model, not just 2012.

2012 Kia Forte: Questions Buyers Ask

Pricing, reliability, and ownership answers

Is the 2012 Kia Forte a good car to buy?

The 2012 Kia Forte has its strengths and its watch-outs. 1 recall has been issued, so verify completion with the dealer. Owners report engine as the area to watch most closely. Check the safety section for recall details and the pricing data to see if the numbers work for you.

Are there recalls on the 2012 Kia Forte?

Yes, 1 recall on record. The good news: recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Check the safety report for specifics, and always run the VIN before buying.

What's the gas mileage of the 2012 Kia Forte?

Depending on configuration, the 2012 Kia Forte delivers 26–30 MPG combined. Choose wisely. The full comparison shows how engine choice affects your wallet.

What are common problems with the 2012 Kia Forte?

Out of 286 owner complaints, engine issues lead the pack. Get a pre-purchase inspection that specifically covers this area. The known issues breakdown has all the details.

How does the 2012 compare to other Kia Forte years?

Each Kia Forte model year has different pricing, recall counts, and owner satisfaction patterns. Compare all available years on the Kia Forte overview page.